Films and the Peninsula

When Sir David Lean and the cast of Ryan's Daughter arrived in Dingle to start filming, it heralded the start of the Dingle Peninsula as a tourist destination. The superb cinematography and the natural beauty of the area as depicted on screen helped to make Dingle the popular holiday destination it is today. That was over 30 years ago, and since the completion of the movie, many of the cast and crew returned to Dingle on holidays, some settled here permanently. It is the sheer majesty of the landscapes and panoramic vistas that attracted the film makers, adding unique scenes to unique movies. Here is a brief history of the Peninsula's flirtation with Hollywood.

Ryan's Daughter - (1970)

Directed by Sir David Lean

Starring Robert Mitchum, Sarah Miles, Trevor Howard, John Mills, Christopher Jones

A wildly cinematic experience, featuring Oscar-winning cinematography that takes in much of the Dingle Peninsula. Unabashedly sentimental tale about a pampered, indulged, married woman (Sarah Miles) and her desire for a British soldier (Christopher Jones). Mitchum plays her schoolteacher-husband with a strength that highlights the film. The splendid John Mills won an Oscar for his portrayal of a crippled mute in the movie.

Selected Awards: Oscars 1970: Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actor (Mills for his portrayal of Michael); Golden Globe Awards 1971: Best Supporting Actor (Mills); National Board of Review Awards 1970: 10 Best Films of the Year

Far and Away - (1992)

Directed by Ron Howard

Starring Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Colm Meaney, Robert Prosky

Ron Howard's epic tale tells the story of two Irish immigrants' quest for land during the 1890s Oklahoma land rush. Tom Cruise stars as Joseph Donnelly, an ambitious young farmer in western Ireland. When a local protest against wealthy landlord Daniel Christie (Robert Prosky) results in the death of his father, Joseph seeks revenge. The first twenty five minutes of the film were filmed entirely in the West Kerry area. Joseph's attempt at vengeance is thwarted by Shannon Christie (Nicole Kidman), the landlord's high-spirited and headstrong daughter, who stabs Joseph with a pitchfork. While convalescing at the Christies' manor, Joseph is propositioned by Shannon, who asks him to travel with her to America--where she is determined to acquire some of the free land being given away in the Oklahoma Territory. Arriving in Boston, Joseph acts as protective brother to Shannon in the foreign city streets as they struggle to earn the money to travel out west.

The Field - (1993)

Directed by My Left Foot's Jim Sheridan

Starring Richard Harris, John Hurt, Tom Berenger, Sean Bean Richard Harris was nominated for several awards (including the Oscar and Golden Globe) for his performance in The Field. Set in the the mid-1930s in western Ireland. For many years rugged and cranky farmer Bull McCabe (Harris) has been cultivating a small plot of rented land, nurturing it from barren rock into a fertile field. Now, however, the widow who owns the land plans to sell it at auction. The raging Bull shows up at the bidding, believing none of his neighbors will dare bid against him. But he has not taken into consideration a wealthy Irish-American played byTom Berenger, who has plans to use the field to bring new industry to the area. Punctuating the storyline are the periodic appearances of John Hurt's toothless village idiot. Originally produced for British television, The Field was based on the play by Kerry writer John B. Keane, and was based loosely on a murder that occurred in the area, during the 1930's.

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