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WICKLOW, Ireland, March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time on film, the story of the legendary St. Patrick will be told in "Saint Patrick, The Irish Legend," a Fox Family Channel original movie, which has begun production in Wicklow, Ireland, it was announced today by Rich Cronin, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fox Family Channels. An impressive all-star British and Irish cast is featured prominently in this historic drama, with such accomplished performers as Patrick Bergin, Malcolm McDowell, Susannah York and Alan Bates starring in the Fox Family Channel original production slated for airing in March 2000. "St. Patrick is one of the most celebrated figures in history, yet few people know the story of the man behind the legend" said Cronin. "We will be telling Patrick's tale in a sweeping historical saga rich with the magic and beauty of Ireland, the land with which he will be eternally linked. This ambitious undertaking will help distinguish Fox Family Channel as the home of inspirational family movie events." "Saint Patrick, The Irish Legend" is executive produced by Lance H. Robbins and produced/directed by Robert Hughes from a teleplay written by Martin Duffy and Robert Hughes. Morgan O'Sullivan and James Flynn are co-producers. Worldwide distribution of the original film will be handled by Saban International, and make its debut at next month's MIP-TV market in France. Set in the 5th century A.D., the two-hour story of adventure, intrigue, miracles and discovery is based upon St. Patrick's own writings and those of his 7th century biographer, Miurchu. Patrick (Bergin) is born a Briton, the son of nobility, but at the age of 16, the spoiled and rebellious youth is kidnapped by Irish raiders and enslaved by a cruel Druid chieftain. While in the depths of his captivity and despair, Patrick rediscovers his faith in God. Six years later, after many dreams and visions, a voice guides Patrick's escape from slavery and his return home. Back in England, Patrick attempts to return to his former life, but becomes troubled by new visions -- the voices of the Irish pleading with him to return and to lead them to God. He travels to Gaul to become a priest, returning to Ireland years later as its first Bishop. His mission is jeopardized by British Bishop Quentin (McDowell), who believes that the Irish are warlike heathens, and that Patrick is establishing his own cult church in Ireland. An acclaimed actor of the British screen and stage, Patrick Bergin first gained recognition in the U.S. in the role of Julia Roberts' obsessed husband in the suspense/thriller "Sleeping with the Enemy." Proclaimed by People magazine as one of its "50 Most Beautiful People," Bergin's acting success continued with roles in ``Patriot Games,'' "Map of the Human Heart," and many British and Irish stage productions. Malcolm McDowell will perhaps be most remembered for his role as Alex in Stanley Kubrick's classic film "A Clockwork Orange." Other credits include roles in "Cat People," "Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Movie," Robert Altman's "The Player" and most recently in television in the new "Fantasy Island." Alan Bates, an accomplished British actor, started his career on stage in John Osborne's landmark anti-Establishment drama, "Look Back in Anger." His film credits include starring roles with Sir Laurence Olivier in "The Entertainer," "`The Collection," "The Three Sisters" and "Voyage Round My Father" Bates was seen most recently in the television movie "Nicholas' Gift." Susannah York's film credits include starring roles in all four Superman movies, "A Man for All Seasons," "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" "Tom Jones" and "X,Y and Zee." Her television movie credits include "Jane Eyre" and "Tender Is the Night." Fox Family Channel, which premiered on August 15 as a revitalized version of the Family Channel, is a division of International Family Entertainment, Inc. The family-targeted basic cable network, available in over 73 million homes nationwide, delivers a dynamic mix of original and acquired series, specials and movies for the entire family. SOURCE: Fox Family Channel Review: Reuters/Variety, 9 March 00 ''St. Patrick'' stretches credibility St. Patrick: The Irish Legend (Sun.12 March), 7-9 p.m., Fox Family Channel) By Laura Fries HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - An impressive cast and fabulous locales can't elevate this well meaning but completely absurd costumer from years of certain servitude in parochial school auditoriums. While the timely pic may initially draw interest based on its subject, ``St. Patrick: The Irish Legend'' simply doesn't have the makings of a religious or holiday classic. Fox Family Channel obviously sank some considerable change into this original film, using sweeping Irish locales, elaborate sets and an enormous display of special effects to propel this story of a religious icon. Director Robert Hughes approaches pic with the enthusiasm of Ned Flanders, but in his zeal to make this religious story ccessible to younger viewers, he creates a pious superhero at the expense of historical credibility. This new, improved image, courtesy of Hughes and fellow writer Martin Duffy, paints Patrick more as a staff-wielding Hercules than as the devout leader who became the first bishop of Ireland. Film depicts Patrick's life chronologically, from his youth as a privileged son of a nobleman in 5th century Britain to his six years as a slave and ultimate appointment as bishop in the face of great opposition. Although much is made of his rebellious youth and enslavement in Ireland, pic works best when Patrick's political struggles with the Church of Britain take center stage. Instead of resorting to the fire and brimstone theatrics used to scare the Druids, Patrick must take on the very real and imposing Bishop Quentin (Malcolm McDowell), who tries to have him excommunicated after he refuses to establish Britain's system of church taxes. These events come late in the film, however, and by then, Hughes has already begun to hurriedly wrap things up. Bergen, as Patrick, possesses the innate seriousness needed for the role of such a determined man though it appears that even he is straining to keep a straight face through some of the more fantastical sequences. McDowell is a perfectly pious fit for Bishop Quentin, although his screen time is rather limited. His role, along with those of Patrick's parents, Calpornius and Concessa, played by Alan Bates and Susannah York, bring some much-needed dignity to the production. While James Mathers' camera work and a musical score featuring the Chieftains and Clannad seem to be made for the bigscreen, special effects by Foundation Imaging are more of the caliber of a Saturday afternoon action series. Patrick ........... Patrick Bergin Young Patrick ..... Luke Griffin Calpornius ........ Alan Bates Concessa .......... Susannah York Quentin ........... Malcolm McDowell Benignus .......... Eamonn Owens Auxilius .......... Chris McHallem Iserninus ......... Michael Caven Briain ............ Stephen Brennan Filmed on location in Ireland by Fox Family Channel in association with Sharpmist III Ltd. Executive producer, Lance H. Robbins; producer, Robert Hughes; co-producers, Morgan O'Sullivan, James Flynn; director, Robert Hughes; writers, Robert Hughes and Martin Duffy; camera, James Mathers; editor, Terry Chiappe; music, Inon Zur; sound, Ray Cross; casting, Carmel O'Connor.

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