Freedom to Die
Date: 1961
Director: Francis Searle
Production Company: Bayford
Stars: Paul Maxwell, Felicity Young, Bruce Seton, Kay Callard, T.P. McKenna
Location(s): Dublin
Region(s): Ireland
Storyline:
A vicious criminal escapes from prison to get revenge.
Additional Information:
Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson
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If you have any information regarding this production, the locations or, even better, some comparison shots please contact us. Images submitted must be in Landscape orientation, as would be seen on the cinema screen, not Portrait.
We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.
- Capture 1
- 'Now' required
Exercising offenders are escorted through the yard of their prison. Judging by locations seen later, this is inside Mountjoy Prison in Dublin, Ireland.
- Capture 2
- 'Now' required
Craig Owen (Paul Maxwell) makes a break when a prearranged fight is started with the warders.
- Capture 3
- 27 Oct 2017
Aided by friends, the escaping convict is driven away as a young girl plays near the prison walls. The roadway running between the rear of properties on Glengariff Parade and the prison walls with Mountjoy Garda Station in the distance.
Mark o'Neill was looking forward to grabbing these scenes but found that additional security fencing, gates and general external development have rendered "now" shots of Mountjoy Jail impossible. (RL)
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
Having run the child down, the car speeds away. The camera follows the vehicle around the northern wall of Mountjoy Prison, alongside the Royal Canal.
- Capture 5
- 'Now' required
Owen and Coral (Kay Callard) head for a wrestling match while Mike (T.P. McKenna) is ordered to ditch the car.
- Capture 6
- 27 Oct 2017
The audience arrives to see the wrestling match organised by Felix Gray. To the right of centre is the Macushla Ballroom which stood at the junction of Amiens Street, Foley Street and Buckingham Street Lower in Dublin. Named Amiens Street at the time of filming, the city's Connolly station stands in the left background beyond the railway bridge.
Mark managed to capture the location with two modern cars in the right places. (RL)
- Capture 7
- 27 Oct 2017
A better view of the entrance to the Macushla Ballroom taken from later in the film.
Mark found no difficulty in grabbing the replacement building. (RL)
- Capture 8
- 'Now' required
Responding to a tip off, Detectives Jim (James Neylin) and Joe (Dermot Tuohy) arrive outside the wrestling venue. Foley Street, Dublin 1.
- Capture 9
- 27 Oct 2017
The Detectives return to Felix's premises. This appears to be looking along Foley Street from the corner of Beaver Street.
Mark confirms the location but very much changed. (RL)
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
A short pan follows the car onto Beaver Street. The site of the gateway is now occupied by The Steelworks.
- Capture 11
- 'Now' required
After serving more time, Craig Owen leaves prison. The entrance of Mountjoy Prison on North Circular Road, Dublin 7.
- Capture 12
- 'Now' required
The hated criminal is watched by Coral, Linda and a hit man as he walks free. Mountjoy Prison's driveway has since been built over.
- Capture 13
- 'Now' required
Linda Gray (Felicity Young) goes over to Owen and shoots him as he grabs her. Mountjoy Prison in the Inns Quay area of Dublin.
- Capture 14
- 'Now' required
A Police Officer takes Linda by the arm. To the right stands a row of the long demolished Mountjoy Cottages.
- Capture 15
- 27 Oct 2017
Felix Gray (Bruce Seton) watches as his daughter is led away. Looking along North Circular Road outside Mountjoy Prison in Dublin, Ireland.
No sad moments for Mark to grab, thankfully. (RL)

