The Year of the French

This really is history at it's best - even for the early 80's the production is awesome - and the total realism cannot be unestimated. A great representation of when the French sent a small army to County Mayo in 1798 to help Irish patriots free themselves of their English lords. Wonderfull characters and totally believable - like being back in Mayo in 1798 - fantastic. I still have a digitised VHS version of the series that I revisit every now and then (usually as soon as I play a scene I am hooked - its that absorbing and realistic) just wish they would get the issues with the DVD release resolved!

Originally saw it on UK TV early 80's when first shown. It was put out as a series on Channel 4 TV

Haven't seen it since ( or got a copy. Only wish I had one) but I don't think it's available in any format anywhere.

It's an evocative and atmospheric recreation of a failed French Landing in the port of Killala (North Mayo Ireland) in 1798 in support of (yet another) Irish revolt against English oppression. Probably of limited interest generally (French with English subtitles) but I loved it - OK I'm Irish.

The film follows the route of the French force through North Mayo through the beautiful but rugged 'Windy Gap' and into the town of Castlebar where they routed the English Garrison and set up HQ in what's now the Imperial Hotel.

The role of General Humbert is played with striking conviction.

I've looked everywhere, without success. Any information grateful. Really would like to get my hands on a copy. I've read the book. It recalls the 1798 rebellion focusing on a number of locals from mayo and going into great detail describing the lands of the area and the battles/skirmishes that took place at the time.

Anyway I read the book which my dad gave me and since I discussed it with him he has not stopped talking about the drama series made in 1982 and how good it was and how much I would enjoy it and how much he would like to see it again. He saw it in the early 80s on channel 4 or RTE he cannot remember exactly. I would like to return the favour and give him a present of the TV series for Christmas but after all my searching online and in DVD stores I cannot lay my hand on it anywhere. In fact at this stage I am coming to doubt it is available in any format anywhere!

Please post a comment if you know of anywhere I may be able to find a copy. Thanking you all in advance for your help.

The series was trilingual.

Trilingual with Irish, French and English.

I cannot remember subtitles, but there must have been, because I understood the dialogue.

What I remember is the Irish and the French talking together in their own languages and understanding each other.

They required a translator to begin with but soon understood each other enough to only occasionally require a translator.

And the various ethnicities pronouncing "Ballina" differently.

Subtle and thoughtful use of language differences.

I too would part with hard-earned lucre for a copy of this series.

I thought that the production of the television drama 'the Year of the French' in 1982 was excellent and I have been searching everywhere to try and find a copy of it. My parents were in the production as extra's so it is of great sentimental value to me. I have searched everywhere so perhaps it was never put out on VHS?DVD? The period is of a lesser known era in Irish and British history so I feel that it should be released as it is of great interest. The 'Castlebar races' certainly gave the British a 'bloody nose' and it was sometime before the rebellion was put down. Many re-en-actors from the UK took part playing both French/British troops as they were already trained to fire cannons/muskets/drumming etc with the 'Sealed Knot' Society.