Jimmy's Hall (2014)

During the Depression, Jimmy Gralton returns home to Ireland after ten years of exile in America. Seeing the levels of poverty and oppression, the activist in him reawakens and he looks to re-open the dance hall that led to his deportation.

Director:

Ken Loach

Writer:

Paul Laverty (screenplay)

Stars:

Barry Ward, Francis Magee, Aileen Henry

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Barry Ward	...	Jimmy
Francis Magee	...	Mossie
Aileen Henry	...	Alice
Simone Kirby	...	Oonagh
Stella McGirl	...	Stella
Sorcha Fox	...	Molly
Martin Lucey	...	Dessie
Mikel Murfi	...	Tommy
Shane O'Brien	...	Finn
Denise Gough	...	Tess
Jim Norton	...	Father Sheridan
Aisling Franciosi	...	Marie
Seán T. Ó Meallaigh	...	Journalist
Karl Geary	...	Seán
Brían F. O'Byrne	...	Commander O'Keefe

Storyline

1932. Jimmy Gralton is back home in the Irish countryside after ten years of forced exile in the USA. His widowed mother Alice is happy, Jimmy's friends are happy, all the young people who enjoy dancing and singing are happy. Which is not the case of Father Sheridan, the local priest, nor of the village squire, nor of Dennis O'Keefe, the chief of the fascists. The reason is simple: Jimmy is a socialist activist. So when the "intruder" reopens the village hall, thus enabling the villagers to gather to sing, dance, paint, study or box, they take a dim view of the whole thing. People who think and unite are difficult to manipulate, aren't they? From that moment on they will use every means possible to get rid of Jimmy and his "dangerous" hall.

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Plot Keywords:

ireland | catholic priest | anti communism | year 1932 | priest | 

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Taglines:

Jimmy Gralton's Sin Was to Build a Dance Hall - A Place where People Come to Argue, to Dream and TO DANCE

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for language and a scene of violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

The real Jimmy Gralton was the only Irishman ever deported from Ireland after Irish Independence. After the release of the film, a campaign (including an online petition) was started with the aim to rescind the deportation order and extend an official apology to his family.

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Goofs

Tobacco consumption (cigarettes, snuff and pipes) was extremely widespread at the time, yet none of the characters are seen to smoke, even at raucous social occasions.

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Quotes

James Gralton: This is the greatest lie they try to stuff down our throats, that Ireland is one, that our nation is one, and that we are all one people, united in our beliefs with one common interest. But do you think the interests of a child in the slum are the same as the rack-renting landlord? Do you think the interests of a labourer are the same as the Earl's? The interests of a miner or a factory worker the same as the owner's, his bankers', his lawyers', his investors' and the prostitute journalists' ...

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Crazy Credits

In the end credits, at the end of a long list of people and organisations under the heading Thank You, Dixie the horse, Cabundie the donkey and Homer the three-legged dog are mentioned.

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Connections

Featured in La noche de...: Jimmy's Hall (2017)

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Soundtracks

I'm Lonesome, Sweetheart
Written By Joe Oliver (as Joseph Oliver), Dave Nelson (as David C. Nelson)
© Peer International Corporation 1929
Performed by King Oliver & His Orchestra
courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment Inc.

User Reviews

Educational

In the States we didn't get much Irish history in our schools, particularly post-Rebellion history. Had no idea of the politics involved regarding the Socialist/Catholic Church alliance during the Depression, which is the basis of this film. We are influenced to root for the people versus this alliance, which seems to be the correct rooting interest. Jimmy comes back to his hometown after 10 years in exile, and takes up the same cause which got him deported in the first place. Once again the same forces that were against him are still in place, resulting in a duplication of events. Can't imagine how any moviegoer could fault him or his motives and the plot plays along with these sentiments.

That said, the story bogs down in the second half of the film, making the staunchest advocate fidgety and anxious for some movement. It seems longer than the 1hr 49min advertised, but does not impinge on the gorgeous photography and the marvelous acting. Barry Ward as Jimmy was good, Simone Kirby was even better and Jim Norton as Fr. Sheridan was outstanding. I recommend "Jimmy's Hall", especially if you went to school in the U.S. - I guarantee you will be enlightened.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Twitter

Country:

UK Ireland France Belgium Japan

Language:

English Irish

Release Date:

30 May 2014 (UK)

Also Known As:

Jimmy's Hall

Filming Locations:

Killanummery, Co. Leitrim, Ireland

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$19,881, 5 July 2015

Gross USA:

$560,592

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,825,184

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sixteen Films, Element Pictures, Why Not Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital (Dolby 5.1)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1