The Irish in America: Long Journey Home. PBS United States 1998
Six million dollars to make over two years with a soundtrack by the Chieftains, Elvis Costello, Sinead O’Connor and Van Morrison.
The documentary follows the Irish from the first wave of famine emigrants, to middle class respectability, and the election of John F Kennedy using rare photographs, illustrations and interviews. It examines the role of the Irish today in America where 41 of the top chief operating officers claim Irish roots. It is billed as the history of the Irish in America from an American perspective and aimed primarily at the 44 million Americans who claim direct descent.
The premiere on PBS attracted over ten million viewers. “Looks and feels like a labor of love” New York Times. “The filmmaker is a consummate story-teller” The Boston Globe were just two of the reviews. The series went on to win a Grammy award 1998 and 'Best Folk Album of the Year' 1998.
The documentary follows the Irish from the first wave of famine emigrants, to middle class respectability, and the election of John F Kennedy using rare photographs, illustrations and interviews. It examines the role of the Irish today in America where 41 of the top chief operating officers claim Irish roots. It is billed as the history of the Irish in America from an American perspective and aimed primarily at the 44 million Americans who claim direct descent.
The premiere on PBS attracted over ten million viewers. “Looks and feels like a labor of love” New York Times. “The filmmaker is a consummate story-teller” The Boston Globe were just two of the reviews. The series went on to win a Grammy award 1998 and 'Best Folk Album of the Year' 1998.
Episode 1, The Great Hunger.
The series begins with chronicles of life in Ireland up to the Great Potato Famine of 1845, which caused the death of an estimated million and triggered mass emigration. Narrated by Michael Murphy. |
Episode 2. All Across America
The second chapter begins after 1845 and looks at how the Catholic Church helped make the Irish "a respectable people." Also, there are profiles of prominent Irish-Americans like boxer John L. Sullivan and millionaire miner John Mackey. |
Episode 3. Up from City Streets.
Celebrates Irish-American politicians Alfred E. Smith, who ran for the Oval Office in 1928, and President John F. Kennedy. Also included is a sketch of playwright Eugene O'Neill. |
Episode 4. Success.
Covering World War II to the late 1990's recounts two great Irish-American clans, the Kennedys and the O'Neills, and examines their triumphs and tragedies. |