Blest Souls

Directed by

Michael Cimino

How it feels

This film was meant to tell the story of Irish revolutionary Michael Collins and his secret romance with Hazel Lavery during the 1920s war for independence. The production was canceled due to threats and controversy surrounding the project.

unfinishedambitioushistoricromantictragicepictensepassionate

What happens

Blest Souls is an unfinished epic historical romance film by Michael Cimino. Set in the 1920s during the Irish War of Independence, the film was to follow the life of revolutionary leader Michael Collins, and his secret love affair with Hazel Lavery. It was intended as Cimino's follow-up to The Sicilian (1987), another period production with biographical elements set in a European country. The first iteration of the screenplay was written by Eoghan Harris but, after disagreements, Cimino brought on Robert Bolt to help develop a new draft. Sean Bean, at the time a relatively unknown stage actor, was set to portray Collins. Controversy regarding a film being made about Collins was generated from the start, and while reports differ as to why it was ultimately cancelled, co-producer Joann Carelli and assistant director Michael Stevenson claimed it was due to threats against the production that were made to Columbia Pictures. Despite this, a film on the subject, entitled Michael Collins (1996), was made, but without the involvement of any members of this production. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

More like this

• Michael Collins (1996)
• Barry Lyndon (1975)
• Hang Up Your Brightest Colours (1973)
• The Treaty (1991)
• A Terrible Beauty
• The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
• Man's Fate (1970)
• Beloved Enemy (1936)