For those whose Irish eyes turn to movies on St. Patrick's Day, we suggest these five classic Irish-themed films:
'The Quiet Man' (1952): John Ford won the best-director Oscar for this entertaining romantic drama, starring John Wayne as an American ex-boxer who returns to his native Ireland and falls in love with the fiery Maureen O'Hara. In true Irish fashion, the climactic eight-minute brawl between Wayne and Victor McLaglen includes a stop at the town pub.
'Darby O'Gill and the Little People' (1959): Sean Connery, pre-James Bond, co-stars in this delightful Disney fantasy about an Irish caretaker (Albert Sharpe) who spins so many tales about "wee folk" that no one believes him when he says he's befriended the King of Leprechauns. The special effects, dazzling in their day, hold up remarkably well.
'The Commitments' (1991): A dozen working-class Dubliners who share a love for 1960s soul music form a band in director Alan Parker's raucous R&B musical, which features a talented cast of unknowns and a terrific soundtrack. The film is the first in writer Roddy Doyle's Barrytown trilogy, followed by The Snapper and The Van.
'Michael Collins' (1996): Liam Neeson gives a brilliant performance in writer-director Neil Jordan's epic biography of the Irish political leader, who evolved from the IRA's "minister of gun-running, daylight robbery and bloody mayhem" to a national hero and statesman. The first-rate cast includes Aidan Quinn, Julia Roberts, Stephen Rea and Alan Rickman.
'Waking Ned Devine' (1998): When elderly Ned Devine dies of shock upon learning that he's won the national lottery, two longtime friends hatch an outrageous plot to impersonate him and claim the prize. Soon their entire coastal Irish village — population 52 — is in on the scheme. The charming comedy is highlighted by David Kelly's naked motorcycle ride.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2419 or dlarsen@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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