A new film is set to bring to life the true stories of Irish women who defied convention and took a dark path in 19th-century America. The movie, which stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Emilia Jones, follows two sisters as they leave their abusive father behind and enter the underworld of "Bad Bridgets," a term coined by historians Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick to describe Irish emigrant women who turned to crime.
Farrell and McCormick, both academics at Queen's University Belfast, spent years researching and writing about these women, who were often overlooked in history books. Their book, "Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women," revealed a shocking reality - that Irish women made up an alarming majority of those imprisoned in New York City during the 19th century.
The film's production company announced this week that it is turning the historians' work into a feature, with Rich Peppiatt set to direct and Trevor Birney producing. Oscar-winning designer James Price and costume designer Kate Hawley are on board to create the film's sets and costumes.
For Farrell and McCormick, who have worked tirelessly to bring these stories to life through their book and podcast, it's a dream come true to see their work make it onto the big screen. "It's a new world for us," said Farrell. "We're thrilled that our research has been picked up by someone who believes in its power."
The film's plot is inspired by individual stories of Irish women who defied convention and took risks. There was Ellen Price, who sang a raucous rendition of "Rocky Road to Dublin" in court after being arrested for drunkenness; Margaret Brown, also known as Old Mother Hubbard, who escaped from prison by tying bedsheets together but fell and injured herself; and Lizzie Halliday, who was convicted of multiple murders but had her sentence commuted on grounds of insanity.
The women behind the podcast and book have high hopes that the film will shed light on a previously overlooked chapter in Irish history. "It's not all good wives and mothers and nuns or teachers," said Farrell. "There's a slightly darker side to our story, but it's also incredibly strong and defiant."
For McCormick, who has worked alongside Farrell to bring their research to life, the prospect of seeing their work on the big screen is both exciting and nerve-wracking. "We'll leave the film up to Rich," she said. "He's an expert and he has amazing ideas, so we're really looking forward to seeing how it turns out."
While they are thrilled that their research will soon be on display for a wider audience, Farrell and McCormick are also keenly aware of the responsibility that comes with sharing these stories. "The talk of premieres and all that is really exciting," she said, laughing. "But we still have to do our day jobs."
Farrell and McCormick, both academics at Queen's University Belfast, spent years researching and writing about these women, who were often overlooked in history books. Their book, "Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women," revealed a shocking reality - that Irish women made up an alarming majority of those imprisoned in New York City during the 19th century.
The film's production company announced this week that it is turning the historians' work into a feature, with Rich Peppiatt set to direct and Trevor Birney producing. Oscar-winning designer James Price and costume designer Kate Hawley are on board to create the film's sets and costumes.
For Farrell and McCormick, who have worked tirelessly to bring these stories to life through their book and podcast, it's a dream come true to see their work make it onto the big screen. "It's a new world for us," said Farrell. "We're thrilled that our research has been picked up by someone who believes in its power."
The film's plot is inspired by individual stories of Irish women who defied convention and took risks. There was Ellen Price, who sang a raucous rendition of "Rocky Road to Dublin" in court after being arrested for drunkenness; Margaret Brown, also known as Old Mother Hubbard, who escaped from prison by tying bedsheets together but fell and injured herself; and Lizzie Halliday, who was convicted of multiple murders but had her sentence commuted on grounds of insanity.
The women behind the podcast and book have high hopes that the film will shed light on a previously overlooked chapter in Irish history. "It's not all good wives and mothers and nuns or teachers," said Farrell. "There's a slightly darker side to our story, but it's also incredibly strong and defiant."
For McCormick, who has worked alongside Farrell to bring their research to life, the prospect of seeing their work on the big screen is both exciting and nerve-wracking. "We'll leave the film up to Rich," she said. "He's an expert and he has amazing ideas, so we're really looking forward to seeing how it turns out."
While they are thrilled that their research will soon be on display for a wider audience, Farrell and McCormick are also keenly aware of the responsibility that comes with sharing these stories. "The talk of premieres and all that is really exciting," she said, laughing. "But we still have to do our day jobs."
, like this crazy spicy chicken dish from a popular foodie blog. Anyway, back to the Irish women... I mean, can you imagine having to leave home because of an abusive father? That's just heartbreaking. And it makes me think about how some people might judge us for talking about our own personal struggles or sharing our true stories online... but hey, maybe that's what social media is for? 
i mean who knew irish women made up most of the ppl locked up in nyc in the 19th century? its like they were invisible or somethin. i love how these historians are finally gettin their work out there and sheddin light on this wild part of history. the fact that its a movie now is just dream come true for them lol 
and cant wait to see the costumes & sets, james price is gonna bring the drama 
and I love that the filmmakers are working with historians Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick to get the facts straight - it's like a true crime documentary! 
Margaret Brown escaping from prison by tying bedsheets together? Lizzie Halliday being convicted of multiple murders? it's like a real-life soap opera! 
! Those Irish women defying convention and rocking the underworld is giving me LIFE 
I mean, can you imagine taking a dark path in 19th-century America? It's like, so not your grandma's story 
The fact that historians Farrell & McCormick are finally getting their work on the big screen is a dream come true for them. It's about time we see these unsung heroes on the big screen 
And let's be real, who wouldn't want to see Ellen Price's epic rendition of "Rocky Road to Dublin" in court? 
. It's crazy to think they were often overlooked in history books, but their stories are truly captivating and show that women back then weren't just limited to domestic roles. I love how the film is going to bring this darker side of their lives to light - it's time we shed some light on these strong and defiant women 
. I'm curious to see how the filmmakers will portray them, but I have no doubt they'll do justice to these incredible stories