I watched a private viewing in the Cinema in Killarney over 45years ago..I was probably about 14My grandfather, Michael Kiely, his sons Paddy and Jim Kiely all managed/ran the cinema for many years.
Wonderful to find this site with information about The Dawn. I was brought up in Killarney and watched this movie with pride in Thomas Coopers "picture hall" The Casino.
So it might not have big stars, or expensive production values, or even reliable film stock, but The Dawn is a magnificent labour of love. Made in County Kerry by a group of innovative amateurs, it was one of the first Irish films ever made.
The town of Killarney, Co Kerry, Ireland should be proud of a group of local actors who put this film together back in 1933 under the direction of Thomas Cooper. The story line touches the heart of this Irish American.
An absolute triumph over adversity! The Dawn was made on a budget that would defy shoestring status!
This is the first full length sound movie made in Ireland. The director, Cooper, was the owner of the local cinema.
