Collections Search | BFI | British Film Institute

The General (Original title)I Once Had a Life (Working title)
Dates: 1998 (Copyright), 29 May 1998 (Release)

Countries: Ireland, United Kingdom

Director: John Boorman

Synopsis: The story of Martin Cahill, a successful thief and gangster. Circumstances lead up to his murder by an IRA gunman.Synopsis: Set in Dublin, tells the story of a successful thief and robber and retraces the events that led to his killing by an IRA gunman in 1994.

Genres:
Biopic, Crime
Releases
Date: 29 May 1998Country: United KingdomRelease type: unknownFormat: 35mm Film - Black and White - Sound - Dolby / Digital StereoRuntime: 124 mins Dialogue (original): English

Credits (84)
©: Nattore Limited, Production Company: Merlin Films, Production Company: J&M Entertainment, Executive Producer: Kieran Corrigan, Co-executive Producer: P.J. Pettitte, Betsy Davis, Producer: John Boorman, Production Manager: Jo Homewood, Production Co-ordinator: Carol Moorhead, Production Accountant: Con Cremins, Location Manager: Mick Walsh, Location Scout: Robert Wilkinson, Assistant to John Boorman: Sonya Supple, Production Secretary: Rachel Smith, Assistant Director (1st): Kevan Barker, Assistant Director (2nd): Paul Barnes, Assistant Director (3rd): Paddy McCarney, Trainee Assistant Director: Daragh Keogh, Script Supervisor: Laerke Sigfred Petersen, Casting Director: Jina Jay, Written by: John Boorman, Based on the book by: Paul Williams, Director of Photography: Seamus Deasy, Camera Operator: Seamus Deasy, Camera Operator (Additional): Séamus Corcoran, Camera Operator (Video): Cedric Culliton, Steadicam Operator: Alf Tramontin, Steadicam Operator: Roger Tooley, Focus Puller: Shane Deasy, Clapper/Loader: Simon Walsh, Key Grip: John Murphy, Stills Photographer: Pat Redmond, Special Effects: Team FX, Editor: Ron Davis, Production Designer: Derek Wallace, Production Buyer/Set Dresser: Shirley Henderson, Paintings: Jill Andrea Reid, Draftsman: Jim Furlong, Additional Drafting: Brendan Rankin, Prop Master: Paul Hedges, Costume Designer: Maeve Paterson, Wardrobe Mistress: Margaret Crosse, Head Make-up Artist: Máire O'Sullivan, Head Hairdresser: Orla Carroll, Titles/Opticals/Digital Effects: General Screen Enterprises, Processing: Rank Film Laboratories, Original Score: Richie Buckley, Musician (Solo Saxophone): Richie Buckley, Musician (Harmonica/Vocals): Van Morrison, Musician (Harmonica): Mick Kinsella, Philip King, Musician (Baritone Saxophone): Dick Buckley, Musician (Brass Section): Wind Machine, Musician (Drums): Paul Mcateer, Musician (Percussion): Bernard Reilly, Musician (Piano/Keyboards): Brian Connor, Pat Fitzpatrick, Musician (Guitars): Robbie Overson, Arty Mcglynn, Music Supervisor: Brian Masterson, Music Producer: Philip King, Music Co-ordinator: Sarah Power, [Music] Recording Engineer: Brian Masterson, [Music] Recording Theatre: Windmill Lane Studios, Sound Recordist: Brendan Deasy, Sound Post Production: Ardmore Sound, Boom Operator: Eddie Quinn, Re-recording Mixer: Douglas E. Turner, John Fitzgerald, Sound Re-recordist: Michelle Cunniffe, Dubbing Editor: Joe Gilmore, Paddy Gibbons, ADR (Sound Recordist): Pat Hayes, Foley Artist: Jenny Lee Wright, Foley Artist: Pauline Griffiths, Foley Mixer: Edward Colyer, Foley Editor: Ted Mason, Stunt Consultant: Dominic Hewitt, Merlin Films Production Services: Charlie Boorman, Dialect Coach: Poll Moussoulides, Armourer: John McKenna, Helicopter Pilot: John O'Sullivan, Processing: LTC
Cast (70)
Brendan Gleeson (Martin Cahill), Adrian Dunbar (Noel Curley), Séan McGinley (Gary), Maria Doyle Kennedy (Frances), Angeline Ball (Tina), Jon Voight (Inspector Ned Kenny), Eanna Macliam (Jimmy), Tom Murphy (Willie Byrne), Paul Hickey (Anthony), Tommy O'Neill (Paddy), John O'Toole (Shea), Ciarán Fitzgerald (Tommy), Ned Dennehy (Gay), Vinnie Murphy (Harry), Roxanna Williams (Orla), Pat Laffan (Higgins), Eamon Owens (young Martin Cahill), Colleen O'Neill (Patricia), Maebh Gorby (Sylvie), Frank Melia (Lawless), Ronan Wilmot (James Donovan), Lynn Cahill (arcade woman), David Wilmot (assassin), Stephen Brennan (Arthur Ryan), Don Wycherley (Henry Mackie), Kevin Flood (judge), Pat Kinevane (desk guard), Barry McGovern (IRA man 1), Patrick Condron (IRA man 2), Darren Miley (young Anthony), Mark Quigley (young Paddy), Frank Laverty (garda 1), Kieran Hurley (garda 2), Cathy White (guide), Anne Kent (Mrs Cahill), Donnacha Crowley (1962 priest), Aoife Moriarty (young Frances), Clive Geraghty (commissioner), Neilí Conroy (Maeve), John Cronin (Aiden), Peter Hugo Daly (Beavis), Des Cave (IIC chairman), Brendan Conroy (corporation official), Brian Mcgrath (doctor), Alan Barry (judge 2), Pat Leavy (Mrs Duggan), Niamh Linehan (reporter), Jason Byrne (reporter 2), Owen O'Neill (revenue man 1), David Carey (revenue man 2), Con Cremins (security driver), Ann Doyle (TV newsreader), Brendan Coyle (UVF leader), Jim Sheridan (CPAD leader), Emma Mcivor (woman worker), Darragh Kelly (young detective), Andrew Bennett (Hollyfield priest), Anthony Fox (garda 3), Gavin Kelty (young hood 1), Darren Healy (young hood 2), Jeffrey O'Toole (young hood 3), Mark Dunne (young hood 4), Ger Kearny (young hood 5), Tony Flynn (security guard), Jim Reid (Mr Crenshaw), Liz Schwartz (nanny), Ami Hedges (baby), Karl Deegan (garda 4), Mick O'Brien (garda 5), Des O'Malley (himself)
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library (36)
In: Sight and Sound v16 n10 October 2006  Page: 88
Title: The GeneralAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Screen International n1517 30 Sep 2005  Pages: 26-27
Title: Shaking up historyAuthor: SHEEHY, Ted Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Director Ken Loach and producer Rebecca O'Brien explain the challenges of making their period film The WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY, financed by 21 different sources. Includes box office tables on Loach's and Irish-themed political films.

In: Film Ireland n100 Sep/Oct 2004  Pages: 26-29
Title: Shades of greenArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Results of a poll for the top ten Irish films, including votes from critics.

In: Entertainment Weekly n467 15 Jan 1999  Page: 42
Title: Thief encounterAuthor: GLEIBERMAN, Owen Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Sight and Sound v9 n1 January 1999  Page: 64
Title: Video: rentalAuthor: LEIGH, Danny Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review of video release.

In: Interview January 1999  Page: 42
Title: The new IRAAuthor: WEITZMAN, Elizabeth Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: On changing representations of Ireland in films such as The GENERAL and The BUTCHER BOY

In: TV Guide v47 n30 24 Jul 1999  Page: 35
Title: Shoot to thrillAuthor: GILLESPIE, Eleanor Ringel Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Video review

In: Film Score Monthly v4 n2 February 1999  Page: 44
Title: Score: reviews of current releases on CDAuthor: KENDALL, Lukas Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Review of the release on CD of the soundtrack to The GENERAL scored by Richie Buckley.

In: Film (epd) n8 August 1999  Pages: 39-40
Title: Der GeneralAuthor: Seesslen, GEORG Article type: ReviewLanguage: German

In: Cinema Papers n130 June 1999  Pages: 40-41
Title: The generalAuthor: HUNTER, Tim Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Film Dienst v52 n15 20 Jul 1999  Pages: 20-21
Title: The GeneralAuthor: VOSSEN, Ursula Article type: ReviewLanguage: German

In: Film-Echo/Filmwoche n28 17 Jul 1999  Page: 32
Title: Der GeneralAuthor: KLEBER, Reinhard Article type: ReviewLanguage: German

In: The Directors Guild Of America Magazine v23 n5 January 1999  Pages: 88-92
Title: Merlin's manAuthor: LEWIS, Kevin Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: John Boorman talks about his philosophy and technique of making films and especially about The GENERAL

In: Film Review vSpec nNo.26 Year Book 1998/9  Page: 64
Title: The generalAuthor: CAMERON-WILSON, James Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Short review.

In: Neon December 1998  Page: 109
Title: "Flawed heroes are always better"Author: JOHNSON, Bramwell Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: John Boorman talks about making The GENERAL

In: Positif n454 December 1998  Pages: 12-14
Title: Le Général: la manifestation et la contrainteAuthor: MASSON, Alain Article type: ArticleLanguage: French

In: Screen International n1177 25 Sep 1998  Page: 6
Title: [Screen International - n1177 25 Sep 1998: no known title]Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: On distribution rights to THE GENERAL.

In: 24 Images n93/94 Autumn 1998  Page: 50
Title: Un Robin des Bois moderneAuthor: MARSOLAIS, Gilles Article type: CreditsLanguage: French
Description: Reviewed at the 1998 Cannes International Film Festival.

In: Premiere v11 n4 December 1998  Pages: 33-34
Title: The GeneralAuthor: KENNY, Glenn Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Neon December 1998  Page: 109
Title: VideosAuthor: O'NEILL, Phelim Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review of video release

In: Screen International n1155 24 Apr 1998  Page: 24
Title: [Screen International - n1155 24 Apr 1998: no known title]Author: SEGUIN, Denis Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Premiere n261 December 1998  Page: 27
Title: Le GénéralAuthor: BERNARD, Jean-Jacques Article type: ArticleLanguage: French

In: Flicks v11 n6 June 1998  Page: 15
Title: The GeneralAuthor: FALK, Quentin Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Empire n109 July 1998  Page: 40
Title: New filmsAuthor: Nathan, IanArticle type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Empire n109 July 1998  Pages: 62-64
Title: Great expectationsAuthor: Nathan, IanArticle type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Director John Boorman discusses his career, particularly the making of POINT BLANK (1967) and describes his latest film The GENERAL.

In: Film West n31 January 1998  Page: 10
Title: Production NewsAuthor: POWER, Paul Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Currently in post-production.

In: Sight and Sound v8 n7 July 1998  Page: 64
Title: Additions and correctionsArticle type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Correction to the filmographic data in the review for The GENERAL in Sight and Sound June 1998 [p.44] - costume designer should read Maeve Patterson.

In: Entertainment Weekly n446/447 21 Aug 1998  Page: 86
Title: Fall Movie PreviewArticle type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Film West n33 July 1998  Pages: 62-63
Title: The GeneralAuthor: FENNELL, Nicky Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Film Ireland n65 Jun/Jul 1998  Page: 34
Title: The GeneralAuthor: DUANE, Paul Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Sight and Sound v8 n6 June 1998  Pages: 10-12
Title: Return to zerioAuthor: KEMP, Philip Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with director John Boorman about his latest film The GENERAL (1998). Boorman talks about the requirements of making a film about a real person, he also refers to a documentary he is making about Lee Marvin.

In: Sight and Sound v8 n6 June 1998  Page: 44
Title: ReviewsAuthor: BROOKS, Xan Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Variety 25 May 1998  Page: 63
Title: Film reviewsAuthor: ELLEY, Derek Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: The Independent Film and Video Monthly v21 n10 December 1998  Page: 45
Title: Fresh produceAuthor: POWER, Paul Article type: NoteLanguage: English

In: Film Review June 1998  Page: 22
Title: Film reviewsAuthor: CAMERON-WILSON, James Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Film Ireland n61 Oct/Nov 1997  Page: 9
Title: news/current productionsArticle type: CreditsLanguage: English


Books held in BFI Reuben Library (4)
Title: Genre and cinema: Ireland and transnationalism
Author: McILROY, Brian  Pages: xv, 284 p.

Title: general
Author: BOORMAN, John  Pages: 125p.
Description: Introduction by John Boorman.

Title: General: godfather of crime
Author: Williams, Paul  Pages: 221 pages
Description: Factual account of the life of Martin Cahill, subject of John Boorman's film The General (1998).

Title: Gone with the glory: the Civil War in cinema
Author: WILLS, Brian Steel  Pages: xii', 239 p.


Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(4)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-1354949
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)



Film materials(4)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-1081268
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-1081269
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-1354950
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-1354949
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)