St. Patrick: The Irish Legend

Plot

The film follows Patrick's life chronologically. Born into a noble family in Roman Britain, he is captured by raiders as a youth and enslaved in Ireland for six years before escaping. After training for the priesthood, he returns to Ireland as a bishop, founding churches that accommodate local clan customs. His refusal to collect British church taxes leads Bishop Quentin to seek his excommunication.

Production

Filmed in Ireland, this Fox Family Channel production was co-produced by Morgan O'Sullivan and James Flynn, with Lance H. Robbins as executive producer. James Mathers served as cinematographer, Terry Chiappe as editor, and Foundation Imaging handled visual effects.

Inon Zur composed the score, featuring the Chieftains and Clannad. To prepare, Bergin read extensively about Saint Patrick and likened performing the prayer "Saint Patrick's Breastplate" to yoga. Alan Bates earned £30,000 for two days of work in March 1999.

Reception

Variety noted that Bergin appeared to be "straining to keep a straight face through some of the more fantastical sequences" and that McDowell, Bates and York "bring some much-needed dignity to the production." The review concluded the film was "well meaning but completely absurd." Donald Spoto, Bates's biographer, described the movie as "drenched in saccharine piety and utterly lacking in historical accuracy."