"In a season of strenuously ambitious art, the laid-back modesty and accessible charm of Evelyn is a welcome relief." Gary Thompson PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS "Like Brosnan’s performance, Evelyn comes from the heart." Craig Roush KINNOPIO'S MOVIE REVIEWS "An unabashedly schmaltzy and thoroughly enjoyable true story." Steve Rhodes STEVE RHODES' INTERNET REVIEWS "It's that rare family movie, genuine & sweet without relying on animation or dumb humor." Mary F Pols CONTRA COSTA TIMES "There's real inspiration to be found in this warmly told David and Goliath story, and 'tis a fine time to revel in that." Janice Page BOSTON GLOBE

What The Critics Say

"What a sweet, gentle and feisty movie Evelyn is." David Keyes CINEMAPHINE.ORG "From any other filmmaker, Evelyn would be merely a forgettable good intention, but when you consider that Beresford is the man who brought us "Black Robe" and "Breaker Morant", it approaches heartbreak." Ann Hornaday WASHINGTON POST "Swells the heart in that predictable yet sweet way all come-from-behind pictures should." Sean O'Connell ECLIPSE MAGAZINE

At A Glance

"The sentiment is balanced with cheeky Irish humor, Pierce Brosnan is fine as Desmond, and there's a sobering sense of history." ...... Chris Hewitt ST PAUL PIONEER PRESS

There's a lot to like, or should I say a lot to love in this gorgeous film, set in the 1950's and based on the true story of an Irish fathers struggle [against what appeared to be insurmountable odds], to be reunited with his three children. "Evelyn" is done with such impish style, capturing the era when the state ruled and fathers didn't always have the right to raise their own children, no matter how much they loved them. Leading the cast in this heart tugging film is the man whose name is synonymous with danger and saving the world Pierce Brosnan born in County Meath, Ireland [where he lived until at the age of 11 his family moved to London] and the cutest little nine year old, Sophie Vavasseur as his screen daughter "Evelyn". While these two are 'the' stars of the film they don't get it all their own way for "Evelyn" is rich in characters like Tom Connolly, played by screen veteran and Academy Award ® nominee Alan Bates who made his film debut in "The Entertainer": Michael Beattie played by Belfast native and 1992 National Society of Film Critics Best Actor Award winner Stephen Rea who's fine career also includes an Academy Award ® nomination for "The Crying Game": Bernadette, played by and Golden Globe nominee and two time Screen Actors Guild Award winner for Best Actress in a Dramatic Series, Julianna Margulies best known to fans for her role in "ER" and who was seen not that long ago in "The Man From Elysian Fields". And how's this for an Irish connection? American actor Aidann Quinn appears as Nick Barron in "Evelyn". Quinn was born in Chicago to first generation Irish parents, played an travelling Irish player in the film "The Playboys" and went on to play an Irish orphan raised by a poor farming family in "This is my Father". Nine year old Sophie Vavasseur is of course Irish but don't let her age fool you. This Dubliner has been studying Drama since the age of six, has appeared in the IMAX film "Twang", on stage in the production of Conor McPherson's "Come On Over" at The Gate Theatre and appeared alongside Matthew McConaughey and Christian Bale in the film "Reign Of Fire". And that leaves Pierce Brosnan who is a delight to watch in the lead role of Desmond Doyle. Often mistaken as a British actor, Brosnan's roots are Irish. In this role, Brosnan is convincing, refreshing and as enjoyable as he was in "The Tailor Of Panama". There's no doubting Brosnan has made the role of James Bond his own having appeared in "Goldeneye", "Tomorrow Never Dies" and "The World Is Not Enough" but his face has become a familiar one to cinema goers with roles in "The Thomas Crown Affair", "Mrs Doubtfire" and "Dante's Peak". Of course many will say they had a good feeling about him through the television series "Remington Steele".Little wonder that in 1999 he received the Empire Award as Best Actor and, thanks to his persona and good looks was in 2001 voted "The Sexiest Man Alive" by People Magazine. But you've read enough about actors and actress's, so let's have a look at the story behind the making of "Evelyn". Yes, "Evelyn" is based on a true story. A story the real life daughter of Desmond Doyle wanted told. Evelyn Doyle now living in Scotland "knew an account of her father’s heroism would make a good story." Like many other good stories it just needed a catalyst. That catalyst was Paul Pender. "Evelyn was a movie just waiting to be made," screenwriter Paul Pender says. "Within three minutes of hearing the story," he explains, "the hair was standing up on the back of my neck. I immediately knew it would make a great film, a classic, moving, David and Goliath-type story." Even more hair raising was the photo of Evelyns father. When shown to Bender, he immediately noted the remarkable resemblance to Pierce Brosnan. "I know it sounds coincidental,” he says, “but Evelyn showed me a picture of her father. He looked like Pierce, and I said so. I’m sure she thought I was out of my mind, but that’s what started it all." But hold on to your hats folks. Pender moved to Hollywood working as an intern and reader at the headquarters of MGM Pictures in Santa Monica, California. "I was reading all these scripts being sent in," Pender says, "and I found them so boring. I like films which are funny and uplifting and say something interesting about the human condition." Convinced his "Evelyn" script had those qualities he decided to make a concerted effort to get it to Brosnan. Believe it or not. guess what? The the offices for Irish DreamTime the production company partnered by Brosnan and partner Beau St Clair were just one floor above where he was working! His self belief paid off.
"I liked it at once," says St. Clair. "It touched me, it moved me, and it made me laugh, and that’s exactly the kind of project we were looking for." According to Brosnan, "The story has a jauntiness to it. Not only is it an important and moving story, but it’s something people will enjoy. We’ve all seen gloomy films with a ‘message,’ but this is different. It’s a very hopeful film, very optimistic about the future and the good that people can do when they set their minds to it. That’s very timely, and people want to see stories like that." And when it came to who should direct the film, one person sprang to mind immediately adds Brosnan, "acclaimed director Bruce Beresford, with whom he’d worked a decade earlier on in Mr Johnson." It's no secret Bronsan had always wanted a chance to work with Beresford again. "Bruce’s cinematic sensibilities are razor sharp," says Brosnan. "He knows how to tell a story with economy, eloquence, and above all, great humanity." And that not only describes the talented Beresford but also this wonderously inspiring tale of one mans struggle to win back his family rights in 1953. A struggle that would, in the end, result in major changes to family laws in Ireland. "Evelyn" was directed by Bruce Beresford ["Don’s Party", "The Getting of Wisdom", "Tender Mercies", "Double Jeopardy" and "Driving Miss Daisy"], produced by Pierce Brosnan, Michael Ohoven and Beau St Clair ["The Nephew", "The Thomas Crown Affair" and "Race the Sun"], written by Paul Pender ["Beautiful Lies" and "The Bogie Man"], edited by Humphrey Dixon ["Mr Johnson", "Dust", "Quartet", "A Room with a View" and "Enemy at the Gates"], music composed, orchestrated and conducted by Stephen Endelman ["Bride of the Wind", "Two Family House", "Tom and Huck" and "Finding Graceland"] while the haunting images were shot under the director of photography Andre Fleuren ["Bride of the Wind", "Double Jeopardy", "Paradise Road" and "The Black Robe"],
"Evelyn" stars Pierce Brosnan ["The Tailor of Panama", "Mrs Doubtfire", "Lawnmower Man" and "Goldeneye"], Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Award winner Julianna Margulies ["Ghost Ship", "The Man From Elysian Fields", "What’s Cooking" and "The Newton Boys"], Alan Bates ["The Fixer", "Zorba the Greek", "Three Sisters" and "The Sum Of All Fears"], Aidan Quinn ["Desperately Seeking Susan", "The Handmaid's Tale", "The Assignment" and "Looking For Richard"], Stephen Rea ["Interview with a Vampire", "The Crying Game", "Guinevere" and "Life Is Sweet"], John Lynch ["Sliding Doors", "Moll Flanders", "In the Name of the Father" and "The Secret Garden"] and Sophie Vavasseur ["Twang" and "Reign Of Fire"] as Evelyn. The Story Desmond Doyle's wife has run off with another man and left behind her daughter and two sons. On advice, the peniless, out of work Desmond places his children in the care of the church. When he is back on his feet, they'll be returned to him. Even though it breaks his heart to part with them, Desmond believes that in the short term he is doing what's best for them. They will be looked after, fed and get an education. But when Desmond tries to get his daughter Evelyn and sons Henry and Dermot back he discovers he has no rights under Irish law. With his wife living somewhere in Australia Desmond is devestated at the news. Then, a charming Irish barmaid, who can see something special in Desmond, introduces him to a friend. A lawyer named Michael Beattie. Luck appears to be with Desmond until he realizes the enormous battle he has on his hand. His self belief and love for his children will be tested as he takes on the court system which is denying him access to his children. The Verdict "A remarkable story that tugs at the heart. A film through which every emotion is explored. Sophie Vavasseur is delightful as the nine year old Evelyn. A film blessed with laughter, joy, sorrow, loss and triumph. You'll shed a tear or two but don't be embarressed, most of the audience will be reaching for the tissues too. A real charmer filled with Irish joy. Quality production. Recommended." The Cast

Pierce Brosnan Hugh McDonagh Julianna Margulies Alan Bates Mairead Devlin Frank Kelly Sophie Vavasseur Niall Beagan Aidan Quinn Claire Mullan Alvaro Lucchesi Garrett Keogh Daithi O'Suilleabhain Andrea Irvine Marian Quinn Karen Ardiff Bosco Hogan Des Braiden Sorcha Herlihy Lauren Carpenter Stephen Rea Lauren O'Connell Gail Fitzpatrick Hugh Grogan Peter Fowl Pat McGrath Mark Lambert John Lynch

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Desmond Doyle Maurice Doyle Bernadette Beattie Tom Connolly Charlotte Doyle Henry Doyle Evelyn Doyle Dermot Doyle Nick Barron Mrs Daisley Inspector Logan District Judge Brother Eustace Sister Brigid Sister Theresa Sister Felicity Father O'Malley Fergal Mary Annette Farrell Michael Beattie Lauren Miss Gilhooly Pub Musician Pub Musician Gamekeeper Minister of Education Mr Wolfe

The Crew Directed by Bruce Beresford Written by Paul Pender Produced by Pierce Brosnan, Beau St Clair & Michael Ohoven Original Music by Stephen Endelman Cinematography by Andre Fleuren Film Editing by Humphrey Dixon Casting by John & Ros Hubbard Production Design by John Stoddart Art Direction by Ian Bailie Set Decoration by Josie MacAvin Costume Design by Joan Bergin Production Manager David Byrne Production Supervisor Amanda Scarano Rated PG [AUST] Run Time 94 minutes Copyright ©2004 - MGM/United Artists - All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2004 - Impact Internet Services - All Rights Reserved