Kathleen Mavourneen is a 1937 British-Irish musical drama film directed by Norman Lee and starring Sally O'Neil, Tom Burke and Jack Daly.[1][2] The story had been filmed several times previously, including a silent version (1919), starring Theda Bara and a 1930 Tiffany talkie also starring Sally O'Neil. This version, also known as "Kathleen", was filmed in Ireland, and features the character of Old Mother Riley who appeared in her own film series. It was shot at Welwyn Studios.[3]
| Kathleen Mavourneen | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Norman Lee |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by | John Argyle |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Bryan Langley |
| Edited by | F.H. Bickerton |
| Music by | Guy Jones |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Wardour Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 75 minutes |
| Countries |
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| Language | English |
Plot
Kathleen O'Moore returns home to rural Ireland and finds she has rivals for her affections in the shape of poor boy Michael Rooney (Tom Burke) and wealthy squire Dennis O'Dwyer (Jack Daly). The two rivals in love team up to rescue Kathleen from her unpleasant aunt (Ethel Gryffies), who has arranged a loveless but profitable marriage for the girl.[1]
Partial cast
- Sally O'Neil as Kathleen O'Moore
- Tom Burke as Michael Rooney
- Jack Daly as Dennis O'Dwyer
- Sara Allgood as Mary Ellen O'Dwyer
- Jeanne Stuart as Barbara Fitzpatrick
- Ethel Griffies as Hannah O'Dwyer
- Pat Noonan as Sean O'Dwyer
- Arthur Lucan as Old Mother Riley
- Kitty McShane as Kitty Riley
- Fred Duprez as Walter Bryant
Critical reception
The New York Times said, "An Irish-made picture it is, as flavorsome in its dialogue and occasional glimpses of country life as a horse fair in County Cork; and as silly and sentimental in its story as a poor imitation of Hollywood can be."[4] Allmovie calls the film, "a fanciful bit of blarney predicated on the ballad "Kathleen Mavourneen."[1]
References
Bibliography
- Low, Rachael. Filmmaking in 1930s Britain. George Allen & Unwin, 1985.
- Wood, Linda. British Films, 1927-1939. British Film Institute, 1986.
