IRISH FILMS
by Steve Friedman

The Bells of St. Mary's (1945) 126 minutes Unrated
In this sequel to Going My Way, Father O'Malley (Bing Crosby) is sent to St. Mary's, a run-down parochial school on the verge of being torn down. He and Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman) work together to save the school, in this inspiring and heartwarming story about the unlimited - and sometimes unexpected - power of faith. Nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture.

Captain Lightfoot (1955) 92 minutes Unrated
In 1815, highwayman Michael Martin (Rock Hudson) meets famous rebel John Doherty, also known as "Captain Thunderbolt" (Jeff Morrow), and becomes his second-in-command. Fighting against the British dragoons who occupy Ireland, Michael learns to put justice above personal gain, as he falls in love with Doherty's beautiful daughter, Aga (Barbara Rush). A beautifully photographed and acted adventure, which is - sadly - not available on DVD.

Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959) 93 minutes G
Darby O'Gill loves to tell tall tales of leprechauns and banshees. But when he actually captures King Brian, the leprechaun king, no one will believe him! Darby is the old caretaker for the local Lord of the Manor who gets replaced by a younger man (a pre-Bond Sean Connery). But when Darby forces King Brian to reveal his hidden gold, it puts his beautiful daughter, Katie's (Janet Munro) life in jeopardy! Now Darby will have to use all his wits to undo the mischief he's caused, in this truly magical film which is a genuine classic and a delight for every member of the family.

The Fighting Prince of Donegal (1966)
In 1587, Hugh O'Donnell inherits the title of The O'Donnell, the prince of Donegal, and tries to unite Ireland to make war on England. But when he's kidnapped and held for ransom by the Viceroy of Ireland, Hugh must escape and lead the fight for Irish independence.

Going My Way (1944) 130 minutes G
Father Chuck O'Malley (Bing Crosby) has been sent to St. Dominic's to take over the failing parish, which has been under the guidance of kindly old Father Fitzgibbon (Barry Fitzgerald) for more than 45 years. In addition to not letting Father Fitzgibbon know that he's now in charge, the younger priest also has to deal with a skinflint landlord who wants to foreclose, a street gang and various problems of the heart, all of which earned it the Oscar for Best Movie of 1944, as well as Best Director and Original Story for Leo McCarey and a Best Actor win for Bing Crosby. As for Barry Fitzgerald, he became the only actor in history to be nominated for both the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor Oscars and went on to take home the Best Supporting Actor statue for his wonderful work in this truly timeless and heartwarming film.

In Old Chicago (1937) G
The Chicago Fire of 1871 is the centerpiece for this exciting, though fictionalized story of Mrs. O'Leary's cow (who allegedly started the fire) and her two sons, played by Don Ameche and Tyrone Power. Ameche runs for mayor while Power is up to no good, but it all works out in the end of this truly epic film.

The Quiet Man (1952) 129 minutes Unrated
Sean Thornton (John Wayne) has returned to Ireland from America to escape his past. A former prizefighter, he accidentally killed an opponent in the ring and can't get the image out of his mind. He falls in love with Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O'Hara), the beautiful younger sister of local bully, "Red" Will Danaher (Victor McGlaglen), which leads to one of the greatest screen battles of all-time. A great film, featuring Oscar-winning direction from Irishman John Ford.

Shake Hands With The Devil (1959) 111 minutes PG
In 1921 Dublin, Irish-American medical student Kerry O'Shea struggles against getting involved with the IRA, which is at war with the British "Black & Tans." Eventually, he finds himself drawn into the rebel organization, secretly led by his surgical professor, Sean Lenihan (James Cagney) who has been fighting for so long that he has lost sight of any peaceful solution, in this tragic, fascinating and tremendously powerful drama.

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) 126 minutes Unrated
A rousing musical classic about George M. Cohan, from child-star in vaudeville, through legendary Broadway success in the 30's, to his comeback when he received a medal from the president for his special contributions to US morale. Featuring an Oscar-winning portrayal by James Cagney.