Brendan Smyth: Betrayal of Trust (TV 2011)

Dramatisation of the events surrounding the case of abusive priest Father Brendan Smyth.

Director:

Michael McDowell

Writers:

Michael McDowell, Tim McGarry,

Stars:

Richard Dormer, Ian Beattie, Ian McElhinney

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Dormer	...	Chris Moore
Ian Beattie	...	Father Brendan Smyth
Ian McElhinney	...	Abbot Smith
Maria Connolly	...	Ann
Paddy Jenkins	...	Patrick
Susan Davey	...	Megan
Stuart Graham	...	Detective
Kerry Quinn	...	Dervla
Patrick Fitzsymons	...	Tony Curry
Billy Clarke	...	Cardinal Daly
Mark Claney	...	Cardinal Daly's Secretary
Stephen Kelly	...	Father Brady
Darren Franklin	...	Young Man 1
Aidan Davidson	...	Young Man 2
Sonia Butterworth	...	Reporter

Storyline

Dramatisation of the events surrounding the case of abusive priest Father Brendan Smyth.

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Plot Keywords:

child abuse | northern ireland | priest

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 March 2011 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

BBC Northern Ireland

Technical Specs

Runtime:

59 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Very accurate depiction

I watched this show with baited breath as I followed the story since it started to unwind in the early 90's. I found the show well acted and the lead character well played. Though the lead may have seemed wooden this was not a fault of the actor as the real person was a genuine psychopath and had no interest and little or no ability in interacting with other people. I found the eldest daughter was over acted with all the screaming and shouting. She did not show the feelings of some one who has been systematically abused and down trodden over many years. I found though over all it to be a good and accurate portrayal of how an abuser works. Also the showing of the American Sheriff gives a great description of how, when an offender is allowed to move from jurisdiction to jurisdiction his crimes can be well hidden.