Monday, March 15, 2010

"I'm no woman to be honked at and come a-runnin'!" ~ Maureen O'Hara


In preparation for St. Patrick's Day, we watched one of our family's top 5 favorite movies - The Quiet Man. Growing up on John Wayne movies, I have an affection for many but this is far and away my favorite. Romantic and beautiful, the film won Oscars in 1953 for Best Cinematography, Color and Best Director, John Ford. It was also nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Victor McLaglen as Squire "Red" Will Danaher), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color, Best Sound-Recording, Best Writing, Screenplay and the big one - Best Picture.


The cast is wonderful, John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Victor McLaglen, Ward Bond (all four of whom were in several movies together and directed by John Ford) and the fantastic Barry Fitzgerald. His character, Michaleen Oge Flynn, has some of the best lines - "When I drink whiskey, I drink whiskey and when I drink water, I drink water." "Tis a bold sinful man you are. And who taught you to be playing patty fingers in the Holy water?"
The best line though comes from the Squire's flunky Feeney. As Sean drags Mary Kate (Wayne and O'Hara) up the hill towards them with a huge crowd following, he says "I, I think you're in-laws are coming to visit ya!"

The scenary stunning, the love story so sweet - if you haven't seen The Quiet Man, run and get it immediately. In no time you'll be wishing for a simpler time in Inisfree and a stop at Pat Cohan's for a pint of the porter.



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