A War of Children (TV 1972)

Two families in Belfast, one Protestant and one Catholic, find that their long-standing friendship is threatened by the escalating sectarian violence that surrounds them.

Director:

George Schaefer

Writer:

James Costigan

Stars:

Vivien Merchant, Jenny Agutter, John Ronane

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Vivien Merchant	...	Nora Tomelty
Jenny Agutter	...	Maureen Tomelty
John Ronane	...	Frank Tomelty
Danny Figgis	...	Donal Tomelty
Anthony Andrews	...	Reg Hogg
Aideen O'Kelly	...	Meg McCullum
David G. Meredith	...	Robbie McCullum
Oliver Maguire	...	Ian McCullum
Patrick Dawson	...	Seamus Lynch
Des Nealon	...	British Lieutenant
Stuart Knee	...	British Soldier
Cathleen Delany	...	Mrs. Doyle (as Cathleen Delaney)
Brenda Doyle
Maura Keeley	...	Woman in Shop
Arthur O'Sullivan	...	Mr. Fiske

Storyline

Two families in Belfast, one Protestant and one Catholic, find that their long-standing friendship is threatened by the escalating sectarian violence that surrounds them.

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Plot Keywords:

protestant | catholic | civil war | northern ireland | homing pigeon | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 December 1972 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ein Krieg der Kinder

Company Credits

Production Co:

Tomorrow Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

73 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in The 30th Annual Emmy Awards (1978)

User Reviews

A heartbreaking tale of Northern Ireland

This made-for-TV movie is set in the time period it was made (1972), telling the story of two Northern Ireland families, one Protestant and one Catholic, who have managed, in spite of their different backgrounds, to become friends. Yet they must still struggle against ancient hatreds that have divided their communities and their island -- to the extent that they must maintain their friendship in secret and away from their respective neighborhoods. Despite their efforts, that friendship is gradually eroded by enmity and fear woven so deeply that, before long, it begins to engulf another generation.

Jenny Agutter is the daughter of the Catholic family who finds romance with a British soldier, played by a very young Anthony Andrews. Despite these familiar faces, though, the mostly-Irish cast and the location filming give this movie a deep sense of authenticity. Ultimately, it's a heartbreaking story that pulls no punches -- made all the more poignant because, after so many years, Northern Ireland still has found no lasting peace.