The General (1998): Martin Cahill and the 1986 Heist at Russborough House
The General
Martin Cahill and the 1986 Heist at Russborough House
by Travis Simpkins
Written, produced and directed by John Boorman, based on the book by Paul Williams, The General (1998) is a raw biopic that focuses on the violent life, criminal career and IRA assassination of Irish crime boss Martin Cahill, nicknamed "The General"… who pulled of a series of daring heists in the 1980's. In addition to home burglaries, extortion, bank robberies and jewelry warehouse stick-ups, Cahill is best known for pulling off the 1986 heist at Russborough House, the art-filled massive home of Lord and Lady Beit. The robbers first intentionally set off the house alarm, then hid in the nearby woods, waiting for the police to disregard it as a false alarm. Once the authorities departed, the thieves had leisurely access to one of the world's great private art collections. During the heist, Cahill and his crew stole 18 paintings, including Vermeer's "Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid", then valued at $20 million. The Vermeer was rescued by Scotland Yard art detective Charles Hill in 1993. Over the years, all but two of the masterpieces have been recovered. Wonderful acting makes up for bad art reproductions (the Vermeer is rolled up like a shiny new poster). Brendan Gleeson does a superb job in the lead role, looking and acting the part of Martin Cahill. Jon Voight co-stars as a cop out to get him. The supporting cast does a fine job as well, including Adrian Dunbar, Sean McGinley, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Angeline Ball.
Brendan Gleeson: The General
Russborough House: The General
Russborough House: The General
Russborough House: The General
Brendan Gleeson and Jon Voight: The General
Stolen Vermeer painting: "Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid": The General