Like many of the best Irish films, Ballroom has a notable literary source. A BBC/RTÉ television co-production adapted by William Trevor from his short story, it’s a delicate portrait of loneliness in a landscape of perpetual economic malaise and mass emigration (problems Irish audiences still experienced in 1982). In the 1950s, temporary escape and hope were found, if it was found, in the rural dancehalls, often to the siren sounds of far Amerikay. Despite Bridie’s willingness to capitulate, she may never become a bride. But she’s only one victim. Many others dance, anonymous, just beyond the boundaries of our screen.

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