Ulysses 1967: Cast Overview
The 1967 cinematic adaptation of James Joyce’s landmark novel, directed by Joseph Strick, is celebrated for its ambitious attempt to translate the stream‑of‑consciousness narrative into visual form. While the film’s runtime is only a fraction of the book’s length, its ensemble cast brings the Dublin streets and the characters’ inner lives to life for a new generation of viewers.
Key Actors and Their Roles
- William Hurt – Stephen Dedalus: The young writer and intellectual who becomes the film’s central figure, navigating a day in his life with the same restless energy that Joyce’s prose captures.
- John McGlynn – Buck Mulligan: The cynical, alcoholic friend of Stephen, whose sharp wit and philosophical musings provide a counterpoint to the protagonist’s introspection.
- Patricia Hennessy – Molly Bloom: Stephen’s wife, whose final soliloquy is a highlight of the film, mirroring the novel’s famous closing scene.
- John Huston – Father Dignam: A clergyman who appears briefly but embodies the moral and spiritual questions that permeate the story.
- Annette O’Reilly – Haines: The young woman who engages in a brief, but significant, encounter with Stephen, representing the novel’s exploration of desire.
Supporting Cast
- Richard O’Connor – Dr. Givney, a physician who offers a glimpse into the medical world of 1920s Dublin.
- Michael G. O’Donnell – Leopold Bloom, the novel’s protagonist, portrayed in a brief cameo that underscores the film’s interwoven narratives.
- Gillian O’Brien – Mrs. Bloom, whose domestic scenes illustrate the everyday reality of Joyce’s characters.
