This six-part-series, narrated by Raymond Maxwell, looks back at Ireland's contribution to the film industry and envisions how it might look in the future. 

The arrival of the talking pictures meant the decline of the European screen due to the language barrier and it was to soon banish musicians from the cinemas too. Ireland was fortunate to avoid the teething problems of early talking pictures as by the time it made it to Ireland, most of the faults had been corrected. Ralph Dickson, discusses how terrific it was to hear sound on films for the first time, and to "hear a mans voice and to think he was in the room with you".

Basil Lapworth, a former cinema manager, explains the high levels of professionalism he expected from his staff and that a cinema built up a reputation for service, good films - with colour being important and patrons. This was maintained with a daily staff inspection, with uniform, torches and hands checked. 

An Ulster Television Production for Channel Four

Ulster Television wishes to thank: George Morrison Film Archives, Liam O’Leary Film Archives, British Film Institute, RTE Film and Illustrations Library, Irish Film Board, Irish Film Institute, The Belfast Central Library, The Linenhall Library, Gael-Linn and all the many people who supplied material and contributed to the series.

Produced and Directed by Bob Brian 

Series Adviser: Liam O’Leary

Hollywood Adviser: Anthony Slide

Hollywood Location Manager: Marc Wanamaker 

Stills photography: Kenneth McNally

Titles: Alastair McIlwain

Graphic Design: Michael Williams 

Original Music Composed and Conducted by Noel Kelehan 

Film Cameramen: Blane Scott and Ian MacGregor-White 

Film Sound: Paul Irwin and Trevor O’Connor

Film Editor: Pat Devine

Production Assistant: Alison Johnston 

Production Associate: Raymond Maxwell

• NI Direct - PRONI