Titanic Town MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 1/2 Content: -2 1/2

Set in the early 1970s in Ireland when the struggle between Protestants and Catholics was just beginning, this fictional drama is based on events of that time. It revolves around Bernie McPhelimy (Julie Walters), a caring, Catholic mother of four who becomes very disturbed by the IRA - British battle skirmishes occurring right in her own Belfast Ireland neighborhood. Bernie joins the Women for Peace movement and is determined to stop the guerrilla war, but she is perceived to be anti-IRA by most of her neighbors. Undaunted, she continues her crusade on radio, TV and in actual meetings with the IRA leaders and the British authorities who are there to protect both Protestants and Catholics. Her husband (Claran Hinds) and particularly her sixteen year old daughter (Nuala ONeill) are very unhappy about her involvement because it poses grave dangers for them, as well as a major interruption in their lives. Bernies crusade is both engrossing and comical at times, and the acting is well done, but the film lacks strong emotional impact and probably will not be well attended.

Bernie displays a strong concern for the safety of her family and friends during the guerrilla skirmishes, and is a faithful, devout Catholic. Although she delights somewhat in the attention shown her by the media, she is very sincere in her determination to end the war. Somewhat surprising, she and her family spew out profanities and obscenities in crisis situations, and her neighbors do the same. And her teenage daughter, who attends a Catholic school, doesnt hesitate to consent to an affair with her boyfriend. They are shown in a passionate encounter, but no sex or nudity is included. A number of battle skirmishes are shown and some persons are shot, including one lady killed accidentally. And one of Bernies young sons is struck in the head with a club. The admirable theme of the film is how one person can have an important impact on political affairs. Only the foul language spoils the acceptability of TITANIC TOWN. [Ed. note: Accurate language count in Summary difficult due to heavy Irish brogue]

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: The Shooting Gallery, 609 Greenwich St., 7th Flr., NY, NY 10014