Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!



Hello Friends!

Since everyone is supposed to be a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day, I thought I'd share a clip or two from some of my favorite movies about Ireland and the Irish.  I hope everyone enjoys them as much as I do.  I lift my cup o coffee to ya and say.... Slainte Mhaith!

In our house it couldn't possibly be St. Paddy's Day without "The Quiet Man".  This movie has to be the most watched and recognized film related to the holiday and John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara were the perfect choices to play Sean Thornton and Mary Kate Danaher. The score for the film was written by composer Victor Young, but the melody played most throughout the film is called The Isle of Innisfree and was written for the film by Dick Farrelly - a policeman turned songwriter - on a bus trip from County Meath to Dublin.  (the song, as sung by Celtic Woman is posted below the movie clip.) 











This next clip has to be one of my favorite Barry Fitzgerald scenes out of the hundreds of movies he was in during his long career. It's from the movie "Going My Way".  He actually won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in this Best Picture Award winning film.

As a brief summary leading up to this clip, Father O'Malley (Bing Crosby) has been sent to St. Dominic's to take charge by the Bishop, because Father Fitzgibbons (Barry Fitzgerald) is getting on in years and the parish is in financial trouble. Even though the older priest isn't too happy about Father O'Malley at first, he grows to appreciate and care for the younger priest.  Just as things are looking up at St. Dominic's, the church burns down and through a series of efforts by all, the funds are raised and Father O'Malley is told by the Bishop that he's being transferred to a new parish that is also in trouble and needs his help. At an earlier point in the movie, the old priest mentions to Father O'Malley that although he's come close several times, he's never been able to make it back home to see his dear mother, since he first left Ireland 45 years ago.






Now, there's one more song that I just have to add. (you just heard a tiny bit of it in the last clip) For me, it wouldn't be St. Patrick's Day without hearing it. It's a song that is very dear to me because my mother sang it to me when I was a child.  I know that may seem a bit cliche', but it's true.  I also sang it to my daughters. It will always tug at my heart and always remind me of Mama. Always.





6 comments:

  1. The Quiet Man is an all time favorite of mine. I don't think they could make a film about Ireland without Barry Fitzgerald back then, could they?

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  2. George: Absolutely! I believe that Barry Fitzgerald was in every Irish movie and many that had little or nothing to do with Ireland at all. His facial expressions and body language alone could make or steal a scene. And that brogue!

    I could be in a different room in the house and if he's on TV, I know immediately 'tis himself.

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  3. You know I don't think I've every watch a movie in honor of St. Patty's Day. Thanks!

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  4. Colleen: There are loads of movies about Ireland/the Irish that were made back in the 40's & 50's, but either of the two that I featured here would be great examples. They're family friendly as well. Maybe you can start a new St Paddy's tradition in your home!

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  5. I'll have to jump on board too and search out some movies for next year. LOVE irish music though - I played some at some big Irish dance shows over here a few years ago and really miss it.

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  6. Cate: There are some great movies that are either about Ireland or the Irish. Waking Ned Divine is hysterical and Angela's Ashes is both heart wrenching and funny. (just to name a couple) The two that I posted clips from are definitely in my top 5.

    I also added a new playlist on my music page that's all Irish music. I like to pop the player out and listen while I catch up with my blog friends. Feel free to do the same if you'd like to!

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