“His willy, cut off his willy.” The Irish classic will be on your screens.
A few weeks ago, the legendary Colm Meaney popped into JOE’s studios to chat about his latest film The Last Right.
Of course, his work in the likes of Star Trek, the Barrytown Trilogy (The Van, The Snapper, The Commitments), and Con Air were all mentioned, but it’s easy to forget some of other beloved films that he’s starred in, especially those that were made in Ireland.
Into The West, The Last of the High Kings, This Is My Father, Kings, and Intermission are just some of the films that the Dubliner graced, but quite a lot of film fans will remember his turn as Geronimo’s dad in John Roberts’ beloved coming-of-age film, War of the Buttons.
For those that aren’t aware, the film revolves around the children of two fictional villages in Ireland, Ballydowse and Carrickdowse.
Like most local rivalries, both sets of kids engage in battles and skirmishes in which they cut off the buttons, shoe-laces, belts and braces of their captured opponents.
It’s all-out war when The Ballys take on The Carricks.
They go to battle in mass groups of dozens, wielding sticks & slingshots. It’s a battle of strategic skills for the opposing leaders and everyone wants their trophies. After all, bragging rights aren’t the only thing that are up for grabs.
Based on the French novel Les Guerre des Boutons by Louis Pergaud, the film boasts one hell of a cast with the likes of Liam Cunningham, Ger Ryan, Pat Laffan, Frank Kelly, Dervla Kirwan, Johnny Murphy, and Meaney all starring.
Filmed in various locations around West Cork including Castletownshend, Rosscarbery, Union Hall and Skibbereen, the film has become a cult-classic for Irish film fans.
Hard as it is to believe, it’s now 25 years since the film was originally released in Irish cinemas. We think a catch up is on order when War of the Buttons airs on Monday, 30 December at 07:35 on RTÉ One.
Ok, it’s an early start, so don’t forget to set record.
Here’s a reminder of what’s in store.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvi5v0x88n0
Clip via John Fintan Daly
