2007 Irish History Film Series
A Program of the Harbor Celtic Festival
Wednesdays Aug. 1, 8,15, 22
Harbor Springs City Hall Community Room - 7:15 pm
Featuring classic movies and documentaries with
commentary by Dr. George Colburn from the Robert
Emmet Society
This Wednesday evening film series
follows significant events in Irish history from the time of Robert Emmet's
revolution in 1803 up to the Irish Republic's declaration of independence in
1948. Emmet, one of Ireland's great heroes in the long quest to rid Ireland of
British rule, is the namesake of Emmet County. Each evening's activities begin
with a brief historical overview by Dr. Colburn of the Robert Emmet Society, a historian who specializes in
modern Irish political history. A question and answer session will follow the screening.
 |
Out of
Ireland-Aug. 1
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. |
|
The Molly Maguires- Aug 8
The Molly Maguires was a secret society of militant coal miners who
battled their exploitation by mine owners with violence, intimidation
and sometimes murder. Based on actual events, this gripping story is a
sympathetic and actual account of the Irish-American miner's struggle.
Richard Harris plays a detective on undercover assignment for the
owners, fighting to win the miner's trust, and finally, fighting his own
conscience. Sean Connery is the tough and suspicious leader of the
Mollies who repeatedly tests the newcomer 's loyalty. Excellent
photography and fine action scenes add to the realism of this vivid
social drama. 1969 color.
|
 |
|
Michael
Collins (Part I) Aug. 15
Michael Collins is the
epic portrayal by Liam Neeson of Ireland's most successful revolutionary
leader, one of the 20th century's most significant yet overlooked
political figures. As the mastermind of a small urban guerrilla force,
Collins brought Great Britain, the most powerful nation in the world, to
the treaty table. His powerful gifts led to the Irish Republic that
exists today in 26 of Ireland's 32 counties. Part I if this movie ends
with the Anglo-Irish treaty that divided Ireland and led to the Civil
War and Collins' death. 1996 color.
|
|
Shake
Hands with the Devil- Aug 22
Starring James Cagney and Don
Murray, this 1959 film
shot in black & white vividly portrays the conflict between
revolutionary factions that fought the ruling British Empire in the
aftermath of World War One. The film places an American medical student
(Murray) in the midst of the bloody conflict between those who are
willing to accept peace and promises from the British and those
guerrilla fighters led by Cagney, who will not accept peace unless all
Irish demands, including full independence, are met.
|
 |
The Irish Film Fest is a
collaboration between the Robert Emmet Society and the Blissfest Music
Organization.
A free will donation is
requested for each showing. Reserve seating is available for the entire 4 part
series with a donation of $20 or more. All proceeds will help the Robert Emmet
Society Scholarship Fund. For more information contact Blissfest 231-348-7047.
www.blissfest.org or jim@blissfest.org