John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara in the sweet and entertaining The Quiet Man (1952)

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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Be My Guest - Sarah (from And...Scene) Part 2

Here is part 2 of my conversation with Sarah.

Monty: What is your absolute favorite movie?

 Sarah: This is a hard one as I am not given to absolutes but I’ll say, for sentimental reasons, The Quiet Man. I could watch it over and over.

 Monty: I love that movie Sarah. Excellent choice.

Monty: Describe the perfect way for you to watch a classic movie.

 Sarah: Alone, in my living room, preferably on a rainy day. 

 Monty: I agree with. If it's raining on the week-end and everyone else is mad because outdoor plans are ruined, I'm quite content with watching classic movies in my living room.

Monty: What is your favorite time period and why: the 20's, the 30's, the 40's, the 50's or the 60's?

 Sarah: Definitely the 30’s! Movie making was advancing with the advent of talkies and the Hayes Code hadn’t taken full effect. Subjects such as divorce, sex before marriage, and a woman’s independence were box office draws and actresses such as Tallulah Bankhead, Barbara Stanwyck, Joan Blondell, Norma Shearer, and Miriam Hopkins (to name a very few) thought nothing of traipsing across the screen in silken negligees spouting witty dialogue and cleverly getting their own way. And what’s a 30’s film with out a cocktail shaker? Martini anyone?

 Monty: The 30's is my favorite period as well mainly because that's when screwball comedies flourished. And I love you answer as well. 

Monty: Any current stars catch your fancy, if so who are they? Sarah: Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe. They make extremely fine actors down under!  Monty: Great picks...I love both Cate and Russell. Cate played Katherine Hepburn wonderfully in The Aviator. Monty: What is your favorite movie quote?  Sarah: "There's a name for you ladies, but it isn't used in high society - outside of a kennel" -- St. Joan Crawford from The Women. Monty: One of my favorite movies and one of the best lines ever. Joan Crawford was awesome in that movie. Monty: If you could be any movie character, who would it be and why? Sarah: Without a doubt, I would love to be Nora Charles from The Thin Man series. She was witty, courageous, and best of all, had the love a wonderful husband. Together they made a hilarious and entertaining team.  Monty: Yes...I think I would love to be Nick. They are perfect.

 So that concludes my Q&A with Sarah for this month. I enjoyed having her as my guest this month. And really enjoyed her answers. And I am more than willing to return the favor Sarah, if you ever want to interview me on your blog.