Falling for a Dancer

Falling for a Dancer is a story that transcends time and place. Set in rural Ireland during the depression, it depicts a young woman pregnant and forced into a loveless marriage of a man who needed a mother for his brood.Hard work and many pitfalls,including widowhood, she is loved from afar by her neighbour, a caring decent man. Mossie has incredible passion for Beth, he is longing to be noticed by her, loves her children and behaves like a devoted neighbour.....attentive, helpful and practical, yet she is oblivious I loved the way church parish life was the centre of the community in the story. When Beth's daughter became pregnant in much the same way the mother did, Beth goes first to the local priest to tell him the news, not for help but to say they intend to manage and continue church attendance. Beth reacted to the daughter's news by saying " we will be legends in our own lifetime " How refreshing for a 15 year old mother - to - be, to be told to walk tall coimng out of church. Falling for a Dancer had just the right amount of realism, regret and romance. It is a rich story well told. Great ending too Congratulations to all the cast Highly recommended Catherine Cromwell. New Zealand

This is a superb mini-series based on the book by Deirdre Purcell. Based in rural Ireland in the 1920s/ 30s, it explores many of the strong cultural influences at the time regarding the family, the importance of land, taboos about extramarital pregnancy etc. It depicts the difficulty faced by Lizzie (Elisabeth Dermot-Walsh) in turning from a young urban woman to the wife of an older rural man (Dermot Crowley), her struggle with her sexuality and ultimately her developing relationship with Mossie (Liam Cunningham).

Excellent performances are particularly given by Liam Cunningham and Elisabeth Dermot Walsh, and both of these are names to watch for in the future.

I have to agree with other reviewers that this Irish movie is above average. Although it's not a recent production, it's certainly worth tracking down. I got my copy via my public library. The actors, the dialogue and the storyline are top-notch. Add to that the bleak landscape and realistic handling of this isolated location, and you can really 'feel' how difficult it was for our young female lead character. Each character was fully realized and even the children were very well portrayed. A very mature and intelligent approach to a timeless story of young, naive infatuation and how the 'land' and community can shape your life. I was truly impressed by the solid acting, especially by the main protagonists. The pace was perfect and the emotions this story hit upon were subtly yet authentically presented. Kudos for this little-known movie/mini-series.

This came on Romance Classics one Sunday and before it came on they showed a preview on it. So, I thought I knew what it was going to be about when it started. But it was a really captivating story that exceeded my expectations. I wish I had taped it, it was that good. It's a multi-level story which I found made it even more enjoyable. I really loved the dress that Elizabeth wore for a scene in the movie. You'll have to see it to know what I mean and I hope that you do.

Beautiful film set in Ireland (coastline) in the 1930's. The story of various people who bravely hardships and significant problems. The main character, a young woman, manages a top-notch performance in a very difficult role. The film shows the callous and brutal side of people, as well as the lovely and the courageous side. The scenery is gorgeous and the isolated setting, appropriate to the story is also menacing. I watched in awe as I participated in the lives of people in a different world than mine struggle and endure. The problems and the often transient joys are universal and should apply to everyone. "Times change. People never do." Please do yourself a favor and see this 200 minute four part series. I was able to check it out of our local library, but I highly recommend buying it if you can't find it anywhere.