Handel's Last Chance is a 1996 television film created by David Devine and Richard Mozer for HBO Original Films of New York and directed by Milan Cheylov. A Canadian-Slovakian co-production, it stars Leon Pownall, Tod Fennell, Gerard Parkes, and Seana McKenna. It follows the fictional background of the premiere performance of George Frideric Handel's Messiah in 1742, where a Dublin street boy aids the composer with his singing talent, and the composer in turn changes the boy's life by bringing out his conscience and self-confidence. The film is the last instalment in Devine Entertainment's six-film series The Composers' Specials, after Bizet's Dream, Bach's Fight for Freedom, Strauss: The King of 3/4 Time, Liszt's Rhapsody, and Rossini's Ghost. Plot In 1742, Handel is heading to Dublin for the premiere of his new oratorio Messiah. Meanwhile, 10-year-old Jamie O'Flaherty is singing for money on the street. Also, Hugh was playing the Flute/Recorder and then steals gold coins from a Man's pocket. However, then, he then follows his homeless friend Hugh and steals a chicken with him. Impeded by Handel's carriage, he tries in vain to escape and gets arrested. While Jamie being led to the dungeon it is revealed, through the verbal exchange with his mother Mary O'Flaherty, that his father died in hunger but had, as what she calls, an honest living, but Jamie disagrees. At St Patrick's Cathedral, Handel is disappointed at the amateur cathedral choir, much to Dean Jonathan Swift's surprise. He becomes even frustrated after learning that no more singers are available. At the same time, Mrs O'Flaherty keeps asking for Dean Swift's help for Jamie, but he is too busy to listen. The Dean promises Handel to lend singers from Christ Church despite his abnormal thinking pattern which leads to Handel's confusion and difficulty with further conversation. Mrs O'Flaherty, sobbing, approaches Handel when he is preparing his work on an off-key harpsichord and grumbling about his circumstances. She asks for his assistance to assure the Dean's help, and in return promises him free laundry. Handel eventually agrees despite initial refusal. Mrs O'Flaherty, pleased, thanks him and expresses her faith in his talent before leaving. Jamie attends the Dean's school with reluctance. He performs poorly for lacking basic knowledge, and gets picked on by Toby, his mean and arrogant prefect. Meanwhile, Handel has to endure the choir, and fires Toby after exposing his lie that he sight-reads. He