‘Love and Savagery’ opens Friday Author calls for support of Irish-Newfoundland co-production BY ASHLEY FITZPATRICK The Telegram

Writer Des Walsh at his home in St. John's. — Photo by Ashley Fitzpatrick/The Telegram

The Irish-Newfoundland co-production “Love and Savagery” opens at Empire Theatres Studio 12 in St. John’s Friday.
It will open on the same day in Toronto and Halifax, but how long it remains in theatres will depend on how many people see it this weekend.
Screenwriter Des Walsh told The Telegram he is crossing his fingers in the hope that people will go see the love story.
“I’m very happy with the movie,” Walsh said, speaking at his home in St. John’s. “It’s a strong cast, strong performances and strong direction. It’s heartfully filmed.”
Walsh said he is also pleased with the performances that were based on his script, which was created using a previously published book of poems also titled “Love and Savagery.”
The poetry collection was first published 20 years ago and is now being re-released by Vancouver-based Talon Books in conjunction with the film.

Irish love
Set in 1969, the film tells the tale of Newfoundlander Michael McCarthy, (played by Allan Hawco, also the star of the upcoming CBC series “Republic of Doyle”) who travels to a small fishing village in Ireland.
Falling in love with a local girl named Cathleen (played by Irish actress Sarah Greene), McCarthy discovers that Cathleen has already promised to join a local convent and is committed to the promise.
The title of the film tells the story, said the writer.
“There is a savagery in relationships,” said Walsh. “The savagery of emotional upheaval and the savagery of not being with someone you’re supposed to be with or you feel you’re supposed to be with.”
“Love and Savagery” was directed by John N. Smith, who has worked with Walsh on projects such as “Random Passage” (2002) and “The Boys of St. Vincent” (1992).

Extended effort
The exteriors for the film were shot in Ireland, with some interiors done in areas around St. John’s and at a makeshift soundstage at Donovan’s Industrial Park.
“It’s a long process. We’ve been working on this for years,” said Walsh, who repeated his hope that people head to the theatres to see the movie in its “critical” opening weekend.
“The film looks so beautiful when you see it on a big screen.”
“Love and Savagery” is being released in Canada by Mongrel Media and will screen with the bonus animated short film “Vive La Rose,” a short story set in Newfoundland and based on a song by Emile Benoit.
A trailer for “Love and Savagery” can be viewed at: www.morag.ca.

afitzpatrick@thetelegram.com