
Thomas Crimmins is a new warder, or guard, in an Irish prison. He is young, naive, and idealistic, determined to serve his country by his part in meting out justice to criminals. His superior, Regan, however, realizes that even prisoners are human beings, and Regan is sick of the eye-for-an-eye attitude that leads the state to execute condemned men, or "quare fellows." Crimmins begins to see that not all is black and white in his new world, and when he becomes involved with Kathleen, the wife of one of the condemned men, his attitude begins to change. When new evidence arises to suggest that Kathleen's husband may not deserve his fate, Crimmins is torn between his duty and his humanity.
Thomas Crimmin

Kathleen

Regan
Donnelly
Chief Warder

Holy Healy

Prison Governor
Dr Flyn
Lavery

Mrs. O'Hara

Mickser's Wife

1st Customs Official
2nd Customs Official
Poet
Meg

Minna
Prison Chaplain
Jenkinson
'Himself' - The Hangman
Silvertop

Flaherty
Mickser
Kelly
Walsh

Dunlavin

Neighbour
O'Connor
Cleary
Carroll

Reception Warder
Reception Clerk

Clancy
O'Shaughnessy
Food Orderly
Stretcher Bearer
Shamrock Attendant

1st Publican
Publican Woman
2nd Publican
Old Patriot
Irate Citizen
Dock Worker
Charwoman
Lavery's Assistant