A Week in the Life of
Martin Cluxton ₁₉₇₁

Director Brian MacLochlainn collaborated with Caoimhín Ó Marcaigh to co-script the first television drama that cast a critical eye on Ireland's industrial schools. Not everyone was pleased with this, however.

A Week in the Life of Martin Cluxton tells the story of a Dublin boy returning home from an industrial school, closely based on Letterfrack. It first screened on 8 December 1971.

In this scene, Martin returns home to an unfamiliar Dublin. Courtesy of RTÉ Archives.

The script of Martin Cluxton was written before the Kennedy Commission on Residential and Industrial Schools published its final report in 1970. But, according to assistant producer Patsy Murphy, some thought the film would be out of date by the time it was released in 1971.

A Week in the Life of Martin Cluxton reviewed in the RTÉ Guide, December 1971, courtesy of RTÉ Archives

The Kennedy Report, Government Publications Office, 1970, courtesy of the National Library of Ireland

'If you think the system is being knocked unjustly', Murphy told RTÉ Guide readers, 'read the Kennedy report' (RTÉ Guide, 3 December 1971).

The Kennedy Report was strongly critical of Ireland's industrial school system, recommending that many schools be closed.

Writer and director Brian  MacLochlainn speaks about  the making of Martin Cluxton.

If Martin Cluxton contributed in any way to a change in the reform system it will have achieved its purpose

Patsy Murphy, RTÉ Guide, 3 December 1971

Screening Coercive Confinement

Ireland's Institutions in Word and Image 

Our Boys 1981

Director Cathal Black worked with Dermot Healy to create a stinging critique of Christian Brothers' day schools. While critically acclaimed, the film was kept from Irish televisions until 1991.

A Week in the Life ofMartin Cluxton 1971

A Week in the Life of Martin Cluxton tells the story of a Dublin boy returning home from an industrial school, closely based on Letterfrack. It first screened on 8 December 1971.

Screening Coercive Confinement

Our Boys 1981

A Week in the Life of
Martin Cluxton ₁₉₇₁