Frank eventually saves enough money working for a moneylender and a telegram service to leave Limerick and return to New York at age 19. Primary Cast
The role of Frank McCourt is portrayed by three different actors across different stages of his youth: Joe Breen Middle Frank: Ciaran Owens Older Frank: Michael Legge Angela McCourt: Emily Watson Malachy McCourt (Dad): Robert Carlyle Grandma Sheehan: Ronnie Masterson Aunt Aggie: Pauline McLynn Critical Reception and Performance
The film follows the impoverished upbringing of Frank McCourt in the 1930s and 40s.
The family faces extreme poverty, exacerbated by his father Malachy’s alcoholism and the death of several siblings. Malachy struggles to find work in Ireland due to prejudice against his Northern Irish background and often spends what little money he earns on drink.