Ryan’s Daughter – 1970 | 196mins | Romance, Drama | Colour

Plot Synopsis

David Lean expands Robert Bolt’s basic love story into an epic drama. Set during the First World War in Kerry, Ireland, young Rosy Ryan (Sarah Miles), is the daughter of Irish publican Tom Ryan (Leo McKern). She later marries passionless old schoolmaster Charles Shaughnessy (Robert Mitchum). Rosy becomes attracted to handsome Major Randolph Doryan (Christopher Jones), a British officer stationed in the town, Rosy and Doryan embark upon a passionate affair of forbidden love. When town half-wit Michael (John Mills) innocently discloses evidence of Rosy’s transgression, the town locals begin gossiping. Shaughnessy chooses to ignore the scandal, assuming that Rosy will come to her senses and finish the affair. Later, Rosy’s father informs on a group of IRA revolutionaries waiting for an arms shipment, hoping to keep the peace in his village. The locals wrongly assume that Rosy, still endeared to Doryan, is the informer, and exact revenge upon Rosy and her father. Realising that his very presence has caused humiliation for Rosy, Doryan commits suicide. Rosy and Shaughnessy leave the town in an attempt to try and re-build their lives.