Evelyn (2002)

1953. Desmond Doyle is devastated when his wife abandons their family on the day after Christmas. His unemployment, and the fact that there is no woman in the house to care for the children... See full summary »

Director:

Bruce Beresford

Writer:

Paul Pender

Stars:

Pierce Brosnan, Julianna Margulies, Aidan Quinn

2 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sophie Vavasseur	...	Evelyn Doyle
Niall Beagan	...	Dermot Doyle
Hugh McDonagh	...	Maurice Doyle (as Hugh Macdonagh)
Pierce Brosnan	...	Desmond Doyle
Mairead Devlin	...	Charlotte Doyle
Frank Kelly	...	Henry Doyle
Claire Mullan	...	Mrs. Daisley
Alvaro Lucchesi	...	Inspector Logan
Garrett Keogh	...	District Judge
Daithi O'Suilleabhain	...	Brother Eustace (as Daithi O'Suillebhain)
Andrea Irvine	...	Sister Brigid
Marian Quinn	...	Sister Theresa
Karen Ardiff	...	Sister Felicity
Julianna Margulies	...	Bernadette Beattie
Bosco Hogan	...	Father O'Malley

Storyline

1953. Desmond Doyle is devastated when his wife abandons their family on the day after Christmas. His unemployment, and the fact that there is no woman in the house to care for the children, Evelyn, Dermot, and Maurice, make it clear to the authorities that his is an untenable situation. The Irish courts put the Doyle children into Church-run orphanages. Although a sympathetic judge assures Desmond that he'll get his children back after he gets a job, he learns there's another barrier. During that time, Evelyn suffers abuse, while Desmond goes to court to get his children back. A barmaid, her brother, her suitor, and a tippling footballer become Desmond's team.

---

Plot Keywords:

children | court | judge | irish | orphanage | 

---

Taglines:

The story of a father's love that changed a nation

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic material and language

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

Germany Ireland USA UK Netherlands

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 December 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Disputa

Filming Locations:

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

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$65,344, 15 December 2002, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$1,483,975, 4 May 2003

Company Credits

Production Co:

First Look International, Cinerenta Medienbeteiligungs KG, Irish DreamTime

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min 95 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Several decades later, widespread shocking revelations and allegations about the extent of the abuse of children in the care of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland, during this time in the 1950s, among other decades, and religious organizations, have since given this film a much darker undercurrent than originally intended.

---

Goofs

Though set in Dublin, all the establishing shots clearly show the city of Cork which bears no resemblance to Dublin.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Dermot Doyle: Evelyn, did Jesus have a big sister?
Evelyn Doyle: No Dermot, he wasn't as lucky as you.

---

Crazy Credits

Thanks to the residents of Whelen and O'Rahilly houses.

---

Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #22.7 (2005)

---

Soundtracks

On the Banks of the Roses
(Traditional)
Performed by Pierce Brosnan

User Reviews

One man vs Ireland

This is the story of how Desmond Doyle fought the Irish government to have his children (Evelyn, Dermot, and Maurice) released back into his custody. After his wife desserts him, leaving behind the children also, the government takes his children until such a time as the unmarried, currently unemployed Desi "can improve his circumstances". Much to his naive and broken heart's dismay, he later realizes that once the government has them, it intends to keep them from living in a paternal, one parent home. It tells the story of this man's journey becoming a better man and father. It also tells the story of the incidents behind the over turning of an unconstitutional law which had never been successfully challenged. Played brilliantly by Pierce Brosnan (who was born in Ireland) with Alan Bates taking on the role of the ex-barrister (retired) who changed the course of Irish family history. Sophie Vavasseur does an excellent job in the title role of Evelyn. Not over played or pretentious, this is a quiet must see for those who like to see real life with some happy endings.