When Philomena Lee's young son Anthony was adopted against her wishes in the 1950s, it inspired Martin Sixsmith's book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, and Steve Coogan's recent Bafta-winning film version, Philomena. Roger Crow talks to the 'real' Philomena and her daughter Jane Libberton
What was your response when you first saw the film?
Philomena: Jane, my son and myself, we just didn't know what to think of it. Then we saw it a second time and we just wanted to know what other people thought about it, because we had our own ideas about it. Then the third time, we just took it on board and thought it was great.
Jane: Quite honestly, the first time we saw it we actually didn't know if it was any good or not. It was very, very hard for us to judge.
The early scenes in the convent and the laundry scenes were pretty accurate in terms of how mum described it to Steve (Coogan) and (co-writer) Jeff (Pope), but some of the other bits were: "Well, that didn't happen like that."
It was the third time, I think, that we realised they had done a really good job of telling the story.
You must have been proud at how much Anthony achieved
Oh yes, I couldn't believe it, because all through my life, having kept it a secret for 50 years... it was only my brother who knew. I used to go home to Ireland and we'd say, "I wonder where he is. I wonder what he's doing?"
To me he was the most gorgeous, lovely little boy; I raised him for three-and-a-half years, and I prayed night and day that he'd be safe.
He had a very good life, and was adopted by a very good family, so I'm happy about that.
How did you feel about attending the Oscars?
Philomena: It was so exciting. I've never experienced anything like that in my whole life.
Jane: It was a great experience. Everybody wants to go to the Oscars, don't they?
Philomena, you were reluctant to have Martin Sixsmith's book 'The Lost Child of Philomena Lee' published at one point. what changed your mind?
I suppose I was putting the burden on Jane's shoulders to try and find him (Anthony) without my secret coming out. But of course, then we changed our minds and thought, "Maybe if it only helps another half-a-dozen people".
