The Quiet Man

DVD, The Quiet Man (1952) film

A John Wayne film which isn't your typical John Wayne film. He rides a horse, wears a hat and indulges in fighting, but this isn't the wild west, it's the wilds of Ireland, he's wearing a cap, not a cowboy hat and it's not cowboys he's taming, but a fiery Irish maid and her brother. I can see why it won the Best Director and (especially) Best Cinematography Oscars of 1952 as it looks unreal, like the Hobbit lands of 'The Lord of The Rings', quaint, but solid, like the stone bridges or thatched cottages that feature so much. In fact the colours are almost too dazzling, but the beautifully designed shots of the landscape seen as they walk the hills or during the horse race are a delight for the eyes.

The only visual downside is that it's not in widescreen as that would have been so much better and would suit the photography so well, whether it's sheep being herded or the villagers charging after the fight. Also it seemed a little less sharp than usual, even for an old film, but that may have been the DVD transfer from Universal as it may not have been the best it could be. I wouldn't exactly place it as a comedy, but it's full of Irish charm and foibles, so it isn't exactly a drama either, and it made me chuckle several times. Towards the end it becomes much more lively, John Wayne does his usual good-humoured drawling in the prime of his career and Maureen O'Hara is good as the cause of much trouble! I must admit it was a bit drawn out, and very little really happens amid all the scenery, but there is a kick towards the end as we hear why Sean Thornton doesn't want to fight. If only there had been more of that kind of mastery it would have been a truly good film rather than an okay one that still leaves you with a smile on your face.

**