Following a hugely successful gala screening in the Cork Opera House as part of the Cork Film Festival Dublin audiences now have the chance to see ‘Beloved Enemy’ a 1936 film based on the life of Michael Collins and recently restored by the Irish Film Archive. Made by Hollywood legend Samuel Goldwyn, the film stars the Oscar nominated actors Merle Oberon, Brian Ahearne and British star David Niven.
‘Beloved Enemy’ is a fictional love story set against the war of independence based on the alleged love affair between Collins and Lady Lavery. Although other copies of the film exist this is the only known surviving copy featuring the unhappy ending where the hero dies. The film was considered too down beat for Hollywood audiences and went on general release with a more uplifting ending.
This rare print was originally discovered by Declan McLoughlin of the Limerick Film Archive and its restoration was funded by the Heritage Council’s Museum and Archive fund. This screening will be introduced by Dr Hugh Maguire, Museums and Archives Officer with the Heritage Council.