the year: 1952
the genre: drama
the cast: John Wayne (Sean Thornton); Maureen O'Hara (Mary Kate Danaher); Barry Fitzgerald (Michaleen Oge Flynn); Ward Bond (Father Peter Lonergan); Victor McLaglen (Squire "Red" Will Danner); Mildred Natwick (The Widow Sarah Tillane)
the plot: After fatally knocking out his opponent in the ring, boxer Sean Thornton returns to the place of his birth in Ireland. Seeking a life of quiet and rest, Sean plans to buy his family's old cottage, and keep his boxing identity a secret. En route to Innisfree, Sean catches sight of Mary Kate Danaher and is captivated by her beauty, but finds he has to deal with her brother "Red" Will Danaher, an ill-mannered bully.
don't miss: Michaleen the Matchmaker. And his horse.
did you know: anytime John Wayne lights up a cigarette in this movie he takes exactly two puffs before pitching it away.
extra bonus points: if you know which other film had John Wayne playing a character with the last name of Thornton.
listen for: "He'll regret it till his dying day, if ever he lives that long."
also listen for: "Mind you, I'm fresh as a daisy!" "You look more like a black-eyed Susan to me."
And check out a jim dandy of a fight scene here.
7 comments:
Would that be El Dorado? Someone in there was named Thorton.
I LOVE this movie! I think it's my favorite JW flick. I need to buy the DVD so when Blaine watches it with me we can turn on the subtitles. I love the Catholic Priest, too. I can't remember the actors name, but he's in a ton of JW's movies, too.
Correct. In El Dorado, John Wayne played the part of Cole Thornton.
Yes, thanks for turning me onto this one, Laney!
Wow, that is QUITE the jim dandy of a fight. ;D
Doesn't this film have the distinction of a cameo on E.T.? Isn't this what E.T. is watching while drunk when Elliot is at school? And Elliot reenacts the kiss in the rain while frogs escape around his feet?
Not having seen E.T. (gasp!) I wasn't sure. But according to IMDB, Scott you're absolutely right!
Ryan actually introduced me to this one. Personally recalls seeing it in E.T. too. :o)
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