In December 1931, scenes for a landmark film were shot in Cashel, Co Tipperary by a film crew consisting of Irish, British, and US personnel.
Entitled "Sweet Inniscarra," the film was based on the play of the same name written back in 1897 by an American, Augustus Pitou. The updated film version of "Sweet Inniscarra," which was set in 1930s Ireland, was significant in that it was publicized as the first 'all talking picture' (aka a "talkie") to be shot entirely in the country with an all-Irish cast and scenes.
"Sweet Inniscarra" was directed and produced by an Irish-American named Emmett Moore. He ran theatres in Boston and New York. His background was in producing silent films and this was his first talkie. The actors in "Sweet Inniscarra," who were all amateurs, hailed from dramatic societies in Cashel, Fethard, and Portarlington. The leading roles were played by Sean Rodgers (a founding member of Cashel Choral & Dramatic Society) and Mae Ryan (of Ryan's Hotel on the town).
The plot of "Sweet Inniscarra" was centered around Gerald O'Carroll's love for Kate O'Donoghue. Her father, however, wished her to marry a wealthy major who, unbeknownst to everyone, was in fact a penniless villain at heart. Ultimately, O'Carroll transpires to be the heir to a fortune in Jamaica and wins the day. The film concludes with the marriage of Gerald O'Carroll and Kate O'Donoghue.
On December 21, 1931, filming for "Sweet Inniscarra" was carried out in Dublin. Cameras captured members of An Garda Siochana headed by their band on parades on the depot square at the Phoenix Park. Subsequent recording was carried out at Portobello Barracks of a selection of Irish airs played by the No.1 army band and also of a selection of marches.
Recording and photography for the film in terms of scenery were also carried out in Counties Kerry, Limerick, Waterford, and Wicklow. The real Inniscarra - a parish in County Cork - was also visited.
"Sweet Inniscarra" was promoted as an Irish romance film depicting the habits, customs, and mannerisms of the natives besides revealing many Irish beauty spots to the silver screen for the first time. The film encompassed music, song, and dance, was 72 minutes in duration, and shot in black and white. It was shown in cinemas in the USA in 1932 and in Ireland in 1933 receiving both positive and negative reviews.
On Sunday, March 12, 1933, "Sweet Inniscarra" was shown for the first time to Irish audiences at the Queen's Theatre in Dublin. Unfortunately, in the years that followed, the film was believed to have been lost or destroyed.
This six-part documentary will investigate the story of Ireland's first talkie, its cast, and its producer Emmett Moore, and examine some of the efforts made over the years to try and locate a copy of the film. Tom Hurley, who produced the series, will also be revealing the outcome of his own attempt to find a copy. There are numerous contributors to the documentary from the United States.
The documentary entitled "Sweet Inniscarra" will be aired over six consecutive Fridays at 11 am Irish Time on Tipp Mid West Radio beginning on Friday, February 7. There will be a repeat of each episode on the following Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm and the programmes will also be streamed on TippMidwestRadio.com.
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