Return to Glennascaul: A Story That Is Told in Dublin (1953)

Return to Glennascaul: A Story That Is Told in Dublin Poster

Orson Welles, taking a break from the filming of "Othello," is driving in the Irish countryside one night when he offers a ride to a man with car trouble. The man relays to Welles a strange tale of an encounter he had once before at the same isolated location.

Introduction
"Return to Glennascaul", also known as "A Story That Is Told in Dublin", is a short Irish film released in 1953. Directed by Hilton Edwards and written by Hilton Edwards and Micheál MacLiammóir, the film is a significant piece of Irish movie theater not just for its content however also for consisting of the well-known star Orson Welles in an essential function. It is a ghostly story wrapped in the guise of a daily encounter and delivers its narrative with a traditional, eerie appeal.

Plot Overview
The narrative of "Return to Glennascaul" begins with Orson Welles, playing himself, taking a break from shooting the movie "Othello". He sets out for a leisurely drive around Dublin, Ireland. Upon this drive, Welles encounters 2 stranded women, a mom and child named Lucy and June. They request a lift to their home in Glennascaul, which he graciously provides. What appears to be a mere act of kindness gradually turns into an encounter that blurs the line in between the ordinary and the supernatural.

Throughout the drive, Welles engages in conversation with his guests. The women share their story, and a sense of mystery begins to unfold. They discuss the principle of possibility and how people's paths cross for numerous factors. Upon arrival at their destination, Welles is welcomed in for a beverage however he decreases, assuring to return the next week.

When Orson Welles goes back to fulfill his guarantee the following week, he is challenged with a revelation that includes a twist to the tale: your house where he had actually dropped the ladies off is in ruins and has been uninhabited for years. Puzzled by the discovery, he gains from the regional caretaker that the ladies he encountered were the ghosts of previous occupants who had died in an automobile mishap on their method to a celebration.

Welles, taken aback by the supernatural encounter, assesses the nature of the story he has experienced. He leaves the location, musing on the possible explanations for the strange occasion, with an air of unsettled wonder.

Thematic Elements
The film checks out styles inherent to supernatural stories-- possibility encounters, the thin veil between life and death, and the nature of ghostly phantoms. In spite of being a brief film, it highlights a remarkable mix of thriller and curiosity versus the backdrop of the ordinary, driving audiences to ponder the existence of the supernatural in normal life. There is likewise an undercurrent of Irish folklore in the story, with the landscape and setting contributing to the film's hauntingly climatic tone.

Cinematic Style and Reception
Shot in black and white, "Return to Glennascaul" utilizes shadows, lighting, and music to develop a state of mind that fits the ghost story well. The cinematography captures the Irish countryside enchantingly, contributing significantly to the remarkable feeling that penetrates the film.

The performances, particularly by Welles, are subtle yet compelling. Welles' natural charisma and storytelling aptitude add a layer of credibility to the movie, making the audience's journey into the supernatural all the more believable.

Upon its release, the film got favorable reception and was applauded for its storytelling and atmosphere. It was chosen for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film, vouching for its quality and the impact it had on audiences and critics alike.

Tradition
Though it runs for just under 25 minutes, "Return to Glennascaul" has left a strong imprint on the landscape of Irish movie theater. Its stylish mix of truth with ghostly folklore enhances the brief film with an ageless quality, guaranteeing that it continues to mesmerize audiences who value the supernatural in movie theater, even several years after its preliminary release.

Top Cast

  • Orson Welles (small)
    Orson Welles
    Narrator
  • Michael Laurence
    Sean Merriman
  • Shelah Richards
    Mrs. Campbell
  • Helena Hughes
    Lucy Campbell
  • John Dunne
    Daly
  • Isobel Couser
    The Short Woman
  • Ann Clery
    The Tall Woman