Beloved Enemy (1936)

Irish rebels launch an uprising against the British occupation of Ireland in the 1920s. One of the rebellion's leaders and a beautiful aristocratic Englishwoman meet and, despite the ... See full summary »

Director:

H.C. Potter

Writers:

Rose Franken, David Hertz (additional dialogue),

Stars:

Merle Oberon, Brian Aherne, Karen Morley

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Merle Oberon	...	Helen Drummond
Brian Aherne	...	Dennis Riordan
Karen Morley	...	Cathleen O'Brien
Henry Stephenson	...	Lord Athleigh
David Niven	...	Capt. Gerald Preston
Jerome Cowan	...	Tim O'Rourke
Donald Crisp	...	Liam Burke
Ronald Sinclair	...	Jerry O'Brien (as Ra Hould)
Granville Bates	...	Ryan
P.J. Kelly	...	Rooney
Leo McCabe	...	Connor
Pat O'Malley	...	Patrick Callahan
Jack Mulhall	...	Casey
Claude King	...	Col. Loder
Wyndham Standing	...	Thornton

Storyline

Irish rebels launch an uprising against the British occupation of Ireland in the 1920s. One of the rebellion's leaders and a beautiful aristocratic Englishwoman meet and, despite the enormous class, cultural, political and social differences between them, fall in love.

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Plot Keywords:

irish republican army

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Taglines:

He's a Bloody Killer!

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 March 1937 (France)

Also Known As:

Geliebter Rebell

Company Credits

Production Co:

Samuel Goldwyn Company, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie on December 27, 1937 with Brian Aherne and Donald Crisp reprising their film roles.

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Goofs

Despite the fact that the film takes place in the 1916-1922 era, all of Merle Oberon's clothing and hairstyles are strictly in the contemporary 1936 fashion.

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Soundtracks

"The Sixpence"
(uncredited)
Traditional

User Reviews

A story of Love and Intrigue.

This is a fine film depicting the fictitious love affair between an English Lady and an Irish rebel leader in the 1920s. Merle Oberon gives an endearing performance as Lady Helen, who coincidentally meets Dennis Riordan (played by Brian Aherne) under false pretenses. They should have been enemies. She represented everything their respective sides were fighting against. But her charms beguiled him and when they each realize they are falling in love with the enemy, it is too late.

This is a story of star-crossed lovers, each having to decide between their moral convictions and a true love that may never come again. Brian Aherne is charismatic as the clever rebel leader. Henry Stephenson is perfect as Lord Athleigh, Helen's tough but wise father, sent to Dublin to settle the Irish uprising one way or another. David Niven is splendid in a supporting role as Gerald Preston, assistant to Lord Athleigh, only a year before he is to wow audiences as Captain von Tarlenheim in "The Prisoner of Zenda".

Although this is a love story, there is plenty of action and intrigue involving the hunt for Riordan and the rebels by the English.

If you like Merle Oberon, don't miss her in "The Divorce of Lady X" or "Wuthering Heights", both with Sir Laurence Olivier.