AlthoughJohn Waynemay be the most iconic western star of all-time, he would not have received that legendary status if it was not for his regular series of collaborations withJohn Ford. Ford may have already been an Academy Award-winning filmmaker by the time that he first worked with Wayne, but the two soon found a way toturn the burgeoning western genreinto the most exciting movement in American film history; their work together included the rip-roaring action-thrillerStagecoach, the romantic dramaShe Wore A Yellow Ribbon, the heartwarming holiday classic3 Godfathers, the epic anti-hero sagaThe Searchers, and the reflective arthouse gemThe Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.However,Wayne and Ford ventured to Ireland to make one of the best romantic dramas ever, asThe Quiet Manwould be hailed as one of the greatest projects that either of them accomplished within their respective careers.
What Is ‘The Quiet Man’ About?
Set in the 1920s,The Quiet Manstars Wayne as the retired boxer Sean Thornton, who officially left the sport afteran accident in the ring, in which he actually killed his opponent. Although Sean spent the majority of hislife with his mother in America, he has sought to return home to Ireland, as he was born in the small town of Inisfree. Sean travels with the intention of buying back his family’s farm, and immediately befriends the village elder Michaeleen Flynn (Barry Fitzgerald), who teaches him about the local customs. While Sean immediately falls in love with the illustrious local woman, Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O’Hara), he has the misfortune of getting into a bitter feud with her overbearing older brother, William (Victor McLaglen). Due to Irish customs which prevent Mary Kate from marrying without the permission of her oldest living male relative, Sean is forced to find a way to fight to earn the family’s respect, all whilst retaining his honor.
This Actor Holds the Record for Longest Time Between Oscar Nominations
This actor received two Academy Award nominations, 43 years apart, for his powerful roles in ‘Ordinary People’ and ‘The Fabelmans’.
As is frequently noted throughout the opening credits of the film,The Quiet Manwas shot almost entirely in Ireland, which was a relative raritywithin the “Golden Age of Hollywood”given the popularity of sound stages. While shooting on a real location certainly made the cast’s reaction to the naturalistic environments more authentic, Ford also benefited from being able to celebrate Irish culture. Although the romantic bond between Sean and Mary Kate, as well as the feud with Will, serves as the overarching narrative,The Quiet Manis able to shed a spotlight on all the different pillars of Inisfree’s community, highlighting how this united village differs from the more fractured cities of the United States. Ford was able to pull in some of his regular collaborators to fill out the ensemble;Ward Bond, best known for his roles inThe Searchersand3 Godfathers, has a memorable role as the village priest, who ends up helping Sean pull off a plan of deception.
‘The Quiet Man’ Is a Perfect Romantic Dramedy
The Quiet Manfulfillseverything needed for a romantic filmbecause it shows the hardships and highlights of two very defiant, prideful people falling in love with one another. Although it is exciting to see the hoops that Mary Kate and William have to jump through to make their marriage official, the film is also quite modern in how it examines marital strife. A particular point of contention becomes the acquiring of Mary Kate’s family fortune; while she feels that it is a tradition that should be honored, Sean has grown weary of American capitalism, and does not feel that it is necessary for their happiness. This sparks a feud between them that is paid off in the film’s brilliant, hilarious ending.
Although it is a film that touches on themes of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder,The Quiet Manis also one of Ford’s funniest films, as he is keen to note the idiosyncrasies of a small town that has retained its traditions for generations without any major adaptations. Even if Will ends up being the antagonist of the film, McLaglen turns him into a slightly charming, bumbling character, and justifiably earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Although it is the epitome of what an old-school romance should look like,The Quiet Manepitomized a romantic comedy formulathat Hollywood would be desperate to repeat in the subsequent decades.
The Quiet Man
