The Brylcreem Boys (1998)

In 1941, as part of an effort to remain strictly neutral, the Dublin government made a deal with both Berlin and London whereby any soldier, sailor or pilot captured on Irish soil, whether ... See full summary »

Director:

Terence Ryan

Writers:

Jamie Brown (screenplay), Susan Morrall (screenplay)

Stars:

Billy Campbell, Chris 'Kit' Ryan, Jean Butler

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Billy Campbell	...	Miles Keogh (as Bill Campbell)
Chris 'Kit' Ryan	...	Colin Parker (as Christopher Ryan)
Jean Butler	...	Mattie Guerin
Gabriel Byrne	...	Commandant O'Brien
Hal Fowler	...	Bunty Winthrop
Anders Jillybo	...	Sten Larsen (as J. Anders Jillebo)
Alistair McLeod	...	Sergeant Marshall (as Alister McLeod)
Tim Hayes	...	Sergeant Walsh
Joe McGann	...	Captain Deegan
Anthony Madigan	...	Policeman
Conor Breen	...	1st Guard
Angus Macfadyen	...	Rudolph von Stegenbek
B.J. Hogg	...	Sean (as B J Hogg)
Trevor Nelson	...	Seamus (as Colom Doherty)
Simon Butimore	...	Man with Cart (as Simon Buttimore)

Storyline

In 1941, as part of an effort to remain strictly neutral, the Dublin government made a deal with both Berlin and London whereby any soldier, sailor or pilot captured on Irish soil, whether of German or Allied forces, would be interned for the duration of the war. What the Irish failed to tell was that they would intern everybody in the same camp. It is here that Canadian pilot Miles Keogh and German pilot Rudolph Von Stegenbeck meet after a fight in which both their planes were downed. Outside the camp, both fall in love with the same woman, an independent Irishwoman who refuses to take sides in their private little war.

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Plot Keywords:

pilot | irish | german | love | fight | 

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Taglines:

There's more to war than taking sides.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for language, violence and sensuality

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 April 1999 (UK)

Also Known As:

Brillantina Boys

Filming Locations:

Isle of Man

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Isle of Man Film Commission, Opix Films, Rough Magic Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Even though addressed as Squadron Leader, Miles' rank on his sleeve is that of a Flight Lieutenant.

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Connections

Referenced in Drama Connections: Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (2005)

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Soundtracks

She Walks Through the Fair
Traditional
Performed by Jenny Howe

User Reviews

A sweet, gentle film, worth a watch

The story of the internees in Ireland during the Second World War is a fascinating one that I was familiar with, and after hearing of this film, I thought I would give it a watch. It's a very pleasant way to spend an hour and three-quarters, though it probably will not go down in history as a world-changing piece of art. You couldn't fault the period detail and the acting throughout is of a high standard. The script, directing, and all the rest is good. I suppose part of the problem with the film is that the absurdity of the story probably doesn't translate terribly well to a film. As a result the film has to work quite hard to make the story dramatic. It perhaps goes over the top a little with the "WE ARE IN IRELAND!" details (perhaps because it is filmed on the Isle of Man?) I enjoyed the subtle visual hints (the bored horse standing next to a green phone box) and the plot details (each one of the fourteen hundred camp guards being either 'Seamus' or 'Sean'). Anyway, it's an independent movie, and for all that is very professionally done and well put together. If you see it coming on the telly one wet Sunday afternoon, don't turn it off - I'm sure you'll find much to like in it.