Rating: Not rated
Movie Release Date: August 14, 1952
DVD Release Date: October 22, 2002
Plot 411: Sean Thornton returns from America to his Irish roots to claim the land of his forefathers and finds a bit of love in the process.
Review: This was an enjoyable non-Western John Wayne movie that was still able to portray him as a powerful man's man. Wayne plays Sean, an American who returns to Innisfree to purchase his family's homestead. He meets the lovely Mary Kate (Maureen O'Hara) and instantly falls for the red-haired siren with a temper. It was a little difficult for me to follow all the cultural and generational going's on in this movie. I found certain sayings and actions puzzling, and I think that is the sign of the times. But if even Sean was having difficulties understanding the Irish's strict dating protocol, I imagine modern audiences would also to an even larger extent. A couple of things I personally found disturbing about this film was how the Irish were portrayed as a drinking, fighting and singing lot. Can you say stereotype or what? Another aspect of the film that bothered me was Sean's man-handling of Mary Kate. I'm indecisive as to how 1950s audiences would've taken the gesture. Would they think Wayne was strong and dashing? Was it a thrill to be yanked around and into his arms? I thought it was a little excessive to the point of being barbaric in some scenes. I know this is just a generational difference though. I thought the idea of a babhdóir or matchmaker was charming and believe they still have festivals that continue this practice (at least in theory). One of the greatest assets of this film is the Irish countryside with its green grasses, bubbling streams and stone walls.
Movie Release Date: August 14, 1952
DVD Release Date: October 22, 2002
Plot 411: Sean Thornton returns from America to his Irish roots to claim the land of his forefathers and finds a bit of love in the process.
Review: This was an enjoyable non-Western John Wayne movie that was still able to portray him as a powerful man's man. Wayne plays Sean, an American who returns to Innisfree to purchase his family's homestead. He meets the lovely Mary Kate (Maureen O'Hara) and instantly falls for the red-haired siren with a temper. It was a little difficult for me to follow all the cultural and generational going's on in this movie. I found certain sayings and actions puzzling, and I think that is the sign of the times. But if even Sean was having difficulties understanding the Irish's strict dating protocol, I imagine modern audiences would also to an even larger extent. A couple of things I personally found disturbing about this film was how the Irish were portrayed as a drinking, fighting and singing lot. Can you say stereotype or what? Another aspect of the film that bothered me was Sean's man-handling of Mary Kate. I'm indecisive as to how 1950s audiences would've taken the gesture. Would they think Wayne was strong and dashing? Was it a thrill to be yanked around and into his arms? I thought it was a little excessive to the point of being barbaric in some scenes. I know this is just a generational difference though. I thought the idea of a babhdóir or matchmaker was charming and believe they still have festivals that continue this practice (at least in theory). One of the greatest assets of this film is the Irish countryside with its green grasses, bubbling streams and stone walls.
Watch It: For a rare moment when John Wayne is out of his element and transported across the pond. He almost seems human.
Skip It: If you prefer classic John Wayne as in Fort Apache or Rio Bravo.
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