The Raj In The Rain

Obese alcoholics, pillhead geriatric ravers and astral planing pensioners. In civilised society they would be on medication or locked up. But this is Ireland where they are celebrated and cherished as 'The Ascendancy' - our Aristocracy.

The Raj in the Rain is an affectionate, insightful and frequently bizarre portrait of a dwindling tribe – the Anglo-Irish Ascendancy. For centuries, the landed gentry lead privileged lives in palatial mansions on vast rambling estates. Following Ireland’s independence, the community entered a period of decline, estates were broken up and today fewer than 30 families occupy their original estates. The film presents a kaleidoscope of snapshots of this almost extinct tribe as they potter around their crumbling piles contemplating their lot. Among them are: Sir John Leslie, 96-year-old night-clubber of Castle Leslie; Olivia Durdin-Robertson of Huntington Castle, member of the Temple of Isis; Mark Bence Jones of Glenville, Co. Cork chronicler of his peers; and Josslyn Gore Booth as he leaves his Sligo home in Lissadell. Filmed over ten years this documentary offers access to this rarefied world and its eccentric inhabitants.

Director

Patrick Cooney

Released

31 March 2012

IMDb

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