Commitments, The

Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) walks through a Sunday market. This is to the south of Sheriff Street Lower in Dublin 1 with St. Laurence O’Toole church in the centre distance. The area is now occupied by the Custom House Square development.

As stated in the Header Section of this film all "now" shots are by Mark O'Neill unless otherwise noted. Mark took great pleasure in seeing how parts of Dublin have been re-developed, particularly docklands. For once, and I think we would all agree, that re-development has been for the better. Before you sit back and appreciate the changes, this is Spenser Dock/Sheriff Street which, he says, is not for the faint hearted and not to go unaccompanied flashing a camera. Re-development has blocked the original view and Mark hopes that this angle will do. Thank you Mark, I think that you have risked enough for us, it is appreciated. (RL)

All manner of wares are on sale, including horses.

Jimmy has no luck at all when he tries to sell cassette tapes to the uninterested market traders.

The view from a DART train as it crosses the River Liffey and Custom House Quay by Loopline Bridge between Tara Street and Connolly stations with Beresford Place to the bottom right.

From ground level until Mark has the opportunity to use the DART. (RL)

The train arrives at the station where Jimmy is waiting to board.

The train continues on it’s way. Looking out over Beresford Place with Abbey Street Lower running into the centre distance.

Another from ground level until it can be revisited by DART or train. (RL)

After asking him to become their manager, fellow band members Outspan Foster (Glen Hansard) and Derek Scully (Kenneth McCluskey) discuss names with Jimmy. The ramp leading from Briarfield Road to footbridge over the railway at Kilbarrack DART station in Dublin 5.

The working class lads settle on playing Dublin Soul. The bridge was replaced by a new structure towards the end of the 1990s but not before featuring in 'The Van' from 1996.

The action moves on to an impoverished north Dublin estate. This is the Priorswood Estate in Darndale, Dublin 17.

A group of lads cycle through children playing as horses graze nearby.

The young boys speed through housing as the first prospective new band-member arrives at Jimmy's house for an audition. Having lived there many moons ago, Alan Kinsella recognised Snowdrop Walk, Darndale in Dublin 17.

After slamming the door in the face of several hopefuls and discounting many others, Jimmy brings a new recruit to meet Outspan and Derek. The rear of properties on Snowdrop Walk in Darndale located by Alan Kinsella.

Jimmy Rabbitte Senior (Colm Meaney) appears as Dean Fay (Félim Gormley) is introduced as the band's new saxophonist. More of the back gardens on Snowdrop Walk located by Alan Kinsella who explains that the whole area has been redeveloped with a new street pattern.

A shy Youth (Peter Rowen) skateboards away after being asked to sing by Jimmy. Snowdrop Walk in Darndale, Dublin 17 identified by Alan Kinsella.

Jimmy approaches the mobile food van where Bernie McGloughlin works. Sheriff Street Lower, with the roadway running beneath Connolly station in the background.

Even less activity. (RL)

At the Mister Chippy van, Bernie McGloughlin (Bronagh Gallagher) is recruited into the band as a singer. The Amiens Street end of Sheriff Street Lower, Dublin 1.

Eat before you visit now. (RL)

Hoping to find a lead singer for the band, Jimmy looks for Deco Cuffe at the bus garage where he works as a conductor. Phibsborough bus depot on Constitution Hill in Dublin 7.

A Woman leads far too many dogs along a city centre street. Looking along Essex Street East from the junction of Temple Bar and Temple Lane South in Dublin 2.

Mark o'Neill found that with the greater necessary stocking, barrels had now to be stored on the opposite side of the road. (RL)

Around the corner, Passers-by watch as drummer Billy Moony (Dick Massey) performs in a Pawnbroker's window. The corner of Essex Street East and Temple Lane South in Temple Bar.

Mark pans right to find the pawnbroker long gone. (RL)

Joey "The Lips" Fagan (Johnny Murphy) rides his Yamaha Townmate through the alley towards the gate at the rear of Jimmy's home. Alan Kinsella explains that the alley passes between houses on Snowdrop Walk, Darndale in Dublin 17.

The band listen as Joey Fagan plays trumpet in a shed at the back of his Mother's house. David R tells us that although the front of the house is on Pembroke Road, the back yard where the band meet up is the rear of one of the houses on Upper Gardner Street.

Backing singers Imelda Quirke (Angeline Ball), Natalie Murphy (Maria Doyle) and Bernie arrive at Mrs. Fagan's front door. Pembroke Road in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

Pat Cleary faced numbers 116 and 118 Pembroke Road.

Pausing from listening to her son's playing, Mrs. Fagan opens the door. Looking out across Pembroke Road.

The girls make their way to join the boys in the shed.

A new band is formed. Facing north on Smithfield in Dublin 7.

The first of the re-development for the better. (RL)

As they travel by DART, Jimmy tells the group that he wants them on a strict diet of soul music. The City of Dublin Junction Railway, or Loopline, Bridge seen from the Talbot Memorial Bridge.

The view in full daylight. (RL)

Jimmy and Billy make their way to see Duffy to secure a power amp and speakers for the band's first gig. Colm Doolin advises that this sequence was shot in the old Irish Glass Works on Ringsend Road, Dublin 4, just a few meters away from the new Windmill Lane studios.

The backing singers begin to sing. The corrugated roof belongs to Pearse station on Westland Row and was seen in 'Angela's Ashes'.

Between rows of drying washing, Imelda, Natalie and Bernie dance to the tune of "Nowhere To Run". The courtyard to the rear of properties on Boyne Street, Dublin 2. The buildings were also seen in ‘Johnny Nobody’.

Another no go area alone with a camera. Taken from the outside. Mark can confirm that the statue of 'herself' here and in commi028 has gone. Was it a prop? (RL)

A group of young lads approach Dean as he practices.

To strange looks, the saxophonist tells the kids that he's black and he's proud.

After Jimmy finds a hall to practice in, a Volkswagen Pick-up brings the pianist into the story. Smithfield with King Street North crossing the background.

Re-development and wall art. (RL)

Steven Clifford (Michael Aherne) plays along as the pick-up turns from the main road. Friary Grove off Smithfield.

With no piano accompaniment. (RL)

The action cuts back to the northern estates. Ballymun in Dublin 9, an estate built in the 1960s that mainly featured blocks of flats including seven high rise towers along with subways, deprivation, vandalism and drugs.

Jimmy asks directions. All of the high rise blocks on the estate were demolished between 2004 and 2015.

The band's manager enters a tower block to find Bernie.

After Derek gets electrocuted during the bands first appearance, the bassist is dropped off on the way home along with Jimmy and Outspan. Looking onto Rutland Street Lower and Rutland Row from the top of the steps at the west end of Bella Street in Dublin 1.

Taken from the top of the steps as this access to Bella St is now blocked. (RL)

Jimmy gives a downhearted Derek and Outspan a pep talk after the band’s first gig. The end of Bella Street in Mountjoy with Rutland Street Lower in the background.

Taken from distance to allow a view of the steps. Hoarding now blocking access. (RL)

The congregation leave church after mass. John Street West in Dublin 8 with John’s Lane church in the background.

Very unlikely to be re-developed in the forseeable future. (RL)

Imelda and Natalie talk about the other band members. Looking towards the junction of John Street West and John’s Lane West in Merchants Quay.

Now. (RL)

On a rainy evening, Jimmy cycles into view. Facing south towards the junction with Camden Street Upper, Pleasants Street and Camden Place on Camden Street Lower in Dublin 2.

From a little further back. (RL)

Taking his bike with him, Jimmy enters the snooker hall where the band are practicing. Outside Ricardo’s Snooker Club on Camden Street Lower, formerly the Theatre De Luxe cinema.

Access is now strictly controlled. (RL)

Imelda and her family are booked to go on holiday to the Isle of Man on the date of the band's next appearance. Looking at North Wall Quay across the Liffey from Sir John Rogerson’s Quay.

WOW! Now that is re-development. (RL)

A family photograph is posed for on the ferry before Imelda runs back to shore. Across the river, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay runs along the far bank before becoming City Quay in the right distance.

A guesstimate based on the building right of centre which looks like it still remains. (RL)

After the gig, Jimmy walks home when he can't get a taxi.

Lead singer Declan "Deco" Cuffe (Andrew Strong) and the rest of the band prepare for a photograph.

Jimmy runs to meet Billy and finds that the drummer is leaving the band.

The Commitments pose as Billy Moony leaves, taking the band's transport along with him.

Father Molloy (Mark O'Regan) passes lads as they put up posters advertising The Commitments. The since regenerated Smithfield, now styled as Smithfield Plaza.

Jimmy, Outspan and Mickah Wallace (Dave Finnegan) kick an empty can about as they wait for Joey and Bernie to show them the band's new transport. Red Cow Lane looking towards King Street North and Smithfield with the Jameson’s Distillery chimney to the left.

A little less commercial/industrial but the same cobbles it appears. (RL)

Joey arrives on his Yamaha with Bernie riding pillion. Facing the junction of King Street North and Smithfield on Red Cow Lane.

Definitely smartened up. (RL)

The lock-up's doors are opened to reveal . . . the Mister Chippy van. Red Cow Lane.

This is another guesstimate based on the approx location of the garage. (RL)

With the band on board, the fish & chip van is driven through the streets. The corner of Smithfield and King Street North from Red Cow Lane in Dublin 7 with the former St. Paul’s church in the right distance.

At least the pub remains but under a different name. (RL)

Joey and Bernie follow on the motorbike. Looking south along Smithfield with the chimney of Jameson’s Distillery to the extreme left.

Reassuring to see the home of the next bottle of malt. (RL)

The van is brought to a halt. King Street North with the entrance of Red Cow Lane to the left of centre.

Is that an ex-public house? (RL)

While the van is at a stand a Man (Paddy O'Connor) asks for rock salmon but is told they only have soul. The background is formed by buildings on Smithfield which have been demolished and replaced.

The pub would appear to have lost some of its local clientele. (RL)

With the girls singing, Jimmy drives away. Looking west along King Street North from Smithfield.

It is unusual to see less traffic. (RL)

Another evening, another show. The former Top Hat Ballroom which was almost opposite De Vesci Terrace on Cumberland Street in Monkstown, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin.

Mark was not convinced that he had the correct location but the locals assured him that this was the location of the Top Hat Ballroom.....let us hope that it was not a load of Blarney! (RL)

Duffy (Liam Carney) arrives, expecting payment for the equipment. Facing east on Cumberland Street in Dún Laoghaire, part of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown since 1994.

The house at the end looks correct. (RL)

After Wilson Pickett adds Ireland to his European Tour, Jimmy waits for Joey outside the Westley Hotel. In reality, this is Mansion House on Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

Now. (RL)

Joey arrives on his bike. The Mansion House has been the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin since 1715.

After parking the Yamaha, Joey goes inside to meet his friend Wilson Pickett. Mansion House on Dawson Street.

A rather calmer moment. (RL)

Looking for a reporter friend, Jimmy approaches a commotion in the street. David Peyton recognised Thomas Street in Dublin 8.

Jimmy spots Roddy taking notes at the scene of an attempted armed robbery. Thomas Street in Dublin located by David Peyton.

Roddy Craig (Phelim Drew) agrees to write a review of the next gig at which Wilson Pickett is billed to appear. David Peyton identifies this as Thomas Street, close to John Street West which was seen earlier.

Outside Gallagher's, Jimmy waits for Wilson Picket to arrive. The mostly redeveloped Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2.

That certainly is re-development. (RL)

Roddy and his Photographer arrive by taxi. Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, between Windmill Lane and Lime Street.

A mixture of new and old. (RL)

As other members of the band argue inside, at a side entrance to the club Deco faces up to Mickah before a fight starts.

After the band falls apart and the star of the evening fails to show up, Jimmy walks away along the quayside. Between Cardiff Lane and Forbes Street on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay with Dublin Port's 'Diving Bell' right of centre and the River Liffey to the left.

A less "moody" shot from Mark. (RL)

A limousine approaches. Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in Dublin 2.

The re-developed quayside. (RL)

When asked for directions, Jimmy tells the Driver (Winston Dennis) that Gallagher's is closed and Mr. Pickett is taken back to his hotel.

Unlikely that any of those cars have "a driver". (RL)

Reminiscing, Jimmy narrates what happened to the band members, including Derek and Outspan who he often sees busking in Grafton Street. Looking northward along Grafton Street from the junction with Chatham Street, Dublin 2.

And now, from ground level. (RL)