THE DAWNING

GB
1988
1hr 37mins
Dir: Robert Knights
Starring: Anthony Hopkins and Rebecca Pidgeon

An IRA guman on the run meets an idealistic young woman and attempts to win her support

This British drama set in 1920s Ireland is based on Jennifer Johnston’s award winning 1979 novel The Old Jest. It features period scenes courtesy of the RPSI, using preserved former GS&WR Class 101 0-6-0 No.184 and stock. This was filmed at Moate station in County Westmeath, which was located on the Dublin-Galway line that closed in 1987 just prior to the film’s release.

Anthony Hopkins walks along a railway line during the opening title sequence. This is almost certain to be somewhere on the Dublin-Galway line.
Former GS&WR Class 101 0-6-0 No.184 arrives into Moate station, County Westmeath
Rebecca Pidgeon talks to the station porter before boarding her train at Moate. This image shows the vintage coaching stock and its LMS/NCC livery to good effect.
A fine study of No.184 getting ready to depart beneath a threatening sky
A later arrival scene at Moate station
A busy scene outside Moate station with No.184 visible on the other side of the wall