ceadcara Reviews

Gideon of Scotland Yard (1958)

This is an overall excellent Irish production.

[8/10 · 20 March 2005]

This film is unique historically for more than one reason. It is the first - I believe only - cops and robbers film directed by John Ford. It is also unique because it is an Irish production. The 'Rising of the Moon' was an Irish production directed by John Ford. He made it clear that he would like to do another. The Irish Lord who had produced the 'Rising' read a book called Gideon's Day by an unknown writer called J.J.Merric. He loved the book, rang John Ford, and sent him a copy. When he negotiated buying the book it was discovered that J.J.Merric was in fact the famous John Creasey. Ford was captivated by the book, the deal was struck, and the wheels set in motion. In the film itself there is no indication that it is Irish other than Cyril Cusack being in it. It is the only Irish film made so far that does not have an Irish factor in its content. The world premier was in the Savoy Cinema in Dublin.

Another Shore (1948)

A rerasonable fantasy.

[8/10 · 14 May 2003]

Another Shore is a reasonable fantasy, or modern fairy-tale. It has a strong cast, is well directed, and is based on a good book.

In hindsight it is also a socio-documentary of Dublin. It shows very vividly the post-war Dublin, a city that no longer exists.

When the Sky Falls (2000)

A glimpse at the wicked reality of crime.

[9/10 · 1 July 2000]

From the opening scenes this film brought back the memories of shocking headlines from the recent past through which we have lived. Fictionalised maybe, but very close to the reality. Each scene struck home. These were our headlines. This was Dublin in the grip of drug barons. This is how it was. A wonderful cast brought it all to life again. If I have a minus note it is that the names were changed. I wonder why, but I suppose there may have been legal reasons. We in Dublin know the real names. The criminlas are now behind bars. This is a story of our time. It should be compulsory viewing for all. For the lawless that they be warned. For the lawful that they may never forget. It was a great American who said that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance!

Nora (2000)

A reflection of Joyce beyond the film.

[10/10 · 9 June 2000]

This is a worthwhile well produced film. For the first time the general public see James Joyce as a human being, and not an intellectual icon. Too much has been published about what Joyce wrote. Here is the real story of a man, the woman he loved, and the very real struggle he had to get published in the first place. Joyce was very badly served by the country of his birth. His books were burned in Dublin, and excluded from the works of past pupils of his Jesuit school. All that is now changed. This film opens a window on the life of Joyce which has been shut for too long. He wasn't a mind without a soul. He was a very real man, with weaknesses like all men, but with a vision, and a will to succeed.