While I am working on my top 10 list of favorite John Wayne films, since he is my classic movie actor of the month, I decided to write a little something about one of his best films, The Quiet Man. Directed by John Ford and pairing him with his frequent and best co-star, Maureen O'Hara is a treat to watch. Wayne is boxer Sean Thornton who returns home to Ireland to reclaim his land and promptly falls for Mary Kate Danaher (O'Hara) a feisty and beautiful maiden. She also happens to be the sister to one "Red" Will Danaher (played with gusto by Victor McLaglen). Sean and Will take an immediately dislike to one another which will set up the rousing fight of the century that spreads across the countryside. It is one of the most engaging and thrilling fist fight scenes you will ever see. The performances are all top notch and the cinematography is gorgeous. The Quiet Man is one of the best films ever made. Co-starring Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond and Mildred Natwick. And isn't Maureen O'Hara just about the loveliest woman ever?
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I think I've told you before that I am not much of a John Wayne fan. I DO like True Grit alot, though, and I think he was fabulous in the role. I also like Without Reservations, with Claudette Colbert and Don DeFore. It is not a Western, which is probably why I like it. I'm not huge on Westerns.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I have never seen The Quiet Man, but I've been wanting to. You've made me even more intrigued.
And, yes, Maureen O'Hara is/was classy and elegant. And she was the same way as a very old woman. Have you ever seen The Christmas Box? It's a Christmas movied based on the novel of the same name. Not sure if it's late 90's or early 2000's, but whatever, the beautiful Miss O'Hara was quite old in this movie. And she is SO elegant, beautiful, and classy. If you've never seen it, I highly recommend it, especially since you are a fan of her.
Patti, I think you will love The Quiet Man even more than Without Reservations. It's definitely not a Western and I think it's the best of the Wayne-O'Hara collection. Great post Monty!
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