Strumpet City

Adapted from James Plunkett's 1969 bestselling epic novel, this 1980 miniseries marked the first major production of Ireland's RTE TV. The setting is pre-WWI Dublin, a time when the gap between rich and poor was widening and the working class was ripe for revolution. Enter labor organizer Jim Larkin (Peter O'Toole, in a small role) to rile up the household maids and their factory-worker beaux. Stretching over seven 50-minute episodes, Strumpet City spins a tale of urban upheaval as strikes rock the city and people takes sides, such as the young priest whose idealism succumbs to strident conservatism when he can't cope with the realities of the revolution. While the video and audio have been digitally remastered, this miniseries feels dated with its slow-moving plot and overly earnest performances. DVD extras include a text author bio and cast filmographies. Optional. (M. Johanson)