A look at some classic films that have strong content relating to Ireland or Irish people, in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Of course, many of them have to do with either the I.R.A. or the potato famine, but there are others that are simply stories about Irish people, either in their homeland or in the United States. Thanks to those on the Classic Movies Forum who offered helpful suggestions, including some who may not be quoted below. Here the films are in chronological order, with links in most cases to a place where you can buy the film on DVD or video, if it's available. NOTE: Since this is a "classic" film site, we generally focus on movies made more than 20 years ago. The last two films on this list are exceptions to that rule, made because they are movies with an older sensibility, with no explosions, car chases, or gratuitous sex.
The Informer (1935) - A John Ford film, set in Dublin in 1922, starring Victor McLaglen in an Oscar-winning performance. Probably the least-known of Ford's four Best Director Oscars. Also nominated for Best Picture.
The Irish In Us (1935) - James Cagney and Pat O'Brien are brothers who fight over Olivia de Havilland in this routine but enjoyable WB comedy set in New York. Lots of stereotypes, including the performances by Frank McHugh as the fireman brother and Allen Jenkins as a punch-drunk boxer.
Three Cheers For the Irish (1940) - Thomas Mitchell is a retiring Irish cop in New York City whose daughter, played by Priscilla Lane, gets involved with his replacement, a Scotsman! The latter is played by Dennis Morgan, who later played the prototypical Irish tenor in My Wild Irish Rose.
Going My Way (1944) - "Although it is set in the States, ["Going My Way"] has The Scene that makes every Irish Lad start weeping," says Classic Movies Forum poster Kaisang. Which scene? Well, you'll have to watch it yourself, now, won't you?
Irish Eyes Are Smiling (1944) - Monty Woolley, June Haver, Dick Haymes, and the definitely-not-Irish Anthony Quinn star in a loose and tuneful tribute to Ernest R. Ball, the composer of many popular Irish songs.
I See a Dark Stranger (1946) - Irishwoman Deborah Kerr hates England so much she becomes a Nazi spy. The atmospheric piece also stars Trevor Howard.
My Wild Irish Rose (1947) - The story of Irish tenor Chauncey Olcott, played by Dennis Morgan, from his childhood days in Ireland to his success as a singer in New York. The title character of Rose Donovan is played by Arlene Dahl.
Odd Man Out (1947) - James Mason as an IRA fighter on the run from everybody, including the cops and his own people. Directed by Carol Reed, who was also responsible for The Third Man.
The Luck of the Irish (1948) - The first Hollywood film to deal with leprechauns, this one stars Tyrone Power, with Cecil Kellaway as roly-poly but normal-sized elf who helps the hero discover his true values. "I would love to see it again right now!" says Lana, on the Classic Movies Forum.
The Quiet Man (1952) - One of the greatest films set in Ireland, one of John Ford's best movies, and certainly one of John Wayne's and Maureen O'Hara's more impressive performances. A treat all the way around.
Untamed (1955) - The story begins in Ireland during the Potato Famine, but finishes up in South Africa. Starring Tyrone Power and Susan Hayward.
The Rising of the Moon (1957) - Yet another John Ford film, this one based on several short stories about Irish life and featuring a who's who of Irish actors. One of Tyrone Power's last films.
Shake Hands with the Devil (1959) - James Cagney is an IRA leader in 1921 Dublin. Also starring Don Murray, Dana Wynter, Glynis Johns, and Michael Redgrave.
Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959) - A wonderful Disney family film with excellent special effects for the time and a pre-Bond Sean Connery. "Great fantasy to attract the younger viewer, yet not too cute to repel the older one," says Hoppypal on the Forum.
Finian's Rainbow (1968) - An underrated musical directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Fred Astaire as an Irish immigrant to America who encounters racism in the South.
Ryan's Daughter (1970) - Film by David Lean is set in Ireland during WW I and features fine performances all around, particularly the Supporting Oscar-winning turn by John Mills. Starring Robert Mitchum, Tevor Howard, and Sarah Miles.
The Secret of Roan Inish (1994) - A more recent film by John Sayles. This unconventional story of a young Irish girl's discovery of a magical family history may not appeal to all tastes, particularly if you prefer car chases and loud music, but classic film fans will like it.
Waking Ned (1998) - A charming film about a small Irish village that bands together to accept the lottery winnings of an elderly resident who has died upon finding out that he's won.
The Irish Mafia - My article about the group of film stars, not the crime syndicate!
