A well-received film on its release in 1952 and the story of a retired boxer returning to the Ireland of his childhood, The Quiet Man is chock full of melodramatic stereotype as the villagers suspect his motives.
Having left Ireland as a small boy, Sean Thornton (John Wayne) returns to the rural village looking to purchase the isolated cottage that was his childhood home. He immediately falls foul of local landowner, Red Danaher (Victor McLaglen), who has his eye on the property and surrounding land. Things become even more complicated when Thornton falls for Danaher’s sister, the fiery redhead Mary Kate (Maureen O’Hara).
Directed by the legendary John Ford (who collected his fourth best director Oscar), The Quiet Man looks good, filmed as it was in Ireland itself with plenty of outdoor action. The occasional unexpected lightness of touch is undermined by studio shots that are unconvincing of what is a trope-laden Irish film of religion, tradition and alcohol with McLaglen guilty of dated over-acting.
Nominated for 7 Oscars in 1953 including best film, supporting actor (McLaglen) and script, won 2 for best director and cinematography
Rating: 50%
Director: John Ford (The Grapes of Wrath, Stagecoach)
Writer: Frank S. Nugent (Mister Roberts, The Searchers)
Main cast: John Wayne (Rio Grande, Stagecoach), Maureen O’Hara (Rio Grande, Our Man in Havana) Victor McLaglen (The Informer, Gunga Din)
An Opinion or Two 