Troubles

Last Update: 23 November 2001 (You need a browser capable of viewing tables to see this page properly)

A two-part adaptation of J.G. Farrell's 1970 novel, set in 1919 at a huge, decaying hotel on the Wicklow coast. This hotel, the Majestic, is symbolic of the doomed splendour and folly of British rule in Ireland, and the focus throughout is on its flawed and fading inhabitants, rather than on the forces of independence. A grand hotel fallen into decay, two women with secrets and a dangerous political situation about to boil over - these intriguing elements all combine in this gripping drama from the producer of the hit mini-series, The Irish R.M.

In 1919, Major Brendan Archer arrives in Ireland to reunite with his fiancée, Angela Spencer. Unfortunately, the family home, The Majestic Hotel, is a decaying shadow of its former self, as is Angela. Puzzled by the changes, Archer’s attentions are soon drawn to her lively friend, Sarah Devlin, a passionate Irish nationalist. They fall in love, but the Major soon discovers some disturbing aspects about their relationship which threaten to explode into violence, destruction and murder. With a budget of £3.6 million, the film has both sumptuous settings and period detail. In a departure from the traditional voice-over, the characters speak directly to the camera, while the novel's "documentary" narrative - the "troubles" going on all over the world - is played out by some deaf and short-sighted elderly ladies who are the hotel's principal residents, and who spend their days reading stories from the newspapers to one another.

Click on the thumbnails to see the full-size pictures.

PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS: Ian Richardson.....................Edward Spencer Ian Charleson......................Major Archer Sean Bean..........................Captain Bolton Emer Gillespie.....................Sarah Devlin Susannah Harker ...................Angela Spencer Sarah Quarmby......................Faith Spencer Jane Quarmby.......................Charity Spencer Eamon Kelly........................Dr. Ryan

PRODUCTION CREDITS: Production Company.................Little Bird/LWT Directed by........................Christopher Morahan Written by.........................Charles Sturridge From the novel by..................J.G. Farrell Director of Photography............Gabriel Beristain Production Designer................John Lucas Costume Designer...................Consalata Boyle Editor.............................Oliver Fallen Casting Director...................Mary Selway Music..............................Stephen Oliver Production Year....................1988 (LWT) Airdates...........................Sunday, May 1, 1988 (Part 1) ...................................Sunday, May 8, 1988 (Part 2) Running Time ......................Approx. 208 minutes

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