Johnny Moynihan & Ronnie Drew - The Night Before Larry Was Stretched (O'Donoghue's Opera, 1965) — DeepCutsArchive

DeepCutsArchive

Johnny Moynihan & Ronnie Drew - The Night Before Larry Was Stretched (O'Donoghue's Opera, 1965) — DeepCutsArchive

O'Donoghue's Opera was an unreleased 1965 Irish film, with the premise set around the traditional Dublin street song "The Night Before Larry Was Stretched" - which tells the story of a man's execution. The song is written in the Newgate cant, which was a colloquial slang of 18th-century Dublin. Versions of the song have been recorded by people such as famous folk song collector Frank Harte for the album "Dublin Street Songs" (1967), The Wolfe Tones for their album "Irish to the Core" (1976), and English New Wave singer-songwriter Elvis Costello in 1996. The song also shares it's name with a slip jig popular at sessions. The song ties the film together, and is sung fantastically by Johnny Moynihan, who would go on to form Sweeny's Men in 1966 alongside Andy Irvine, later of Planxty. Moynihan is credited, along with Irvine (and Irvine's later Plaxnty bandmate Dónal Lunny), with introducing the bouzouki into Irish folk music. Moynihan himself briefly joined Planxty for "Cold Blow and the Rainy Night" (1973), and subsequently replaced Irvine in De Dannan in 1976 (Irvine only being in the band for a very short time) and can be heard on their second album in 1977. The influence of Sweeny's Men and their constituent members (later featuring Terry Woods, later of The Pogues) is very significant in Irish folk music. The film prominently features The Dubliners (at this point without Luke Kelly, but with new members John Sheahan and Bob Lynch), with various songs being sung by them in various scenes in the film, including songs from their first album such as "I'll Tell Me Ma", and a drunken rendition of "Jar of Porter". The Dubliners' leader Ronnie Drew plays the role of the titular Larry - an unpleasant man who's career as a wanted robber is ended when he is caught and put to death. Drew's distinctive voice is put to good use, singing a fantastic version of "The Parting Glass" amongst other songs. The film was shot in 1965 (a year after The Dubliners first album), but was left uncompleted after production ran into financial difficulties. In 1996 filmmaker Sé Merry Doyle oversaw its restoration, and it was first shown at the Dublin Film Festival in the late 1990s.

About This Footage

In the dimly lit, smoke-filled rooms of O'Donoghue's Opera, a 1965 Irish film that would remain unseen for decades, Johnny Moynihan takes center stage with his haunting rendition of "The Night Before Larry Was Stretched". This rare footage is not just a historical curiosity but a window into the vibrant folk scene of Dublin in the mid-60s. At this time, Moynihan was already making waves as an innovative musician, introducing the bouzouki to Irish music and paving the way for future generations.

Moynihan's performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, his voice weaving a spell that transports viewers to the streets of 18th-century Dublin. The song itself is a masterclass in storytelling, with its Newgate cant slang and vivid imagery painting a picture of a man's final hours on earth. It's no wonder that versions of this song have been recorded by notable artists such as Frank Harte, The Wolfe Tones, and Elvis Costello – each bringing their own unique interpretation to the table.

But what makes this footage truly significant is its connection to the larger folk music scene in Ireland during this period. Moynihan's collaborations with Andy Irvine would eventually give birth to Sweeny's Men, a band that would have a profound influence on Irish folk music. The film also features The Dubliners, who were at the height of their popularity, showcasing their unique blend of folk and pub songs. Ronnie Drew's portrayal of Larry is particularly notable, his character's rough-around-the-edges persona adding to the song's narrative.

The Night Before Larry Was Stretched (O'Donoghue's Opera) is not just a rare clip but a time capsule that captures the essence of Dublin's folk scene in the 1960s. The film's setting – O'Donoghue's Opera, a real-life pub on Merrion Row – adds to its authenticity, transporting viewers to a bygone era where music was a vital part of everyday life. Watching Moynihan and Drew perform together is like witnessing history unfold before one's eyes.

This footage also highlights the importance of preserving Ireland's rich musical heritage. The song "The Night Before Larry Was Stretched" has been passed down through generations, its story and melody woven into the fabric of Irish folklore. By watching this rare clip, viewers can experience firsthand the raw energy and emotional depth that defined the folk music scene in Dublin during this period.

As Moynihan's voice soars on "The Night Before Larry Was Stretched", it's clear why this song has endured for centuries. The film may have been lost to time, but its legacy lives on through the countless musicians who have interpreted and reimagined this iconic song. Watching this rare footage is a reminder of the power of music to transcend generations and cultures, leaving an indelible mark on our collective memory.

The final shot of Moynihan's performance lingers long after the credits roll – his bouzouki still resonating with the haunting melody of "The Night Before Larry Was Stretched". It's a moment that stays with you, a testament to the enduring spirit of Irish folk music and its ability to captivate audiences for generations to come.

Curated from public records and music databases.