Movies in the Mountains: Jimmy’s Hall is a rural stage for political Irish passions

In 1921, during the Irish Civil War, Jimmy Gralton’s sin was to build a dance hall in rural Ireland where the young folk had a place to come and interact, to dance and have fun.

Political activist Jimmy, played by Barry Ward, was banished for this, but ten years later, he’s back and bringing the culture of New York City to his home in Ireland’s County Leitrim.

In the film Jimmy’s Hall, the local teens urge Jimmy to reopen the Pearse-Connolly community dance hall, which he relents to.

But those against it soon make themselves known and voice disapproval at the jazz music, the dancing that involves pelvic thrusts, and radical ideas coming out of it.

Set in 1932 and inspired by Jimmy’s roller-coaster life, The Globe and Mail’s Liam Lacey said in his review, that Jimmy’s Hall has appealing integrity, “from the old-fashioned craft of the filming and editing, to the detailed recreation of a world of more than 80 years ago and the refreshingly unconventional faces in the group scenes. There’s also just the improbable audacity of the project: Who else is trying to make a popular film about a working-class heroes these days?”

English-born Ken Loach directs this story of individuals fighting against state and religious oppression and Jimmy’s Hall celebrates the spirit of free thinkers.

Box Office:

When: Wednesday Jan. 27, 7:30p.m.

Tickets: $8 . Buy tickets online and access online discounts here. Enter promo code revmountaineer for a special online-only 5% discount.

Check out other upcoming films and events in the Revelstoke Mountaineer’s guide to the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre’s loaded winter calendar.