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Here’s why “The Quiet Man” continues to endure decades later – Old western – My Blog
The late great Maureen O’Hara’s most famous film, John Ford’s “The Quiet Man,” constantly turns up on TV channels like Turner Classic Movies, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. The film has been a St. Patrick’s Day staple for over 60 years now.And for just as long, the film has had its detractors – those who grumble that the film is little more than a brightly-colored jaunt through Irish stereotypes: the drunks, the brawlers, and all those freckled redheads.Well, I have some bad news for the haters. “The Quiet Man” is growing in stature, not merely as entertainment, but as a work of art.
The sign of any great, enduring story is that it can be re-imagined and reinterpreted by younger generations. And so, “The Quiet Man” – for all of its legitimate flaws – is going to be with us for many more St. Patrick’s Days.Martin Scorsese, who’s got tons of cinematic street cred, to put it mildly, once said “The Quiet Man” was a major inspiration.“The Quiet Man” re-imagined in Roddy Doyle’s novel “The Dead Republic”But the most interesting new take on “The Quiet Man” is Roddy Doyle’s 2010 book “The Dead Republic.”Doyle is one of Ireland’s more famous contemporary writers – his book “The Commitments” went on to become a classic indie film, while his novel “Paddy Clarke Ha, Ha, Ha” won several major awards.One of Doyle’s last projects was a trilogy of Irish historical novels based around the character Henry Smart, a sort of Irish Forrest Gump, who floats through the country’s history and has a knack for being at the center of key events.
In the first two books, “A Star Called Henry” and “Oh, Play That Thing,” Henry rose from the Dublin slums to become a leader of the Easter Rising, before traveling to New York and Chicago to rub elbows with gangsters and guide the career of a young musician named Louis Armstrong.One of Doyle’s key aims here is to reexamine Irish American history. Believe it or not, this has made him some enemies.Traditional historical writers such as Morgan Llywelyn believe Doyle is playing fast and loose with the facts.The problem is, history is more than just a collection of facts. So, Doyle feels free to have some fun undermining readers’ conventional wisdom about the past.“IRA consultant” on set of a famous Hollywood movieIn Doyle’s 2010 book “The Dead Republic,” Henry Star finds himself on the set of a film with Henry Fonda and the irascible Irish American director John Ford.They are shooting a western, but Ford desperately wants to make a movie about Irish rebellion. So, he has hired famous rebel Henry Smart to serve as “IRA consultant.”But what began as a gritty tale of Irish liberation gets crammed into Ford’s myth-making machine and what emerges, instead, is what some believe to be the worst piece of paddywhackery Hollywood ever produced – “The Quiet Man.”Along the way, Henry Smart sees that Ford is transforming the story. “All references to the war and the IRA had gone. The Sean in the picture wasn’t a kid of the Dublin streets, and all the killings had become one big punch in a boxing ring,” writes Doyle.
But Doyle is not merely lamenting the whitewashing of Ireland’s past. He is examining the deeply complicated way myth and reality collide. How complicated?Well, if it seems like an “IRA consultant” for a Hollywood movie is a priceless slice of Doyle’s imagination, guess again – Ford’s film, indeed, had just such a hard man on set, the Irish Civil War veteran Ernie O’Malley.And that begins to explain why “The Quiet Man” endures. For all of its donnybrooks and thatched-cottage charm, there are deep, violent undercurrents in the film.
As Professor Luke Gibbons has written: “’The Quiet Man’ bears out the Celtic stereotype that, in Ireland, the tear and smile seem twin-born, and comedy is shadowed by tragedy.”Is that why millions love the film? No. Many, indeed, love Barry Fitzgerald’s drunken shenanigans. But such stuff cannot carry a film for decades.So give “The Quiet Man” another viewing. And really watch it this time. You might be surprised.
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Sophia Loren timeless beauty
Enjoy in timeless beauty of Sophia Loren:
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3738621 Sophia Loren (b/w photo); (add.info.: Sophia Loren (b.1934) Italian actress); © SZ Photo; .
Entertainment
Justin Baldoni Responds to Bombshell Blake Lively Lawsuit
In a surprising turn of events in the entertainment industry, actor and director Justin Baldoni has addressed the recent lawsuit filed by actress Blake Lively. The legal battle has become a hot topic among fans and media alike, stirring discussions about celebrity relationships, professional ethics, and the implications of such lawsuits in Hollywood.
### Background of the Lawsuit
Blake Lively, known for her roles in popular series such as “Gossip Girl” and movies like “A Simple Favor,” has made headlines not only for her acting career but also for her high-profile marriage to actor Ryan Reynolds. The lawsuit reportedly stems from a conflict regarding alleged contractual obligations and personal disputes related to an upcoming project that both actors were involved in. Details of the suit indicate it revolves around claims of breach of contract and defamation, which have raised eyebrows in the industry.
### Justin Baldoni’s Response
Responding to the ongoing situation, Baldoni, who is recognized for his roles in “Jane the Virgin” and his directorial work, expressed his thoughts on social media. “I believe in the power of dialogue and resolution,” Baldoni stated in his post. He emphasized the importance of addressing conflicts in a constructive manner, stating, “This industry is filled with passionate people, and sometimes passions lead to misunderstandings. I hope we can all find a way to resolve this amicably.”
In his response, Baldoni also highlighted the significance of mental health, reinforcing that navigating legal disputes can take a toll on the individuals involved. He encouraged fans to be supportive rather than speculative, urging them to focus on the positive aspects of the artistic community rather than sensationalism.
### Industry Reactions
The news of the lawsuit and Baldoni’s response have generated mixed reactions across social media platforms. While many fans have rallied behind both actors, showing support and understanding, others have expressed concerns about the potential fallout from such legal disputes in an industry already facing scrutiny for various ethical concerns.
Industry insiders have noted that lawsuits in Hollywood are not uncommon but underscore deeper issues related to relationships between collaborators and the pressures of fame. Several celebrities have come forward expressing a desire for more transparency and communication within the industry to avoid such conflicts.
### Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, both Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively have their supporters, and the outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain. For now, the entertainment industry watches closely, hoping for a resolution that not only reflects mutual respect but also encourages healthier collaborations in the future. In an age where public perceptions can shift rapidly, the importance of handling disputes with grace and dignity is more crucial than ever.
The legal proceedings will likely continue to attract attention, and audiences are left to wonder what this means for future collaborations in Hollywood. As fans await further developments, the emphasis lies on understanding and the potential for growth from this challenging chapter in both actors’ careers.
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