Da (1988)

A New York playwright is summoned to Ireland to bury his father (his "Da"). While at his boyhood home, he encounters his father's spirit and relives memories both pleasant and not.

Director:

Matt Clark

Writers:

Hugh Leonard (play), Hugh Leonard (screenplay)

Stars:

Barnard Hughes, Martin Sheen, William Hickey

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Barnard Hughes	...	Da
Martin Sheen	...	Charlie
William Hickey	...	Drumm
Karl Hayden	...	Young Charlie
Doreen Hepburn	...	Mother
Hugh O'Conor	...	Boy Charlie
Ingrid Craigie	...	Polly
Joan O'Hara	...	Mrs. Prynne
Jill Doyle	...	Mary 'The Yellow Peril'
Peter Hanly	...	Young Oliver
Maurice O'Donoghue	...	Older Oliver
Amiee Clark	...	Danielle
Frank McDonald	...	'Cat' McDonald
Marie Conmee	...	Nurse
Ronan Wilmot	...	Taxi Driver

Storyline

A New York playwright is summoned to Ireland to bury his father (his "Da"). While at his boyhood home, he encounters his father's spirit and relives memories both pleasant and not.

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Plot Keywords:

character name as title | nickname as title | one word title | ireland | psychological drama | 

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cameo: In the funeral scene at the start, one of the pall bearers is played by Hugh Leonard on whose screenplay the film was based.

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Quotes

Charlie: What is it like to die?
Da: [pauses] I didn't care for it.

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Connections

Referenced in Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel (2011)

User Reviews

An outstanding performance

I am not a fan of Martin Sheen by any stretch of the imagination. I will move on to another channel by instinct if he happens to appear on the screen. However, I remember seeing this on TV many years ago and never seeing it again. It must have been one of his best performances. This came out shortly after my father passed away, and I was mesmerized by the mental conflicts that were haunting Charlie as he attempted to come to terms with the death of his father. The mix of humor and mental anguish brought me up and then plummeted me to the ground throughout the film. It was much like a roller-coaster ride, cautious at one moment at what might come next, but yet anxious to see what it might be. I would like to see the film again, Martin Sheen's performance was outstanding.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

July 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Exorcizando o Passado

Filming Locations:

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

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,085, 1 May 1988

Gross USA:

$644,532

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$644,532

Company Credits

Production Co:

FilmDallas Pictures, Sheen/Greenblatt/Auerbach Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1