Lament for Barney Flanagan

Album Lament for Barney Flanagan and Other Poems was released in 1973 — ten poems recited by late poet and playwright James K. Baxter, whose 1960s transformation into a barefoot counterculture prophet challenged middle New Zealand. Adapted from the title poem, this film was described by his wife, writer Jacquie Sturm, as "the best adaptation I have seen of Jim's work, in film or theatre". Featuring actor/writer Tim Balme (Braindead), it traces the final day — complete with angelic visitations — of an Irish Catholic hotel owner's life. The film features characters inspired by Kiwi pubs of yesteryear.

Barney Flanagan sprung like a frog, from a wet root in an Irish bog / May his soul escape from the tooth of the dog

– Tim Balme recites lines from James K Baxter's poem Lament For Barney Flanagan

Key Cast & Crew

Tim Balme

As: On-Screen Narrator

Peter Tait

As: St Peter

John Yelash

As: Barney Flanagan, Writer

Rewa Harre

Cinematographer

Ash Turner

Production Designer

Paul Judge

Director, Writer