MAGENNIS VC
A working class seaman becomes his country’s greatest war hero but he struggles against religious bigotry and class prejudice when his medals only make him an outcast.
A returning war hero strives to bring up his family but finds his own community rejects him because of the side he fought for, while the Establishment shuns him because of his class and religion.
Written by John Morrison
Produced by Larry Cowan
Magennis VC is based on the true story of James (Mick) Magennis, Catholic and working class who grew up in Belfast during the Great Depression. He signed up for the Royal Navy to escape the poverty and bigotry of his home city. When war came he served in midget submarines and, in an act of extraordinary valour, sank a giant Japanese Cruiser. He was awarded the VC for his bravery
On his return to Belfast he was, at first, greeted as a hero but when political tensions rose he came to represent British Rule to his own Nationalist community, and as a Catholic war hero, was an embarrassment to the Protestant Unionist establishment.
Magennis became the victim of forces outside of his control. His world fell apart but his moral courage and refusal to become a pawn in either side’s political agenda led him to make the decision to protect his family at all costs.
‘Magennis VC’ is a tragic yet uplifting story that shines the spotlight on a forgotten history, where religious bigotry is pitched against one brave man’s personal and moral courage.
Written by John Morrison
Produced by Larry Cowan
Magennis VC is based on the true story of James (Mick) Magennis, Catholic and working class who grew up in Belfast during the Great Depression. He signed up for the Royal Navy to escape the poverty and bigotry of his home city. When war came he served in midget submarines and, in an act of extraordinary valour, sank a giant Japanese Cruiser. He was awarded the VC for his bravery
On his return to Belfast he was, at first, greeted as a hero but when political tensions rose he came to represent British Rule to his own Nationalist community, and as a Catholic war hero, was an embarrassment to the Protestant Unionist establishment.
Magennis became the victim of forces outside of his control. His world fell apart but his moral courage and refusal to become a pawn in either side’s political agenda led him to make the decision to protect his family at all costs.
‘Magennis VC’ is a tragic yet uplifting story that shines the spotlight on a forgotten history, where religious bigotry is pitched against one brave man’s personal and moral courage.
This film is currently in development with The Northern Ireland Screen
