Blasted from Both Sides

The apparent reincarnation of a 19th Century Irish woman provoked something of a sensation in 1950s America. Challenging everything many people believed, ‘Bridie Murphy’ sparked what today might be called a ‘culture war’, with resonances to the present ...

1952. A Colorado woman is hypnotised by local businessman Morey Bernstein. In a trance, she reveals herself to be the apparent reincarnation of a 19th century Irish lady called Bridie Murphy.

Reportedly speaking in an Irish accent, over six hypnosis sessions ‘Bridie’ gives extraordinarily detailed accounts of her 1800s life in Cork and Belfast, through to her death, funeral and after-life.

A local reporter breaks the story – and a subsequent book by Morey Bernstein flies off the shelves: 'The Search for Bridie Murphy'. A reincarnation frenzy ensues. The New York Times calls ‘Bridie’ a “cultural brushfire”. Some of this is ironic – there are ‘Come As You Were’ parties, Reincarnation Cocktails and popular parlour-game hypnosis sessions – but some is definitely not.

One question grips the nation: Can it be true?

If so, Bridie Murphy challenges everything many people believe. If not, what’s really happening in these sessions - and how to uncover the truth?

A series with very modern resonances of how, from the smallest of origins, a story blows up to divide national opinion. Of what happens to those who find themselves unintentionally caught up in the events. And of the legacy of ‘Bridie Murphy’ today.

Actors: Michael Curran-Dorsano, Adam Dougal, Patrick FitzSymons, Jonathan Harden, Aoibheann McCann, Maeve Smyth

With thanks to Chicago Public Library.

Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne
Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden
Executive Editor: Andy Martin
US Recording: Stephanie Wolf

A BBC Northern Ireland Production