Feature film
December Bride
Thaddeus O'Sullivan · 1991
Synopsis
In 1909, Sarah comes with her mother to keep house for a widower and his two sons, Hamilton and Frank, on an isolated farm in Ulster, within a Protestant community. After the father's death, her mother leaves, but Sarah stays and becomes the mistress of both brothers; pregnant, she refuses to marry either one, to the scandal of the minister and the neighbourhood.
Context
The film adapts the novel by Sam Hanna Bell, from a screenplay by David Rudkin written in a dozen versions with the director, who also handles the cinematography; it is produced by Jonathan Cavendish for Little Bird. Shot in 1990 in County Down, it was honoured that same year at several festivals before its theatrical release on 29 November 1991, with Saskia Reeves, Donal McCann, Ciarán Hinds and Patrick Malahide.
Who it is for
A film of an hour and twenty-eight minutes, in English, slow and restrained, set in the rural landscapes of Ulster.
Prizes and reception
Special Jury Prize at the European Film Awards, International Critics' Prize in Montreal and Silver Rosa Camuna in Bergamo.
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