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 For decades, John Wayne's status as a bona fide man's man has gone unchallenged. Even today, he remains a perennial Hollywood tough guy, the sort of movie star some modern action heroes can only dream of resembling. That's why it may come as a surprise to many that 1952's The Quiet Man, one of the Duke's most heralded pictures, positions him in a rather subdued role. It's a refreshing change of pace to see Wayne hang up the six-shooters and dive into a more complex part. But it's a shame that despite good intentions, The Quiet Man proves to be a mixed bag, high on melodrama but curiously lacking in those vital elements to whip itself into shape. The film also stars Maureen O'Hara, Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond, Victor McLaglen and Mildred Natwick.
Maureen O'Hara & John Wayne
Director John Ford helms this story of Sean Thornton (Wayne), a boxer fleeing a trouble past. Having lived stateside for most of his life, Sean decides to start anew and return to his ancestral home in Ireland. While his arrival is welcomed by most of the locals, including jovial barfly Michaleen Flynn (Fitzgerald), Sean almost instantly butts heads with tempestuous "Red" Danaher (McLaglen) when he tries to buy back the family cottage. Their bad blood continues to worsen after Sean falls head over heels for Red's sister, the fiery Mary Kate (O'Hara). The pair's courtship isn't without its hiccups, but the strong-willed lovers come to find a place in their hearts for one another. Without Red's consent to their relationship, however, Sean must face his fears and confront the tragedy that forced him to flee if he is to start a life with Mary Kate.
Even though many deem this a classic, The Quiet Man is not my cup of tea, though I understand why it's such a beloved picture. Amore subtle piece of work, The Quiet Man is in the vein of films like Gone with the Wind and Australia, extravagant romances with a hefty dollop of culture mixed in. Instead of the deep south or the untamed lands of down under, Ford sets this tale amidst Ireland's lush beauty.
It's been said that The Quiet Man was the most personal work for Ford, and it shows in how much heritage is emphasized in the story. A good portion of the plot involves how Sean, slightly embracing some traits of an ugly American, learns that romance works differently back home, that respect is something that's earned (and not very easily, at that). Ford's depiction of Ireland's beautiful countryside is nothing short of picturesque, plenty flourishing but never phony or without a hint of innocence.
 Yet as noble as Ford's pursuits are, The Quiet Man never seems to make them all work. For example, when Red withholds his sister's dowry, and in turn, Mary Kate refuses to acknowledge her marriage until Sean gets it back. I understand that it's because Mary Kate sees her inheritance as a symbol of her independence, but such stubbornness doesn't fly on the screen.
Similarly, there's next to no build-up to Sean and Mary Kate's romance; they bicker till their heart's content, but their pairing is no more convincing than any other Hollywood comedy that forces the characters to like each other rather than allow them to grow. This is through no fault of the actors, since O'Hara brings plenty of spark to her part, and Wayne plays the pacifist type rather convincingly. It's mostly the writing that turns an endearing story into a boiling pot of overwrought melodrama. The script has a tendency to oversimplify certain elements of the story, like the climax, which feels especially rushed and clunky, as if the filmmakers couldn't think of any better way to end things than with a mindless brawl. The narration also comes across as pointless, and the Irish supporting characters are less endearing. They appear as walking, talking stereotypes.
The Quiet Man is a vintage picture that's accumulated quite a following, and with that in mind, I wholeheartedly recommend checking it out.
Director: John Ford
Writer: Frank S. Nugent (from a story by Maurice Walsh)
Cast: John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond, Victor McLaglen, Mildred Natwick
Rating: No MPAA Rating (some mild violence)
Classic Movie Guide Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Run Time: 129 minutes
Studio: Republic Pictures
Format: Color, fullscreen
Photo credits: Republic Pictures
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