http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6176232.stm

Pacino accepts university honour

Movie star Al Pacino has spoken of his affection for Ireland while accepting an honorary patronage of Dublin's Trinity College Philosophical Society. The Godfather star, who was given a standing ovation, also revealed he was keen to make a film in the country.

Pacino has travelled to France and Ireland while researching a new film documentary, Salomaybe, about Dublin-born writer Oscar Wilde. He said he had never felt "such warmth or so at ease".

The actor, who appeared as King Herod in Wilde's Salome on Broadway, was drawn to Dublin after developing an interest in Wilde's work.

Wilde's influence

He said: "My first visit to this country, to this beautiful great city Dublin."

"It has made the connection to Wilde and Salome more real, more complete."

"I just want to say thank you for this honour," he added.

Pacino, who flew in from Paris after frequenting the haunts where Wilde spent his last days, told the audience he had filmed the writer's statue in Dublin during the day.

The film is based on Pacino's quest to find out more about the intellectual and his influences for writing Salome, published in 1892.

The actor will also speak to some of Trinity's students about Wilde's time as an undergraduate at the college.


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