John Ford's 1952 film classic, "The Quiet Man", speaks out as his directorial thank-you to his Irish background. Perhaps, the film could not be made today, because of its downplay of the place women hold in society, but be that as it may, it is a film classic, and meant to be enjoyed on days when one wishes to sit back nd take in the laid-back lifestyle of another land.
John Wayne uses a good amount of acting talent to play the role of Sean Thorton, an Irish born native son who went to America, became a professional boxer, and during a bout, killed his opponent in the ring. This cloud hangs over him, he leaves America, and returns to his native town, Innisfree, where he vows to never fight in anger again.
In his home town, he meets up with Mary Kate Dannaher, played by Maureen O'Hara. These two had an undeniable screen chemistry, and it certainly came out in this picture. Wayne wishes to marry Mary Kate, but he has riled her brother, Big Will Dannaher, played by Ford stalwart, Victor McLaglen, who refuses to permit such a union. In Ireland, the oldest brother, if there was no father, could take this action.
Eventually, thanks to the efforts of the local matchmaker, played by Barry Fitzgerald, and the local priest, played by Ward Bond, Sean and Mary Kate are able to marry, but Will refuses to hand over her dowry, Sean refuses to fight for the dowry, and the Irish landscape begins to boil over.
Eventually, matters do come to a head, or fist, between Sean and Dannaher, in a wild, woolly, brawl that starts in an open field on the Dannaher property, goes over the countryside, spills into the nearby town, and in typical Irish manner, ends up in a local pub. The final punches are thrown, and peace ultimately comes to White O'Mornin', the birth home of Sean.
If one wishes to enjoy a film dedicated to the Irish, this classic is it. A good 9/10
John Wayne uses a good amount of acting talent to play the role of Sean Thorton, an Irish born native son who went to America, became a professional boxer, and during a bout, killed his opponent in the ring. This cloud hangs over him, he leaves America, and returns to his native town, Innisfree, where he vows to never fight in anger again.
In his home town, he meets up with Mary Kate Dannaher, played by Maureen O'Hara. These two had an undeniable screen chemistry, and it certainly came out in this picture. Wayne wishes to marry Mary Kate, but he has riled her brother, Big Will Dannaher, played by Ford stalwart, Victor McLaglen, who refuses to permit such a union. In Ireland, the oldest brother, if there was no father, could take this action.
Eventually, thanks to the efforts of the local matchmaker, played by Barry Fitzgerald, and the local priest, played by Ward Bond, Sean and Mary Kate are able to marry, but Will refuses to hand over her dowry, Sean refuses to fight for the dowry, and the Irish landscape begins to boil over.
Eventually, matters do come to a head, or fist, between Sean and Dannaher, in a wild, woolly, brawl that starts in an open field on the Dannaher property, goes over the countryside, spills into the nearby town, and in typical Irish manner, ends up in a local pub. The final punches are thrown, and peace ultimately comes to White O'Mornin', the birth home of Sean.
If one wishes to enjoy a film dedicated to the Irish, this classic is it. A good 9/10