Michael Collins: The Shadow Of Bealnablath

An absorbing documentary about the life and death of political activist Michael Collins, this program attempts to "lift the veil" surrounding Collins' murder in August of 1922 at Bealnablath in West Cork, Ireland. Working up to that point, viewers are also given an inside look at the fight for Irish independence. Born in 1890, Michael Collins was already a captain at the time of the infamous Easter Rising in 1916. Over the next few years, Collins would work with the IRA (Irish Republican Army) in their efforts to expel British rule, and would become one of the key figures in the negotiations with Lloyd George over the issue of Irish independence in 1921. Ironically, Collins would break with the IRA shortly thereafter and head up the Irish Free Army. The last 40 minutes of the film offers a re-enactment of the events of August 22, 1922 when Collins' armored car was stopped and a skirmish ensued between Collins' party and IRA members, resulting in Collins' death. Interviews with relatives, friends, and leading figures during the early part of the century are combined with footage of Collins, and excerpts from his letters. Unfortunately, a couple of the interviewees have such a heavy Irish brogue that they are quite difficult for Westerners to understand. This quibble aside, the program is highly recommended. Note: a major motion picture about the life of Michael Collins, starring Kevin Costner, is slated for release next year. (Available from: Rego Irish Records & Tapes, 64 New Hyde Park Road, Garden City, NY 11530; 1-800-854-3746, or from Baker & Taylor Video.)