The Dawning is a 1988 British drama film based on Jennifer Johnston's novel, The Old Jest, which depicts the Irish War of Independence through the eyes of the Anglo-Irish landlord class. It stars Anthony Hopkins, Hugh Grant, Jean Simmons, Trevor Howard, and Rebecca Pidgeon, and was produced by Sarah Lawson, through her company Lawson Productions.

Plot

Angus Barrie, an Irish Republican Army member, is walking through hills, and comes to rest on a beach, where there is a little hut. Meanwhile, Nancy Gulliver having just left school, burns all her books in happiness. It is her birthday, and her aunt has invited Harry over for tea, with whom she is desperately in love. As a result of Harry’s behaviour with another girl and the way he treats Nancy, she realises that her love for Harry was nothing more than childish infatuation.