When the potato blight struck Ireland in the mid-19th century, its nine million impoverished people, still caught in the grip of British colonial oppression and a feudal land-holding system, were especially vulnerable to the unfolding catastrophe. Some three and a half million people emigrated or died of starvation and disease during the so-called “Great Hunger.” This documentary seeks to answer the great question: Why did Ireland starve when there was enough food in the country to feed twice its population? Produced by the Walter Disney Studios for PBS airing in 1992, this documentary was shot on location in those areas devastated by the Famine.

Captain Lightfoot- Aug 10

Rock Hudson stars as a somewhat unlikely 19th century Irish rebel in Douglas Sirk’s 1955 costume drama of early 19th century Ireland. Featuring Barbara Rush and Jeff Morrow, the moved was filmed on location in Ireland with Sirk's usual visual precision and beauty. In 1815, Michael Martin (Hudson), member of an Irish revolutionary society turns highwayman to support it, and is forced to flee into fulltime outlawry. In Dublin, he meets famous rebel "Captain Thunderbolt" and becomes his second-in-command, "Lightfoot." The movie focus is his perilous life, with captures, turncoats, rescues, and romance.

Out of Ireland-Aug. 17

The story of the enormous Irish emigration to the U.S. in the 19th century is the focus of this award-winning 1995 documentary that mixes an adept historical overview and deeply touching personal stories with well-chosen archival material and gorgeously filmed modern footage. The troubled history of Ireland is covered by way of explaining why millions fled their homeland. The flood of poor Irish to the New World and their struggles to assimilate and eventually triumph is told by Oscar-winning Director Paul Wagner with excerpts of letters, some of which are beautifully read by the noted playwright John B. Keane. Musician and folklorist Mick Moloney appears frequently to offer apt anecdotes and appropriate snatches of song. Narrated by Kelly McGillis.

Beloved Enemy

H.C. Potter directs this 1936 romantic and tragic adventure set against the ever-contemporary “troubles” in Ireland. He chronicles how peace was made between the rebellious Irish and their British rulers in 1921—a peace that gave Ireland a measure of freedom, but divided rebels and led to civil war. Merle Oberon plays Helen Drummond, a majestic British beauty who reveals a fiery, passionate side when she falls in love with Dennis Riordan (Brian Aherne), the smooth leader of the Irish rebellion. David Niven is splendid in a supporting role as Gerald Preston, an official in the last British colonial regime to rule the Irish people.