The Quiet Man (1952)
Grade: 82
John Ford wanted to direct a film about an American boxer's return to his Irish roots, but couldn't get any studio to bankroll it. John Wayne had agreed to star in the picture, and his name was box office gold, but the studios suspected that the American public would be indifferent to Irish culture.
Of all the Hollywood studios, Republic Pictures, best known for their awful low-budget westerns, ended up producing the film. They were rewarded with an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, while Ford won Best Director and Winton C. Hoch won for the rich color cinematography.
Wayne's boxing career in the states ends when he kills a man in the ring. He retires to the Irish cottage where he was born, and weds fiery red-head Maureen O'Hara. But O'Hara's brother, bullying Victor MacLaglen (apparently a much older brother!) refuses to pay the dowry, forcing a physical confrontation with Wayne.
"The Quiet Man" benefits greatly from the presence of two of Hollywood's best character actors, Irish curmudgeon Barry Fitzgerald and the hulking, cantankerous McLaglen. McLaglen would be nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his performance. O'Hara is radiant as always. Wayne once again plays himself, but he does it so well.
I don't know if the early 1950s depiction of rural Ireland is accurate. Apparently, all of the buildings have stood for centuries, and in the taverns serving black beer, there is always a fellow with an accordion singing Irish ballads. Horse and carts are still common. Whether this is an accurate portrayal or a fantasy isn't important, however, as the viewer will gladly accept this colorful world of rolling hills and Irish brogues.
The film's ultimate message, that it is necessary to confront bullies in order to prove your manhood, bothers me a little. (It is a wise policy to ensure the odds are in your favor first.) Also, there is a scene where Wayne is pushing, dragging and even kicking O'Hara, to an approving audience. One woman even gives Wayne a stick "to beat yer lovely wife with". This is supposed to be a comic scene, but I can't say that I approve of it.
Still, a highly entertaining film, with excellent performances especially by Fitzgerald and McLaglen.
kollers@mpsi.net http://members.tripod.com/~Brian_Koller/movies.html
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