This movie takes place in August 1936.
The play originally opened in Dublin, Ireland in 1990. It opened on Broadway in New York City on October 11, 1991 and closed on October 25, 1992 after four hundred thirty-six performances. In the cast were Brid Brennan, who originated her role as Agnes and won 1992 Tony award as Best Featured Actress, and Gerard McSorley as the adult Michael, the narrator in the movie. The play also won a 1992 Tony award as best play.
During filming, the cast, including Meryl Streep, stayed at the Highlands Hotel in the village of Glenties, Donegal. The hotel is owned by relatives of Mark Flood.