The Molly Maguires

Starring:Sean Connery, Richard Harris, Samantha Eggar, Frank Finlay, Anthony Zerbe, Bethel Leslie, Art Lund, Philip Bourneuf, Anthony Costello, Brendan Dillon, Frances Heflin, John Alderson, Malachy McCourt, Susan Goodman, Ian Abercrombie, Karen Machon, Peter Rogan, Jane Tomassetti, Liam Daly, William Clune
Director: Martin Ritt
Studio: Paramount
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

An expensive box-office flop when released in 1970, The Molly Maguires can now be appreciated as a compelling drama with potent political undertones. The talent involved is first-rate all the way: In addition to the volatile teaming of Sean Connery and Richard Harris on opposite sides of a Pennsylvania miners' war, director Martin Ritt and screenwriter Walter Bernstein were at the height of their Hollywood powers, determined to give viewers a visceral, grittily authentic drama about the exploitation of Irish immigrant miners in the centennial America of 1876. Connery's secret gang, the Molly Maguires, retaliates by destroying mines and equipment; Harris infiltrates the group as an informer hired by the coal-company owners, leading to his inevitable crisis of conscience. Pub brawls and manly action give the film its meat-and-potatoes appeal, and discerning viewers will appreciate the story's careful pacing and moral ambiguity; ironically, those qualities were blamed for the film's commercial failure. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

A fascinating slice of Pennsylvanian coal mining history .......2007-02-26

The more historically accurate the film, the more it tends to drag. The Molly Maguires certainly passes this test! Still, it presents a fascinating account of an oppressed people and a wrong-headed response which brought them into conflict with the Church.

decraman.......2007-01-30

I enjoyed the Molly Maguires very much. Some artistic liberties may have been taken but Hollywoods intent for the most part is to entertain. The film did depict a volitile era of our countries history. Richard Harris was my favorite actor. For the most part underrated. Possibly because of his reckless personal life. He does a great job in this film. If you liked him I'd suggest you see "THE FIELD" for which he was nominated Best actor. Albeit another dark film, if you like his acting you'll like this movie.

The Molly Maguires.......2007-01-09

This is not a factual account of the Molly Maguires struggle in the anthracite coal region of Pennsylvania between 1860-1880, but it is interesting and emotes an emotional element. The acting is quite good and it attempts to provide viewers with some balance of reasoning for the disproportionate balance of power and wealth during that time and in the industry that helped make PA the king in coal.

Richard Harris and Sean Connery are worth watching........2007-01-06

But the show is way too predictable. Not bad background for my 7th grader learning about the Molly Maguires in Social Studies.

Unfortunately, a key missing scene.......2006-11-29

I don't understand why this version cuts out the key scene in the church were Sean Connery stands up in his pew and challenges the priest sermonizing against violence and saying something like "what about the violence against the miners?"

In fact, they appeared to have purposely edited the movie to make the audience think that the comment that Richard Harris makes after the service about "talking back to the priest" refers to the pleasantries that Sean Connery exchanged with the priest after the service on the way out!

I remember this scene vividly since it when I saw this movie almost 40 years ago now, it was cool to see someone stand up in the church and stand up to the church's hypocrisy.

The cut of this scene also distorts the movies development of the close friendship that the priest held with Sean Connery and how each could act within their roles while retaining their bond.

Odd.

Any insight from the fans?

- DP

In Search Of History - True Story Of The Molly Maguires (History

Average customer rating:

In Search Of History - True Story Of The Molly Maguires (History

In Search Of History - True Story Of The Molly Maguires (History

Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( I ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Molly Maguires
Making Sense of the Molly Maguires
A Molly Maguire Story
Tales of the Mine Country
Anthracite Roots: Generations of Coal Mining in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

ASIN: B000F6ZBM6
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Customer Reviews:

In Search Of History - True Story Of The Molly Maguires (History.......2007-01-09

The intricate layers of the Molly Maguires are revealed in the History Channnel presents dvd. What makes this such a good point of reference is the fact that the dvd covers history realistically and incorpoartes family feedback of relatives affected by this group on both sides of the coal industry-that is laborers and owners.It emotes deep thought and emotions as well.

Average customer rating:

A fascinating slice of Pennsylvanian coal mining history
decraman
The Molly Maguires
Richard Harris and Sean Connery are worth watching.
Unfortunately, a key missing scene

The Molly Maguires [Region 2]
Starring: Sean Connery , Richard Harris , Samantha Eggar , Frank Finlay , and Anthony Zerbe
Director: Martin Ritt
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video