The Quiet Man

1952  NR  COMEDY-DRAMA  2h 9min

CAST— John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Barry Fitzgerald, Victor McLagland, Mildred Natwick, Arthur Shields, Ward Bond, Ken Curtis, Mae Marsh, Jack MacGowran, Sean McClory, Francis Ford

MUSIC— Victor Young  DIRECTOR— John Ford  BASED ON— The Quiet Man (story), by Maurice Walsh

     An entertaining character study of an American returning to his childhood home, a small village in Ireland where time seems to stand still. It takes a bit of time for the locals to accept this Yank, and vice-versa. When he meets a fiery redhead, his sole purpose becomes clear. The attraction is mutual, but adjusting to Gaelic customs takes more than a little patience, especially since her brother views his new neighbor as a rival and a threat to the community. Soon the entire village rallies behind the couple, in full support of the union (and maybe as a bonus, they’ll get to see what happens between the two feuding brawlers). From here on out it’s a struggle with both his new bride and her brother over matters of marriage, honor, and a dowry. The film boasts beautiful color photography illuminating lush backgrounds in this wonderfully bright feature. Many great performances throughout, but the real showstopper is Barry Fitzgerald as the voice of reason, a wee man of the pub. The film entertains as a romance, a comedy, and a wonderful piece of film history. Oscar-winner for Best Director, Best Cinematography. Deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.

OUR RATING— ***