Ourselves Alone (film)
Ourselves Alone, known in the United States as River of Unrest, is a British drama film from 1936 portraying events during the Irish War of Independence. The film was directed by Brian Desmond Hurst and features performances by John Lodge, John Loder, and Antoinette Cellier. Its title is derived from the Irish phrase Sinn Féin Amháin.
Although it was prohibited in Northern Ireland under the provisions of the Civil Authorities (Special Powers) Act (Northern Ireland) 1922, the film was shown in both the Irish Free State and Great Britain.
Synopsis
Set against the backdrop of 1921, the narrative centers on an IRA attack targeting a police convoy escorting two detained IRA operatives. Key characters include Irish Police Inspector Hannay and British Captain Wiltshire, who both harbor feelings for Maureen Elliot, the sister of the IRA commander. When Wiltshire fatally shoots the IRA leader, Hannay, understanding Maureen’s affection for Wiltshire, assumes responsibility for the shooting. Subsequently, Maureen assists Wiltshire in evading an IRA ambush.
Cast
- John Lodge portraying Inspector Hannay
- John Loder as Captain Wiltshire
- Antoinette Cellier playing Maureen Elliott
- Niall MacGinnis as Terence Elliott
- Clifford Evans in the role of Commander Connolly
- Jerry Verno as Private Parsley
- Bruce Lester as Second Lieutenant Lingard
- Maire O'Neill as Nanny
- Tony Quinn playing Maloney
- Paul Farrell as Hogan
Reception
An early review from 1936 recognized this film as a significant milestone in Brian Desmond Hurst’s directing career, emphasizing its promise despite modest promotional efforts. The Irish Times subsequently hailed it as the "Film of the year," reflecting considerable acclaim within the industry. Conversely, novelist and critic Graham Greene rejected comparisons to The Informer, labeling it "one of the silliest pictures" produced by an English studio. Nonetheless, it earned a place as the seventh highest-ranked British film of 1936.
Books
Theirs is the Glory: Arnhem, Hurst and Conflict on Film focuses on Hurst’s epic depiction of the Battle of Arnhem and offers insight into his career, including his nine films centered on conflict such as Ourselves Alone.
External links
- 1936 films
- 1936 romantic drama films
- Irish War of Independence films
- Films shot at British International Pictures Studios
- British black-and-white films
- Films directed by Brian Desmond Hurst
- Films set in Ireland
- British romantic drama films
- Films about the Irish Republican Army
- 1930s English-language films
- 1930s British films
- English-language romantic drama films