Directed by Tiernan MacBride, this short film – nominated for a Palme d’Or in 1978 for Best Short Film – is a visual representation of the Irish folk song Arthur McBride and The Sergeant, played and sung by Irish singer Paul Brady. The lyrics tell the story of Arthur McBride (Paul Bennett) and his cousin (Paul Wilson) who fight off a recruiting sergeant (Godfrey Quigley) when he tries to enlist them in the British army.

Cast

Godfrey Quigley

Sergeant Napper

Paul Bennett

Arthur McBride

Paul Wilson

Cousin

Don Foley

Corporal Vamp

Patrick O'Neill

Little Wee Drummer