The Blackwater Lightship (TV 2004)

A man in the final stages of AIDS is cared for by his sister and mother and grandmother.

Director:

John Erman

Writers:

Shane Connaughton (screenplay), Colm Toibin (novel)

Stars:

Dianne Wiest, Gina McKee, Keith McErlean

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 3 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Dianne Wiest	...	Lily
Gina McKee	...	Helen
Keith McErlean	...	Declan
Angela Lansbury	...	Dora
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Marijka Bardin	...	Young Helen
Sean Campion	...	Michael Breen
Barry Cassin	...	Fr. Griffin
Angela Harding	...	Mrs. Byrne
Laura Hughes	...	Anne
Ruth McCabe	...	Dr. Louise
Frank McCusker	...	Harry
Maria McDermottroe	...	Madge Kehoe
Dearbhla Molloy	...	Essie Kehoe
Brían F. O'Byrne	...	Larry
Kevin O'Dwyer	...	Young Declan

Storyline

When his AIDS reaches the terminal stages, gay Declan Kehoe returns to his Irish coastal home, or actually grandma's, near a lightship site. Caring boyfriends help him and his wining female relatives deal with unresolved family issues as well as his physical syndrome.

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Plot Keywords:

aids | mother daughter relationship | gay character | bare chested male | based on novel

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

CBS [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 February 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hallmark Hall of Fame: The Blackwater Lightship (#53.2)

Filming Locations:

Ardmore Studios, Herbert Road, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gillham Road Productions, Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min 120 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When their father photographs Helen and Declan they look straight into the camera. When the picture develops they look to the side.

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Connections

Featured in The 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (2004)

User Reviews

Amazing!

I have never seen a better movie on TV than "The Blackwater Lightship."

Declan (Keith McErlean) is in his final stages of AIDS and decides to spend the last of his days at his grandmother Dora's (Angela Lansbury) house. His mother Lily (Dianne Wiest) and sister Helen (Gina McKee) come to be with him, as well as two of his friends, Paul (Sam Robards) and Larry (Brian F. O'Byrne). As his family learns to accept the fact that he's dying, they begin to mend their relationships with each other and to forget a long-time misunderstanding that had kept them apart for many years.

I can't find the words to say what a strong, powerful, emotional movie this is about life and love. For fans of Angela Lansbury and Dianne Wiest, this is a must-see (although, of course, it's a must-see for everyone). If you missed it when it aired in February, catch it when it's on again...don't forget to bring a box of tissues!