The Dead (1987)

The Dead (1987)
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The final film of legendary director John Huston was based on the closing story of James Joyce's Dubliners. Anjelica Huston is top-billed as Gretta Conroy, the niece by marriage of turn-of-century Irish spinsters Kate Morkan (Helena Carroll) and Julia Morkan (Cathleen Delany). At the home of these two curious ladies, Gretta is prodded into remembering her long-dead lover. She tearfully reveals to her husband (Donal McCann) that the deceased boy may well have died on her behalf. Her tale of woe bespeaks the sentiment shared by James Joyce: no matter how long in their graves, the dead will always influence the living. Adding to the film's elegiac quality, it stars Huston's daughter Anjelica and was co-written with his son Tony Huston. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Anjelica HustonDonal McCann, (more)
Director(s):
John Huston
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Dead

The final film of legendary director John Huston was based on the closing story of James Joyce's Dubliners. Anjelica Huston is top-billed as Gretta Conroy, the niece by marriage of turn-of-century Irish spinsters Kate Morkan (Helena Carroll) and Julia Morkan (Cathleen Delany). At the home of these two curious ladies, Gretta is prodded into remembering her long-dead lover. She tearfully reveals to her husband (Donal McCann) that the deceased boy may well have died on her behalf. Her tale of woe bespeaks the sentiment shared by James Joyce: no matter how long in their graves, the dead will always influence the living. Adding to the film's elegiac quality, it stars Huston's daughter Anjelica and was co-written with his son Tony Huston. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
73 mins

Complete Cast of The Dead


Director(s):
John Huston
Writer(s):
Tony Huston
Producer(s):
Wieland Schulz-KeilWilliam J. QuigleyStephen B. Grimes
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG(Suitable for Children, Adult Situations)
Categories:
Drama
The Dead Awards:
  • 1987 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Director
  • 1987 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Supporting Actress
  • 1986 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Picture
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    Member Reviews
     
    Rose G.

    I'd seen this film first in a movie house but this intimate and introspective gem of a film is even better when seen on the home screen. The writings of Joyce aren't the easiest to make into something as concrete as a film but the Hustons all, pull off the nearly impossible task admirably. Much of Joyce's poetic language remains intact in all the right places. Mostly seen through the eyes of the hardened and distracted Gabriel Conroy, he begins to realize, by the end of this family holiday party, the fleeting preciousness of life and all that he has failed to see in both his own life and the lives those closest to him. Highly recommended. It's really a shame that Blockbuster doesn't offer this movie.

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    Mary D.

    While beautifully filmed, this movie was 90 minutes of nothing. No plot, no action, no resolutions,just a sad character study. I do not recommend it.

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    Joseph C.

    I could not have cared less about any of the characters. If you are a fan of James Joyce, you may find this entertaining. I don't recall reading his stories. As for this video, it was a total waste of time.

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    Read All 15 Reviews