Fionnula Flanagan, born in 1941 in Dublin, Ireland, has made a significant impact in the realm of cult cinema. She is known for her compelling performances in The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975), where she brings depth to the chilling narrative, and Nightmare in Badham County (1976), showcasing her ability to navigate the complexities of exploitation film. Flanagan's work extends to James Joyce's Women (1985) and Youngblood (1986), where her theatrical roots shine through, adding a unique flavor to the gritty narratives that define the cult genre.
Youngblood
Dean Youngblood, a 17-year-old farmhand from rural New York, has dreams of playing in the National Hockey League. Dean voices these dreams to his father who disapproves, however Dean's brother, Kelly, convinces their father to relent. Dean travels to Canada to try out for the Hamilton Mustangs where he demonstrates his offensive skills but displays a lack of physical toughness. Carl Racki, who is competing for a spot, engages him in a fight and quickly defeats him. Despite this, the Mustangs head coach, a former NHL All-Star, selects Dean for the team. Dean also begins a flirtation with the coach's daughter, Jessie. After his team mentor, Derek Sutton, is deliberately injured by Racki (now with a rival team), Dean returns home. His brother inspires him to keep playing, and his father teaches him some fighting skills. Dean returns to the team, ready to confront Racki in the final game of the Memorial Cup playoffs. The game ends with a game-winning goal by Dean with 3 seconds left. As time expires, he confronts and defeats Racki in a fight and is carried off the ice on the shoulders of his teammates.
