Guests of the Nation

Neil McKenzie's drama, based on the prize-winning short story by Frank O'Connor, tells the story of a pair of Irish insurgents and the two captured British soldiers whom they are assigned to guard. While confined to a remote farmhouse, owned by the spirited Widow O'Connell, the foursome - all equally attuned to "make peace, not war," - enjoy card playing, jig dancing, and a great deal of amiable bickering about their respective countries and religions. Throughout the conviviality, Barney Callahan is haunted by the knowledge that reprisals will be in order if the Irish harm their British captives.

"Have a handkerchief handy. The acting is brilliant." - The New York Daily News

1981, Drama, 60 minutes, Color

Cast: Estelle Parsons , Frank Converse , Nesbitt Blaisdell , Charlie Stavola , Brian O'Mallon, Richard Cottrell, Nicholas Kepros, Tom V.V. Tammi


Written by: Neil McKenzie adapting the work of Frank O'Connor

Music by: Elizabeth Swados

Directed by: John Desmond


Produced by: Phylis Geller

Executive Producer: Jac Venza


A presentation of Thirteen/WNET New York, Great Performances 1981