Cast
View All
Sally O'Neil
as Kathleen O'Moore
Tom Burke
as Michael Rooney
Sara Allgood
as Mary Ellen O'Dwyer
Arthur Lucan
as Old Mother Riley
Kitty McShane
as Kitty Riley
Jack Daly
as Dennis O'Dwyer
Jeanne Stuart
as Barbara Fitzpatrick
Ethel Griffies
as Hannah O'Dwyer
Pat Noonan
as Sean O'Dwyer
Baby Brenda
as Sheila O'Moore
Dennis O'Neill
as Matt Cooney
Fred Duprez
as Walter Bryant
Talbot O'Farrell
as Dan Milligan
Terry Conlin
as Stage Announcer
Frank Crawshaw
as Brian Slattery
Crew
Director
- Norman Lee
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Kathleen Mavourneen examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Norman Lee brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1937, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Kathleen Mavourneen took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 75 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 97 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1937, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Kathleen Mavourneen shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Full Monteverdi, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Kathleen Mavourneen offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Elaan and The Music Man explore similar territory, Kathleen Mavourneen stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 1, 1937
- Runtime: 1h 15m
