I had a post brewing about crickets and Candleford and women in sports when synchronicity stepped in and steered my thoughts elsewhere. It happens, now and then, and, well, really rather often as I putter about here on the Cutoff. Does it happen to you as well? When Miss Synchronicity stops by in such a way, I cannot ignore her. This is a replay of a very early post that I have rewritten to fit in today.
A gathering of old friends occurred last week, brought on by the out-of-town visitors, Jeri and Kyle. We were eating desert in Vickie and Mike’s charming and rustic gazebo, catching up on our children and grandchildren, adventures and endeavors and those sort of things when we got to talking about movies. Not the blockbuster types, but the little gems we’ve discovered. Everyone had something to recommend, some seemingly tailor-made for each one of us.
I suggested a movie I thought Cathy and Bill would enjoy. Both are Chicago born and bred; South Side Irish with roots deep into the soil of Ireland and a love for our own Windy City. They are the “salt of the earth” sort of people, longtime friends, and godparents to our Katy. Both seem to enjoy history and Bill law and the judicial system. I thought they would enjoy a little film of about ten years ago called Evelyn.
As I was channel surfing Monday night it was none other than Evelyn that popped up on my television screen. Miss Synchronicity had come to call, so I happily let her in. I was once again enchanted by angel rays, love of family, and how a few good folks really can change the status quo, right some wrongs whilst tilting at the windmills of life.
The story is fictionally based on a real incident in Ireland in the 1950’s involving a father trying to regain custody of his children. They are placed in orphanages by the state because their father, Desmond Doyle, is a single father with unsteady wages and the “love of the drink”. His wife has abandoned the family, but, because she is still alive, the children are taken from Doyle, who cannot get them back without her signature. The Irish Children’s Act of 1941 is what allows this to happen. His only recourse is to challenge the Irish constitution, which, at that time, was unheard of.
The children are two boys and a girl, Evelyn, who is the oldest. The young actress who plays her is engaging and believable as the movie portrays both the good and the bad sides of the Catholic church in Ireland at a time when much of its children were in church run orphanages.
There is a scene of the first night Evenly is in the orphanage, where Evelyn is reprimanded for sleeping on her side, an act that would allow the devil to do his work. A nun tells her she will watch her all night to make sure she didn’t sleep this way. There is also a scene where Evelyn is beaten, which later figures in to the court case. There are, however, equally tender moments, with a loving Sister who is kind to Evelyn and the other girls. It is really a movie of hope and optimism that things can be changed for the better.
As Evelyn is dropped off by her grandfather at the orphanage, there is a pivotal scene in the movie. Her own father, Doyle, played by Pierce Brosnan, to perfection I might add, is simultaneously bringing the boys to their own institution. Evelyn is sitting with Grandad by a window when a ray of sunshine suddenly shines through onto her hand. He tells her that it is an angel ray, her guardian, always waiting to help her.
Desmond Doyle is eventually aided by local and not-so-local solicitors, played by the likes of Aidan Quinn, Alan Bates, and Stephen Rea. It is ten-year old Evelyn whose light really shines on the screen as she gently shows how truth and tolerance, faithfulness and forgiveness can make us all better persons.
This morning, I once again let the sunshine dance upon my hand. I felt its warmth, even though I knew the day would become simmering and hot, and I pretended it was my very own angel ray sent to help me along the Cutoff again today.
Here is an article that I found, which seems to have just been published today, about the real Evelyn Doyle. Synchronitic?
The clips above were from Google.
I have never come across this film Penny, but it sounds like one to seek out. My own sister in law is the youngest of 14 children, born in Ireland, and I know her childhood was filled with concerns that if mammy and daddy couldn’t cope, the children would be “sent to the nuns”…..something that filled her with dread. I am definitely going to see if I can get to see this. The article is fascinating, as is your post. Thanks. J.
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Oh, Janice, how frightening that must have been for your sister-in-law as a child. I can’t imagine how it was for her growing up. The movie is very well done and I enjoyed seeing it as much the second time as the first.
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Penny, I haven’t seen Evelyn, and I’ve always meant to. Your post reminded me of it again, something that I’m sure is synchronistic. 🙂
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It is, indeed, Andra. I hope that you have a chance to see it sometime.
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Well, Synchronicity it is. I have been reading some lovely Maeve Binchy novels that I bought at a thrift store. While reading, I tend to google all over the area which is the setting of the story. I ran across the Irish Children’s Act and have filed it in my brain to check out later. I have also thought about your references to “Angel Lights” as I view the sun slanting through the trees as I take my morning walks. So, now I must find the movie “Evelyn” and try to find time to watch it. Thank you Penny, for sending me on this Irish journey. You are and Angel Light yourself, you know.
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Interesting that you should discover the Irish Children’s Act just now, Janet. Synchronicity. hope you will be able to watch “Evelyn” some time soon and thank you, Janet. You made my day with your kind comment. I’m smiling.
I really enjoy reading Maeve Binchy. Have you read much of her? I was saddened to hear that she passed away very recently. The La Grange library had a big display of her books as well as Ray Bradbury’s. It is sad when such voices are stilled, but we are so fortunate to have their books.
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I absolutely have to see this film. It sounds wonderful, and I’m a big fan of Pierce Brosnan. You are in the “zone” it seems, and what fun it must be, so much synchronicity. Great review. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. Your visit in the gazebo sounded wonderful, too.
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Pierce Brosnan is wonderful in this movie, Teresa, and he even sings a bit in an Irish pub – redeeming himself for singing in another movie I won’t mention. He is really pretty good. I think you would enjoy Evelyn. You are very welcome, Teresa, and I thank you for your kind words.
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I do know Miss Synchronicity very well, Penny. And each time I get completely lost in my thoughts once I being to see her coming around the corner. I can’t wait for the “what’s next?” I can hardly imagine that it would be on television so soon after speaking to your friends! I frankly can’t believe I don’t know this movie at all! I love Pierce Brosnan and I seek out the smaller movies and usually have quite a nose for them. Next stop Netflix! You know I love your reviews! 🙂 Debra
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I was surprised to happen upon it after just talking about it, especially since it isn’t a very well known movie. I believe it was Brosnan’s own studio that produced this, Debra, and it was out about 10 years ago when there were some excellent films coming out of Ireland. This is such a wonderful movie, I am sure you will enjoy it as well a Pierce Brosnan’s acting. Let me know. Thank you, Debra. I hope I don’t let you down with this one.
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How beautifully you describe this movie, especially the angel ray on the hand. Miss Synchronicity together with old friends – what a delightful combination. I haven’t heard of the movie but now doubt it will keep popping up everywhere now.
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Thank you, Juliet, and yes, a delightful combination. It wasn’t a blockbuster sort of movie, just one of those quiet ones that came out of Ireland about 10 years ago. I was so pleased to have happened upon it again.
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Totally, Penny. What a wonderful story of a man’s love for his children. Ireland at that time could be such a grim place. It is good to see that someone’s love prevailed against all those institutions.
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Love did prevail there, Kate, and made life better for so many children who were put in these orphanages under the Irish Children’s Act.
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It sounds a wonderful film — I love this kind of movie and find them way too seldom. Thank you to you (and Miss Synchronicity) for rerunning this post, which I hadn’t seen, but wouldn’t mind seeing again if I had!
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It sounds a wonderful film — I love this kind of movie and find them way too seldom. Thank you to you (and Miss Synchronicity) for rerunning this post, which I hadn\’t seen, but wouldn\’t mind seeing again if I had!
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That is nice of you to say, Sallie. It is a truly wonderful film; one that didn’t break records at the box office, but is a winner none the less.
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Dear Penny, thank you for sharing your day’s synchronicity with us and for the movie review and the linked article. I read the first comment by “Janice” and that brought home just how devastating those orphanages were. Janice’s sister-in-law as a little girl lived in fear. I understand what that’s like.
I have seen the movie and Pierce Brosnan does fine acting in it as does the young actress who plays Evelyn. Never fear, you’ve steered us right on this one!
Oh, and I just finished reading a day or two ago “The Optimist’s Daughter.”
It’s the first book I’ve read by Eudora Welty. I’ve also read praise of her dialogue and that book certainly showed why she’s praised so highly. She’s a master of dialogue. Peace.
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You’re welcome, Dee. I know you understand that kind of fear. It breaks my heart at all the children that have endured this at the hands of adults, and still do.
Pierce Brosnan was good in this, giving his character more depth than in some other movies. The girl who played Evelyn really stole the show, didn’t she? I wanted to review it again, hoping that in sharing this, others would not only come to view a good movie, but gain an awareness of such issues.
Thank you for letting me know you read “The Optimist’s Daughter”, Dee. She is a master of dialogue. I hope to sometime listen to this book on audio, hopefully with a reader who has a good Southern accent.
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[…] even the postage stamps. I felt a small sense of accomplishment over such a simple task while Angels’ rays continued to dance about in the old, worn dining room where I found safe harbor at just the right […]
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