An Everlasting Piece 2000

In a remarkably unexpected series of events, Colm finds himself in a psychiatric hospital in Belfast, cutting hair while forming a friendship with George, another barber who harbors a deep love for poetry. Though cautioned against broaching the subject of verse, Colm and George indulge in spirited discussions about the intricacies of the art. Their intriguing exchange is soon interrupted by the introduction of an orderly, who leads them to the enigmatic “Scalper.” Once a powerful figure in the Northern Ireland hairpiece market, the Scalper’s downfall came when a mental breakdown prompted him to commit a shocking act - scalping some of his own clients. The duo seizes the opportunity to persuade the Scalper to hand over his coveted list of loyal customers.

As they assume the entrepreneurial identity of “The Piece People,” Colm and George’s venture receives vital support from Bronagh, Colm’s girlfriend. She orchestrates their inaugural meeting with Mr. Black, a potential customer who initially denies any past association with the Scalper. However, uncovering the truth reveals that Bronagh had previously spotted his image in the news following an incident where he shot a Catholic and was later showcased as a bald man. Struggling with sales, Colm and George soon realize they are facing stern competition from a rival firm dubbed “Toupée or not Toupée,” which also possesses the Scalper’s client list.

Determined to outshine their competitors, the partners seek counsel from Wigs Of Wimbledon, their hairpiece supplier. In a surprising twist, they learn of an upcoming meeting between all interested parties. This event aims to decide which company can sell the most products within a specified timeframe, thereby granting them exclusive rights across Northern Ireland. However, during their sales preparations, a visit to a farmer results in a lost deal as they are undercut by their rivals.

Driving down an isolated road, Colm and George encounter members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), who demand to know their business. In a bizarre turn of fate, the duo manages to sell a wig to the leading IRA member, unaware it had been chewed by dogs—something the buyer fails to notice. As the competition in the wig trade intensifies, an unintentional slip by an IRA operative leads to the leave-behind of a distinctive wig at a bombing scene. The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) cleverly traces this unique hairstyle back to the owners, The Piece People, subjecting George and Colm to a daunting interrogation that strains their partnership.

On top of this, the IRA operative who misplaced the wig pursues Colm, insisting he surrender his entire stock to help cover the group’s mishaps. Colm vehemently declines, emphasizing his business partnership with a Protestant—a stance he feels would compromise his principles and jeopardize their chances of securing an exclusive deal with Wigs Of Wimbledon.

Seeking refuge, Colm attends a poetry reading organized by George, where they manage to reconcile their differences. With Bronagh’s support, they stumble upon a startling revelation: numerous British Army soldiers stationed in Northern Ireland are contending with alopecia, brought on by the surrounding tension and chaos. Capitalizing on this newfound insight, they secure a government contract to supply wigs to these distressed soldiers, cementing their status as the leading providers of wigs in the region. Ultimately, they triumph over fierce competition, claiming the rights to operate throughout Northern Ireland.