'tis Herself With
Although now 89, Maureen O'Hara, 'tis herself with flaming red hair and is still a remarkably attractive lady. What a great actress! Hats off to her and may this true Irish lass have a long, long, LONGER life.
"We should get down on our knees,
To thank God we are still on our feet!"
When I hear Irish sayings, such as this one, it reminds me of Maureen O'Hara. Ireland is a nation of great story tellers.
"There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories." Ursula K. LeGuin
Here, I hope you will find everything you want and need to know about Maureen O'Hara. I have my eyes and ears open and will post more photographs, personal information (not too personal) and articles pertaining to Ms. O'Hara. as I find them. I do hope that you will enjoy reading about Maureen O'Hara!.
Oh what a beautiful mornin'
Remarkably Beautiful
Three reasons to love Maureen O'Hara
The words of Mr. O'Squidley
~ Maureen O'Hara is Irish. I love her accent. I am from an Irish background .. we could be related? "Right!" you say. Well, MAYBE, stranger things have happened.
~ Maureen O'Hara usually played a "good person" role. If she wasn't good in the beginning - by the end of the movie she was.
~ Maureen O'Hara is what I would call "A real beauty!" Nothing artificial about her! Finding her is better than finding a 'Pot O Gold.'
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PLEASE NOTE: In this lens I have used extensively, the Photo Gallery Module provided by Squidoo Masters.
You will find the "Nuts & Bolts" of how to use this fabulous module at: Photo Gallery Module
Maureen O'Hara Photo Collection #1
Using Squidoo's Photo Gallery. (Just click on the photo to enlarge.)
Maureen - Oh Baby!
A Cute Baby Girl!
Maureen O'Hara (born Maureen FitzSimons on August 17, 1920 in Ranelagh, County Dublin, Ireland) is an Irish film actress and singer. She is fluent in Irish and used this in her films The Long Gray Line, The Quiet Man, and Only the Lonely.
Born to Charles Stewart Parnell FitzSimons (a Catholic) and Marguerita Lilburn FitzSimons (a Protestant) in Ranelagh, County Dublin, Ireland not long before partition, the famously red-headed beauty is noted for playing fiercely passionate heroines with a highly sensible attitude. She often worked with director John Ford and longtime friend John Wayne.
Her father owned and managed a business in Dublin, and also owned part of the renowned Irish soccer team, "The Shamrock Rovers."
Beginnings
Maureen FitzSimons
Maureen FitzSimons came from a theatrical family. She auditioned and was accepted into the prestigious Abbey Theatre in Dublin at the age of 14. Her dream then, was to become an opera singer. Maureen's mother was an accomplished operatic contralto and later became a successful woman's clothier.
At age 14 Maureen auditioned and was accepted into the famed performing arts school at the Abbey Theater. She was offered a screen test in London. The studio adorned her in a gold lamé gown and heavy make-up with an ornate hair style. The test proved to be a huge disappointment for Maureen. She went down on the set and they said, "Now walk into the room, go to that table, pick up the phone then put it down. Then go to walk out. Then go back. Pick up the phone again, and then pick up the phone again. Then go back and pick up the phone again and slam it down and walk out." Her thoughts were, "If that's the movie business, then I want nothing to do with it! I'm going to get back to Abbey Theater as fast as I can."
Early in her Career
She Continued
I'm so glad that she did.
Thank goodness it didn't end there! Famed actor Charles Laughton later saw the test, and despite the overdone makeup and costume, he was haunted by her beautiful eyes and believed she had that "something special." As a result, O'Hara was offered an initial seven-year contract with "Mayflower Pictures." Her first major film was Jamaica Inn, (1939), directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Laughton was so pleased with her performance in Jamaica Inn, that he cast her in the role of Esmeralda opposite him in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which was to be filmed at RKO Studios in Hollywood that same year. Just hours before boarding the Queen Mary to sail to America, a young man from the studio, George Brown, who had a crush on her, convinced her to marry him. Her mother and Laughton found out about it, and she was whisked away from the altar to the boat. The marriage was never consummated and later annulled.
"Confidential Magazine" trial in Los Angeles.
USA
RKO
World War II began, and Laughton, realizing their studio could no longer film in London, sold her contract to RKO. RKO cast her first in low-budget films, and she was rescued by famed director John Ford, who cast her as Angharad in How Green Was My Valley. In 1946, she became a naturalized citizen of the United States.
She is one of the most beloved of Hollywood's Golden Age icons and at the height of her career was considered one of the world's most beautiful women. She is best remembered for her chemistry with legendary John Wayne. She made five films with him - Rio Grande, The Quiet Man, The Wings of Eagles, McLintock!, and Big Jake. Many of her films are considered all-time classics and are traditionally shown on television during the holidays.
How Green Was My Valley
Summary:
How Green Was My Valley
The movie that beat Citizen Kane for Best Picture - How Green Was My Valley is the classic story of a close knit family of Welsh coal miners.
A complex account of family life and strife that takes in traumas, hardships, romances, conflicts and the odd happy moment without ever sentimentalizing or becoming unbelievable.
I think Ford captured brilliantly the sense of the very close-knit mining community, and the special bond formed by the men's choir. The love story struggles a bit, and, while the local phrasing is accurate, the Welsh accents are sometimes questionable. The miners' cottages are substantially more spacious than anything I have seen in Cwm Rhondda, with its long lines of slate roofs glistening in the rain, and the countryside has been somewhat "Brigadooned", but I suppose this is inevitable Hollywood.
How Green Was My Valley Trailer
One of my favorites.
PLEASE NOTE: The Trailer is in English dispite the title given by YouTube.
This film won 6 Academy Awards including Best Film.
If you find that this YouTube does not want to work: Click on the YouTube logo in the upper left corner of the black screen.
A Scene From How Green Was My Valley
Huw learns how to fight
I love movies with child actors!
Huw is the first in the family to ever attend school in John Ford's 6 Academy award winning Welsh coal mining epic drama from 1941.
I hope you will enjoy this scene as much as I do. It will give you a good feel for the movie. A movie the whole family will enjoy.
If you find that this YouTube does not want to work: Click on the YouTube logo in the
upper left corner of the black screen.
Rape of The Fair Country
Author: Alexander Cordell
For anyone interested in learning more about the complex life of the Welsh "back when," I strongly recommend reading Alexander Cordell's "Rape of the Fair Country." A brilliant description of life in the valleys.
Rape of the Fair Country
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
Centered around a wonderful family, Alexander Cordell brings you into their homes and lives and the mines in which they toil. The struggle with the British elite leads up to the Jack Frost rebellion. The novel is followed by two other books that track a son escaping the British tyranny by going to the United States. The flavor of the green hills dotted with sheep and the lush valleys along with the deep history of the land and the people make this a delightful book.
Maureen O'Hara in Rio Grande
Summary:
Rio Grande
Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne made five movies together. In Rio Grande they play a couple who have been torn apart by the Civil War reunited at a calvary outpost where he is fighting the Apache. Directed by John Ford.
DID YOU KNOW?
....that Rio Grande premiered at the Majestic Theater in San Antonio on October 3, 1950.
....that the movie was based on a story called The Mission With No Record by James Warner Bellah.
....that Rio Grande was also the motion picture debut of John Wayne's son Patrick Wayne who played one of the children who were captured by the Indians
....that John Ford didn't want to make Rio Grande. Republic Pictures cajoled him into it by promising that if he made Rio Grande they would let him make his beloved project, The Quiet Man.
....that Rio Grande also holds the distinction of being one of the very few movies in which John Wayne sported a mustache. This was so radical a concept at the time that the advertisements for the movie showed him clean-shaven because the Republic Pictures marketing department was afraid that the mustache would offend potential movie watchers.
Rio Grande
Only the beginning
RIO GRANDE (USA 1950) Directed By John Ford stars John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara.
RIO GRANDE is a western film and the third installment of John Ford's "cavalry trilogy", following two RKO Pictures releases: Fort Apache (1948) and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949). JOHN WAYNE stars in all three films, as Captain Kirby Yorke in Fort Apache, then as Captain of Cavalry Nathan Cutting Brittles in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and finally as a promoted Lieutenant Colonel Kirby Yorke in Rio Grande (scripts and production billing spell the York/Yorke character's last name differently in Fort Apache and Rio Grande). The film is based on a short story "Mission With No Record" by James Warner Bellah, that appeared in the The Saturday Evening Post on September 27, 1947, and the screenplay was written by James Kevin McGuinness.
If you find that this YouTube does not want to work: Click on the YouTube logo in the upper left corner of the black screen.
Maureen O'Hara Relationships
The Whole Gang is here.
Charles F. Blair - Husband (deceased)
Charles FitzSimons - Father
Charles Lee Blair - Stepson
Christopher Blair - Stepson
Florrie FitzSimons - Sister
Margot Edwards - Sister
Marguerita Liburn FitzSimons - Mother
Peggy FitzSimons - Sister
Stephen Blair - Stepson
Suzanne Blair - Stepdaughter
Bronwyn Brigid Price - Daughter
Connor Beau FitzSimons - Grandson
George H. Brown - Ex-husband
Will Price - Ex-husband
James O'Hara - Brother
Charles B. FitzSimons - Brother
Charles F. Blair
The love of her life....
Extraordinary man .. extraordinary life
"The sky is full of new frontiers." said Charles F. Blair. The career of Cor.Charles F. Blair was a living expression of that philosophy and of his love of flying. His life - an inspiration to flyers everywhere.
In the spring of 1979, a newspaper reporter asked legendary screen actress Maureen O'Hara if she missed acting. "I'm too busy. I work from six in the morning to 10 at night. You can't miss anything when you're that busy," replied O'Hara in her customary straightforward manner.
At that time O'Hara had been running Antilles Air Boats for six months, following the death of her husband Charles Blair, famed aviator and founder of the St Croix, US Virgin Islands-based seaplane operator, who was killed when the Grumman Goose he was piloting developed engine trouble and crashed near St Thomas.
Known as "The Streetcar Line of the Virgin Islands" because of its ultra-convenient downtown-to-downtown seaplane service between St Croix and St Thomas, Antilles Air Boats billed itself as the largest seaplane operator in the world and, by the time O'Hara took its helm, boasted a fleet of 25 aircraft.
Still grieving for the man whom she would later write made her "happier than anyone or anything ever had", O'Hara was determined to keep Antilles Air Boats going strong. "Hopefully, we'll get bigger," she told the reporter, whose article ran on 29 April 1979 in Ohio's Blade Toledo. "We'd like to go into St Maarten and we've been invited to fly into Antigua."
From: 'Tis Herself by Maureen O'Hara
The Streetcar Line of the Virgin Islands
Opening Day Video
I can't help but think of the children's story "The Little Engine Who Thought He Could" when I read about the Antilles Air Boat.
There is a small clip of Maureen telling about her husband, Charles Blair, flying. Such a gracious lady!
Star attraction at Co Limerick
Featured in Book
Curator, Margaret O`Shaughnessy, has compiled this wonderful book about the museum to commemorate its 20th anniversary. It chronicles the history of the flying boats and the important role played by Foynes during that magical era. The book includes many historic photographs and copies of records from the museum's collection. You know the old saying...It's the next best thing to being "here".
www.flyingboatmuseum.com.
STAR ATTRACTION reveals secret to her longevity
A NIGHTLY Hail Mary is one of the secrets to longevity, veteran Hollywood star Maureen O'Hara has said. The legendary Irish actor was the star attraction in Co Limerick yesterday where she attended the launch of a new book on the Foynes Flying Boat Museum.
Ms. O'Hara is patron of the museum and her husband, Charlie Blair, captained the first non-stop flight from Foynes to New York in 1942. They both feature in the new book, which has been put together from the museum's vast archives.
When asked her secrets to looking good, the flame-haired actress attributed her longevity to enjoying life. "Stay healthy and exercise. Be kind. Be good and enjoy life. Say your Hail Mary every night when you go to bed and just be as good as you can be," she said.
Having enjoyed an acting career that spanned over 60 years, Ms. O'Hara lists John Wayne, whom she starred opposite on five occasions, as her favourite actor from Hollywood's golden era.
She also admitted she doesn't get out to see new movies anymore but has found a new passion, football. "I hate to admit it, but today I don't get out of the house much to look at movies and what I spend my time doing is looking at the football matches. I love soccer for one reason but I love Gaelic for another," she revealed.
Shamrock Rovers is her favourite soccer team and she will be cheering for Cork in next weekend's All-Ireland football final against Kerry at Croke Park.
"It's too far for me to go as I'm getting old, but I'll be saying a Hail Mary for them in Glengarriff," said Ms O'Hara.
"Everything to do with Cork winning, we wear in our hearts," she said.
This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times.
I Am A Survivor!
Maureen O'Hara has had three bouts of cancer and has diabetes, but at 89 years young, she keeps on keeping on, and the smile that made her a silver screen siren is as bright as ever.
"There is no pain. I have had cancer three times so I am a survivor. I do think people should see to it that they get treatment - and don't be afraid," "The Quiet Man" actress told the Limerick Leader this week while visiting Foynes Flying Boat Museum.
The philosophy for her battling spirit
"As long as God doesn't yet want you, you keep going. I tell people not to be afraid. I should be terrified but I am confident that Charlie Blair and John Wayne have been to God and said: 'Keep her out of here for another while," the legendary Irish actress said.
O'Hara was in the West Limerick town to promote the museum's latest book. A long time supporter of the museum, the Dublin native's late husband, Captain Charlie Blair, flew the last flying boat out of Foynes in 1945 and 24 hours later was the first pilot to land a plane at Shannon airport.
When asked her secrets to looking good, the flame-haired actress attributed her longevity to enjoying life. "Stay healthy and exercise. Be kind. Be good and enjoy life. Just be as good as you can be," she said.
This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times
Siblings of Maureen O'Hara
Watch the following YouTubes
Maureen was second of six children. Older sister, Peggy, was a soprano and while still a school girl was invited to sing at state and diplomatic affairs. Although Peggy chose a religious calling as a Sister of Charity nun, she had earlier been offered a scholarship to LaScala. The equally gifted younger siblings were Florrie, Charles, Margot and James.
All Maureen's siblings played in films. Jimmy was the young curate in "The Quiet Man", starring Maureen and John Wayne. Charlie was also in the film in a pub scene. Florrie and Margot FitzSimons both studied at the Abbey and began careers in London, but both chose marriage over a career. Florrie was absolutely stunning in "Hotel Reserve" made with James Mason. Florrie married a Canadian military man. Margot had a fairly large supporting role in "I Know Where I'm Going" with Wendy Hiller, 1945, and "Captive Heart" in 1946. Margot's first love was horses and she competed in the dresage category, winning many medals and an Emporer's cup in Japan. Margot married an officer in the Marine Corp.
(Florrie, Charles and James are now deceased).
Mum, Dad and siblings of Maureen
Wonderful!
Featured guests Mr. and Mrs. Charles FitzSimons (Maureen's Parents),
and her brothers and sisters.
Maureen O'Hara on RADIO
Lux Radio Theatre
The White Rose Murders - (Suspense) 1/3
Radio
Our family never had a T.V. until I was in my teens. Not many families did in those days, so we listened to stories on the radio. Here is one you may have heard or .. not.
ssss, bleep, ssss, bleep, ssss *radio warming up*
If you find that these YouTubes do not want to work: Click on the YouTube logo in the
upper left corner of the black screen.
The Greatest Holiday Radio Play!!!
Miracle on 34th Street
In the golden age of radio, after a cast finished a film they would head over to Lux Radio Theatre and perform the same show for radio.
We can see this on film now, CD, DVD, but is sort of nice just listening to it. We can use our imagination and the actors and actresses can take on the shape of our favorite boyfriend/girlfriend/mate.
Yes, they are on sale at Amazon!
Miracle on 34th Street: The Lux Radio Theatre
Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
The same familiar story with music and sound effects recreating the atmosphere of the film.
Listen to "Miracle on 34th Street" while you take a long drive on holiday to visit some friends and family, while relaxing on the beach or before a blazing fire at home.
Our Man in Havana
Another Lux Theatre Radio Production
Take a journey back through radio broadcasting history with this large audio library of OTR memorabilia. The golden age of old time radio has been rescued, digitized, and packaged into a gift set that any classic radio lover can appreciate. The DVD opens and plays in a computer DVD drive and the collector can listen to the audio on a MP3 player, DVD/MP3-compatible car stereo, computer, MP3-compatible DVD player, or just compile favorites onto CD for greater user flexibility.
4 Classic Our Man in Havana Old Time Radio Broadcasts on DVD (over 2 hours 35 minutes running time)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
This unique old time radio DVD collectible is based on a 1958 novel. It was a complete surprise to me. I'd read three books by this author before and found them dark and introspective. But "Our Man in Havana" is a satirical spoof and I found myself giggling throughout the broadcast. It deals with a theme that Greene has revisited on many occasions - that of a spy in a foreign country. But this time, it's all in fun.
Our Man In Havana
Black and White??
When I watch this film I get so involved in the story that I don't even think of it as being in black and white. The hero of the story, a divorced vacuum cleaner salesman from England in pre-Castro Cuba. His 17-year-old daughter is growing up fast and he finds he needs money so when the British Secret Service recruits him, he invents a whole world of secret agents and intrigues just to keep the money flowing. He is even sent a secretary, which introduces a bit of romance to the outrageous plot. All of a sudden, the lies he has invented seem to be coming true and the plot thickens, moving along at a breakneck pace. I was totally involved, and found myself laughing out loud at times. I highly recommend this one.
Best Review for O'Hara
by Pope (Wisconsin, USA)
Most people associate Maureen O'Hara with the golden age of motion pictures, and rightfully so. But what few know is that she also had a gorgeous soprano voice to match her unequalled beauty. Beyond her work in the short lived musical "Christine", (which did generate a cast album that is available on CD) we have never really had much of a chance to hear her vocal skills. "Love Letters" was released on RCA in 1958, and features Maureen singing 1950s pop songs, all delightfully arranged by Bob Thompson, and recorded in stereo. Don't look for Maureen singing any Irish tunes here; she later recorded an album of Irish songs, which I don't believe has ever appeared on CD. Maureen's singing is, of course, flawless; her diction and intonation perfect.
"Love Letters" has been carefully remastered by BMG Japan....yes, it's an import, but don't let that bother you since it comes from RCA/BMG. Sonically the album is very good, and sounds like it could have been recorded yesterday instead of 50 years ago. The front and back covers of the LP have been reproduced, and the liner notes include lyrics, both in English and Japanese. On the whole, a very commendable release! This was released on CD before but has remained rare. While the casual listener may or may not find it of much interest, ownership is not optional for Maureen fans, who should be RUNNING to buy copy NOW before RCA/BMG decides to delete it again.
Singing Was Her First Love
Maureen O'Hara Downloads
Maureen with her beautiful soprano voice loved singing. Unfortunately the studio heads never capitalized on her music talent because she was already big box office playing in many diverse genres of film. However, she was able to channel her love of singing to TV. In the late 50's and early 60's she was a sought after guest on musical variety shows appearing with Perry Como, Andy Williams, Betty Grable and Tennessee Ernie Ford. In 1973, she appeared on Ford's Fabulous Fordies TV special. In 1960 she starred on Broadway in the musical Christine and released two successful recordings, Love Letters from Maureen O'Hara and Maureen O'Hara Sings her Favorite Irish Songs.
Only Broadway musical written by...
A Nobel Prize Winner
ChristineTrack Listings
1. Overture
2. Welcome Song/My Indian Family
3. A Doctor's Soliloquy
4. UNICEF Song
5. My Little Lost Girl
6. I'm Just a Little Sparrow
7. How to Pick a Man a Wife
8. The Lovely Girls of Akbarabad
9. Room in My Heart
10. The Divali Festival
11. I Never Meant to Fall in Love
12. Freedom Can Be a Most Uncomfortable Thing
13. Ireland Was Never Like This
14. He Loves Her
15. Christine
16. I Love Him
17. Freedom Can Be a Most Uncomfortable Thing (Reprise)
18. The Woman I Was Before / A Doctor's Soliloquy
19. I Never Meant to Fall in Love (Reprise) / Finale
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this CD:
Christine, musical play
Composed by Sammy Fain
with Morley Meredith, Barbara Webb
Christine (1960 Original Broadway Cast)
Amazon Price: $9.98 (as of 11/16/2009)
"Christine" boasts some eye-popping attributes: It's the only Broadway musical written by a Nobel Prize winner (Pearl S. Buck), and it marked the debut of film actor Maureen O'Hara on the singing stage. O'Hara had a beautiful voice, but even she couldn't pull off the plot, which was heavily influenced by The King and I (just replace Siam with India, the king with a doctor, and the English woman with one from Ireland). This 1960 show never quite surpasses its curio status, but those with an appreciation for the more obscure reaches of the musical-theater world will get a kick out of it. (Come on: Pearl Buck and Maureen O'Hara!) The operetta-flavored duet "My Little Lost Girl" is particularly nice.
Maureen O'Hara Photo Collection #2
Using Squidoo's Photo Gallery. (Just click on the photo to enlarge.)
Awards and Achievements
Early Years
~ Rathmines Feis ... 'Tis Herself
~ Myra Feis ... 'Tis Herself
~ The Father Mathew Feis ... Tis Herself
~ Radio performer from age 12 ... encyclopedia.com
~ Abbey Theatre School - Dublin, Ireland - won numerous prizes for elocution ... Turner Classic Movie
Hollywood
~ Dr. Herber Kalmas (owner of technology of Technicolor) named Ms. O'Hara "The Queen of Thechnicolor" (1942) ... 'Tis Herself
~ Became a naturalized citizen of the United States. (1946)... Wikipedia
~ Box Office Award for Best Picture "Sitting Pretty" (1948) ... 'Tis Herself Pg 124
~ Golden Globes Award Hostess (1948) ...'Tis Herself - pg.125
~ Exhibitors Award for Comedy Performance of the Year "Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation" ...'Tis Herself - Pg. 226
~ Most Beautiful Legs in America - National Hosiery Manujfacturers (1959) ...Windy City Times - 2003
~ Released two successful recordings, Love Letters from Maureen O'Hara and Maureen O'Hara Sings her Favorite Irish Songs. (1960) ... http://www.astrotheme.com/portraits/VL96ErBvTfQ8.htm
~ Exhibitors Laurel Award - Top 15 Name Powers (1964) ~ Maureen O'Hara and James Stewart ... Absolute Astronomy site
~ Exhibitors Laurel Award for a Top Comedy (1965) ... Absolute Astronomy site
~ The Ireland/United Council Award (1977) ... www.reelireland.ie.history
~ Was responsible for the inscription "John Wayne, American" on his Congressional Gold Medal. (1979) ... 'Tis Herself
~ Owned and wrote a general interest column for the tourist magazine, The Virgin Insider, which she ultimately sold to Gannett in 1980.
~ American Ireland fund Lifetime Achievement Award, Los Angeles (1982) ... Wikipedia
~ Second Annual Amelia Earhart Award by Zonta Club of New York ... Inner City Tribute
~ City of Boston Gold Medal - (1989) ... http://www.eiresociety.org/goldmedal
~ Awarded a British Film Institute Fellowship in recognition of her contributions to film. (1991) ... http://www.astrotheme.com/portraits/VL96ErBvTfQ8.htm
~Golden Boot Award, Los Angeles (1991) ... Wikipedia
~ Irish Heritage Award by the Ireland-American Fund in 1991. ... Wikipedia & Turner Classic Movie site
~ Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7004 Hollywood Blvd. ... Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
~ Western Heritage Wrangler Award - National Cowboy Hall of Fame (1993) ... Wikipedia
~ Induction in National Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage ... Wikipedia
~ British Film Institute Fellowship Award in 1993 for a lifetime of achievement ... Wikipediawww.astro.com/astro-databank/O'Hara,_Maureen
~ National Aviation Hall of Fame - Master of Ceremonies Enshrinement Award of Appreciation (1996) ... National Aviation Hall of Fame
~ New England Air Museum - Guest Speaker for induction of restored Sikorsky VS-44 of Charles Blair's "Queen of the Sky" (1998) ... Wikipedia
~ Helen Hayes Lifetime Achievement Award (1998) ... Wikipedia
~ Wrote the foreword for the cookbook (1998) ... At Home in Ireland
~ Grand Marshal of the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade (1999) ... Turner Classic Movies Site
~ Heartland Film Festival - Lifetime Achievement Award ... From CNN Transcript - Larry King Live Weekend. Maureen O'Hara Discusses Her Life in Film - Aired October 28, 2000
~ Wrote the foreword for the biography of her friend, actress Anna Lee. ... Wikipedia
~ Released her autobiography 'Tis Herself, published by Simon & Schuster.(2004) ... Wikipedia
~ Honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irish Film and Television Academy in Dublin. (2004) ... Wikipedia
~ Woman of the Year - Irish America Magazine (2005) ... Wikipedia
~ Attended the Grand Reopening and Expansion of the Flying Boats Museum in Foynes, Limerick, Ireland - as a patron of the Museum. (2006) ... http://www.astrotheme.com/portraits/VL96ErBvTfQ8.htm
~ Wrote the forward for the Biography of actress Anna Lee. (2007) ... Anna Lee: Memoir of a Career on General Hospital and in Film
Filmography
1938 - 1949
~ My Irish Molly (1938)
~ Kicking the Moon Around (1938)
~ Jamaica Inn (1939)
~ The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)
~ A Bill of Divorcement (1940)
~ Dance, Girl, Dance (1940)
~ They Met In Argentina (1941)
~ How Green Was My Valley (1941)
~ To the Shores of Tripoli (1942)
~ Ten Gentlemen from West Point (1942)
~ The Black Swan (1942)
~ Immortal Sergeant (1943)
~ This Land Is Mine (1943)
~ The Fallen Sparrow (1943)
~ Buffalo Bill (1944)
~ The Spanish Main (1945)
~ Sentimental Journey (1946)
~ Do You Love Me (1946)
~ Sinbad the Sailor (1947)
~ The Homestretch (1947)
~ Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
~ The Foxes of Harrow (1947)
~ Sitting Pretty (1948)
~ A Woman's Secret (1949)
~ The Forbidden Street (1949)
~ Father Was a Fullback (1949)
~ Bagdad (1949)
It's Time for a Popcorn Break
I love popcorn!
There is just something about watching a movie ... I just have to have popcorn. Not just any popcorn, I have to have the kind that pops up into large, fluffy, tender, melt in your mouth kernels!
Did you know that you can buy organic popcorn? Kosher too.
Filmography
1950 - 1991
~ Comanche Territory (1950)
~ Tripoli (1950)
~ Rio Grande (1950)
~ Flame of Araby (1951)
~ At Sword's Point (aka Sons of the Musketeers) (1952)
~ Kangaroo (1952)
~ The Quiet Man (1951)
~ Against All Flags (1952)
~ The Redhead from Wyoming (1953)
~ War Arrow (1953)
~ Fire Over Africa (1954)
~ The Long Gray Line (1955)
~ The Magnificent Matador (1955)
~ Lady Godiva of Coventry (1955)
~ Lisbon (1956)
~ Everything But the Truth (1956)
~ The Wings of Eagles (1957)
~ Our Man in Havana (1960)
~ The Deadly Companions (1961)
~ The Parent Trap (1961)
~ Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962)
~ McLintock! (1963)
~ Spencer's Mountain (1963)
~ The Battle of the Villa Fiorita (1965)
~ The Rare Breed (1966)
~ How Do I Love Thee? (1970)
~ Big Jake (1972)
~ Only the Lonely (1991)
Maureen O'Hara on Television
Have you seen these movies?
Movies made for Television:
....Mrs Miniver (1960) CBS Television
....The Red Pony (1973) Won the "Peabody Award"
....The Christmas Box (1995)
....Cab to Canada (1998)
....The Last Dance (2000)
Want to find a disappeared classic?
Here's How
Q: How can someone request or acquire older movies? Like ''The Hunchback of Notre Dame'' with Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara or ''Robin Hood'' with Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland? These two classics had disappeared for a while. They are now back on Amazon. How can you find one not at Amazon or on eBay?
A: Turner Classic Movies, still the best repository of classic movies shown on TV, has a ''Suggest a Movie'' page on its Web site (http://www.tcm.tv). Its movie database will also tell you if a title is already available on DVD, how to buy it and whether a telecast is scheduled. The Errol Flynn, "Adventures of Robin Hood" and the Laughton, "Hunchback" are both available on DVD.
Other sites I search for movies include the Internet Movie Database (http://www.imdb.com), which indicates if titles are available in authorized versions, and online retailers like Amazon.com, Moviesunlimited.com and Deepdiscount.com. And I do a lot of online keyword searches through Google.
I hope that this will help you find the movie you are searching for.
Made for the Irish
A Couple of my Favorites
Available on DVD
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Hunchback of Notre Dame was one of the first movies Maureen O'Hara's starred in. It remains brilliant in every respect. The 19-year-old Maureen O'Hara is as fresh and lovely and humane as in my earliest recollections. Sir Cedric Hardwick is a perfect, pinched-nostril'd villain. But, in the end, it's Laughton and Paris and the brilliantly recreated cathedral that stand at the picture's center. Unspeakably beautiful and, in the end, unbearably heart breaking.
Generally, a movie held as dearly in memory as I have held this, simply cannot sustain its recalled impact on re-viewing--it may seem dated, or trite, or visually uncompelling, emotionally vapid, saccharine, etc., to a contemporary film lover. But the Dieterle/Laughton Hunchback remains an indispensable film, here presented in an outstanding package, and at a bargain price.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $5.79 (as of 11/16/2009)
Cab to Canada
When this filmed aired on TV, I watched it, taped it, and loved it! Ms. O'Hara truly shines, reminding her audience that she truly is a great actress.
As in several of her more recent films, Ms. O'Hara's character begins this film somewhat cold and distant -- even cranky. She soon warms up though, and she and Jason Beghe have great chemistry together. Jason Beghe's, Mike character begins what he believes is a short fare, only to find himself on a long roadtrip.
I am very happy that this film has made its way to DVD. It has a positive message for the whole family. Maureen O'Hara is wonderful.
If you're looking to buy this film, don't hesitate -- it's well worth the small pricetag!
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
This is Can't be Love/The Last Dance/Family Secrets (Triple Drama Feature) (Boxset)
Three great movies for the price of one.
The Last Dance Of the three .. this is my pick. It's about a retired teacher in need of a friend and a former student in need of guidance. Together, they discover that life is a lesson you learn by heart.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
The Last Dance
SUMMARY:
The Last Dance (Year 2000)
Maureen O'Hara was one of the most spectacular beauties in Hollywood history. When she made "The Last Dance," she was 82--and still a stunning woman. Because many of her films were action films and westerns, it's easy to forget that O'Hara was also an excellent actress. Here she plays a retired Latin teacher (yes, Latin was once taught in public schools). She reconnects with a former student who is now a male nurse. The plot is reminiscent of "Good Morning, Miss Dove," with Jennifer Jones, another beauty who has aged well.
The former student keeps an eye on the teacher when she leaves the hospital, and soon his family (wife and two children) becomes involved as well. The plot is interesting, and the movie is well-written and very well-acted by the cast. What could easily slide into pathos is genuinely moving as the film gradually reveals via well-integrated flashbacks the teacher's life, past as well as present. A bus trip and a day at the beach are extremely well-done.
"The Last Dance" is one of those films that really has to be seen to be appreciated; it's very quietly done but beautifully realized. When you watch Maureen O'Hara, think about what most of the current crop of "actresses" will look like and what their performances will be like when they are in their eighties--if any of them manage to maintain a career past the age of thirty.
"McLintock -
It's All Here with
NO COMMERCIALS"
Mr. McLintock
Played by the "Duke"
Cattle Baron George Washington McLintock fights his wife, his daughter and political land-grabbers, finally "taming" them all in this Western comedy with 'Taming of the Shrew' overtones.
This is, for many, a favorite movie. I am happy to bring it to you in its entirety.
If you find that these YouTubes do not want to work: Click on the YouTube logo in the upper left corner of the black screen.
NO TIME TO WATCH THE WHOLE MOVIE RIGHT NOW?
Return to view the entire movie when you have time.
IT'S WELL WORTH IT!
The Letter & Chanilly Lace
Katie's back in town.
Famous Quote:
"Half the people in the world are women.
Why does it have to be YOU who stirs me?"
An unprepossessing face.
Are you moving back in?
Famous Quote:
"Best apple pie I ever et!"
Mrs. Warren meet Mrs. McLintock.
Toast Slightly Browned and Unbuttered.
Famous Quote:
"First thing I learned about Indian fighting was to wait for daylight."
"What has our conversation have to do with Indian fighting?"
"Indian fighting is good experience for our kind of conversation."
The Mud Scene
Somebody aught to belt you ..
Famous Quote:
"Somebody aught to belt you in the mouth ..
But I won't .... To H - - - I won't!" BLAM
Welcome Home Miss Becky
Famous Quote:
"Why Mrs. McLintock "You've got a black eye."
Good morning.
Famous Quote:
Like father, like son.
Gentlemen to the medicine cabinet!
Famous Quote:
I want some young man and you, to have what I had.
Everybody works for somebody.
Even me.
Famous Quote:
"Shoot him daddy, shoot him at once. My honor is at stake.
If you're really my father, if you really love me, you'll shoot him."
"Well, I'm your father, and I sure love ya, so....." BANG.
I Dream of Jeannie With ....
the light brown hair.
Two Famous Quotes
"Wait a minute ladies 'till I catch my breath ..
I'll get you up those stairs as sure as my name is
George Washington McLintock."
"309 times straight without a miss. Gotta be a record!"
McLintock 4th of July celebration.
My wife does not understand me
Famous Quote:
"Why, you pompous windbag! Do you think you're
the only man who's ever tried to play pattie fingers
with me or lure me into the moonlight?"
The finale.
You look good in ...... feathers?
Two Famous Quotes:
"If you raise your voice and and it doesn't do any good,
it's time to raise your hand."
"310 times without a miss .. that's a record!"
PLEASE NOTE ...
YouTubes, although wonderful, have a way of disappearing on us. I hope that you enjoy these YouTubes.
I will return now and then to try to keep them running.
Spencer's Mountain - DVD
I loved this movie--Henry Fonda is wonderful as the hard-working, loving, commonsense father of nine children. Maureen O'Hara plays his wife and does a great job as a woman of faith who is constantly being challenged by the struggles of raising a large family with little income. It gives a beautiful portrait of a close-knit family whose members sacrifice freely for one another. A great family movie.
Spencer's Mountain
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
A Little About Earl Hamner
Author of Spencer's Mountain
As a young soldier in France during World War II, he was comforted by memories of hearth and family in the wooded Virginia mountains. The musings eventually took form in the novel "Spencer's Mountain," published in 1961.
"I remember taking notes for 'Spencer's Mountain' in the hedgerows of Normandy," Hamner said recently via telephone from his home in Studio City, Calif. "I guess I was homesick.
"The book was a pretty big success back in those days and became a film with Henry Fonda and Maureen O'Hara. As a sequel to that, I wrote a short novella called 'The Homecoming,' based on a Christmas Eve in 1933.
DON'T MISS THIS!!!!
Part 1
Interview
Maureen O'Hara
&
Stefanie Powers
This is an interview with two of my favorite redheads, Maureen O'Hara and Stefanie Powers. Both talk about their work in the movie, McLintock.
If you find that the following YouTubes do not want to work: Click on the YouTube logo in the upper left corner of the black screen.
DON'T MISS THIS!!!
Part 2
Interview
Maureen O'Hara
&
Stefanie Powers
This is an interview with Maureen O'Hara and Stefanie Powers. Both talk about their work in the movie, McLintock.
McLintock
You can still buy the movie in VHS but the DVD format is much superior!
McLintock!
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
Now you've had a chance to watch McLintock wouldn't you like to have it in your library? Buy it here.
Missed the movie - The Quiet Man?
For those who have never had a chance to watch the movie, here are some major scenes from The Quiet Man. It is still my favorite movie of Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne. If you get a chance, watch it and I hope that you will like it too.
THE Quiet Man
It's .. The Quiet Man ...
Starring Maureen O'Hara & John Wayne
If you've never seen this movie, you're in for a real treat!
Here are a few scenes from this famous movie.
I had forgotten what a delight it is.
If you find that this YouTube does not want to work: Click on the YouTube logo in the upper left corner of the black screen.
Famous Words
Sean (John Wayne) asks: "How do I get to Innisfree?"
Famous Irish saying: "See that road over there? Well, don't take that road."
The first kiss
The first slap
If you find that this YouTube does not want to work: Click
on the YouTube logo in the upper left corner of the black screen.
Famous Words:
Sean (John Wayne) So, you can talk.
Mary Kate (Maureen O'Hara) Yes, I can, I will and I do.
The Matchmaker
Do you go for it?
If you find that this YouTube does not want to work: Click on the YouTube logo in the upper left corner of the black screen.
Famous Irish saying:
"Me mouth is like a dry crust & the sun is that hot on me."
"When I drink Whisky, I drink Whisky and
when I drink water, I drink water."
The Big Fight
This is the funniest!
This video is set to "I'm Holding Out for a Hero" performed by Bonnie Tyler.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
If you find that this YouTube does not want to work: Click on the YouTube logo in the upper left corner of the black screen.
A Wee Bit O' THE QUIET MAN
"Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5.
We salute this movie that transports us to the Old Sod: "The Quiet Man"
If you find that this YouTube does not want to work: Click on the YouTube logo in the upper left corner of the black screen.
The Quiet Man
In the spotlight
Now you've had a chance to see some clips of Maureen O'Hara in "The Quiet Man."
Wouldn't you love to add this DVD to your collection?
The Quiet Man (Collector's Edition)
Amazon Price: $9.49 (as of 11/16/2009)
The Quiet Man is a charming classic and among Ford's best (in fact, it won him an Oscar for Best Director). It's funny, romantic, and always entertaining. It also features an exuberant score (courtesy of Victor Young) and one of the longest and most memorable knock-down, drag-out fights ever committed to film.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Soundtrack for The Quiet Man
Composed by Victor Young
THE QUIET MAN of 2009
Still interesting!
Chicago - THE QUIET MAN TALES, a riveting new play presented by Smock Alley Theater Co., in conjunction with Mavin Productions II and Pullinsi & D'Angelo Productions, made its world premiere at The Chicago Theatre Downstairs, 175 N. State Street, previewed March 6th and opened Sunday, March 22nd with performances at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and running through May 24th. Susan Felder will direct.
Adapted for the stage by Frank Mahon and Milissa Pacelli, THE QUIET MAN TALES is based on Green Rushes, the classic book of short stories by Maurice Walsh. Published in 1935, Set in the sweeping Irish countryside in the midst of the country's battle for freedom from England in 1921 and the years that follow, THE QUIET MAN TALES is a humorous and poignant story of the interconnected lives of the men and women who fought in the Irish War of Independence. The production featureed beautiful new and traditional Irish music performed by Chicago-area Irish musicians. For the first time ever, this beloved Irish story was told on stage in the rich context of Walsh's other stories, and offered plenty of laughs, plenty of drama, and plenty of action - entertainment in the grand style. Of THE QUIET MAN TALES,
Maureen O'Hara says: "A wonderful script both sensitive and honest to its time frame. You have managed to give uniqueness to the story and its characters that will make it stand on its own. I'm sure Maurice Walsh would approve of this story based on Green Rushes being scripted in such a delightful way."
Maurice Walsh
Author of The Quiet Man
Maurice Walsh (1879-1964) was a popular Irish novelist in the first half of the 20th century. His most famous work, The Quiet Man, appeared first in the Saturday Evening Post in 1933. Two years later, he included the story in a collection stories called Green Rushes. The book was composed of five stories of men and women whose lives were caught up in the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921) and what happens to them during the years after the Truce in 1921. All five stories involve the same set of characters, giving the collection the feel of a novel rather than just a set of disjointed stories. Reportedly, Ernest Hemingway considered Maurice Walsh, author of 20 books, the greatest storyteller of all time.
You can still purchase some of this author's books at Amazon.com. I have placed them on my lens for your convenience
Books by Maurice Walsh
If you enjoyed "The Quiet Man" movie and you enjoy reading, I have no doubt you will enjoy books written by Maurice Walsh. Most of his books are still available, some collector items and others rebound just for a good read. I hope that you will find what you are looking for here.
SORRY, as these are very, very old books and a lot of recopies, not many of the book covers are available to view. (only a few) The stories are what count though and they will be there.
Books by Maurice Walsh
I am always hoping that someday I will find an old 'first print' book at a garage sale .. probably never going to happen as they are so rare, but I'll keep looking.
Sorry! No pictures of the covers for many of these books. Many, I am sure, are just reprinted pages ... but hopefully the story will be complete.
Books by Maurice Walsh
Wouldn't it be wonderful to find, in the attic, a trunk full of old books written by Maurice Walsh. It is a dream of mine.
More great books by Maurice Walsh
What a treasure, to have even one book written by Maurice Walsh!
Quiet Man Cottage Museum
A Must See for visitors to Ireland
In 1951 John Ford's greatest movie "The Quiet Man" starring John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara and Barry Fitzgerald was made. It was set in the beautiful west of Ireland with filming being centered in the village of Cong on the Mayo-Galway border.
Quiet Man Cottage Museum
Quiet Man Cottage Museum is a novel concept which will give the visitor a total Quiet Man experience as if they were actually 'on-set'. Located by the river at Circular Road, Cong, between actual locations used for the filming, the ground floor of the cottage has been designed as an exact replica of 'White-o-Morn' Cottage.
Painstaking effort has ensured that all the furnishings, artefacts, costumes etc are authentic reproductions. The four poster bed and the tables and chairs which 'Mary-Kate' cherished, the thatched roof, emerald green half door and white-washed front combine to charm all those who visit it.
"Quiet Man Cottage Museum" is a must for any Quiet Man enthusiast, or even those wishing to visit a typical Irish cottage of the 1920's.
An Interesting Museum
What you will find there
Archives
Archival treasures in the Quiet Man Cottage Museum include:
~ Original first edition of Maurice Walsh's Short Story Collection
~ The Story of Maurice Walsh
~ The Story of Richard Farrelly - author of The Isle of Innisfree
~ Costumes of the time by O'Máilles of Galway
~ Costumes available for you to wear in the cottage by the fireplace for photographs
Newspaper Articles (1951)
Get a feeling of what life in Cong was like during the filming, by reading from some of the many local newspaper articles of the time.
Sample headings include
~ Hollywood takes over village of Cong
~ Film bar was but a mirage
~ Hollywood invasion of Maam Valley
~ Ireland to star in 'The Quiet Man'
~ Film makers at Ballyglunnin
~ Hollywood stars for concert
~ Film chief praises Irish scenery
~ Cong now full of shining lights
~ Moycullen girl's film part
~ Film stars arriving at the week-end
~ Last of the Quiet Men arrives
~ Wanted a wooden bedstead
~ Guards in the films
~ What Ward Bond had to say
~ Hollywood glamour is make believe
Read on in the Quiet Man Cottage Museum and experience for yourself this unique journey through cinema history.
The Melody -Dreams of Alywn
The Quiet Man
The Isle of Innisfree
'Dreams of Alywn' is a beautiful and passionate melody and the musical theme of "The Quiet Man."
'Dreams of Alywn' almost totally dominates the sound track of the movie and is used whenever there is intense emotion or feeling. It is heard over the opening credits with the majestic Ashford Castle in the background at sunset.
The song has the most haunting melody and a lyric that is pure poetry.
The original melody was taken from an old Irish folk song "Dreams of Alwyn" (not to be confused with "Dream [singular dreaml] of Alwyn )- an entirely different melody but similar title. The music used in "The Quiet Man" was the melody to "Dreams of Alwyn" and the lyrics that Maureen sings in the movie were written by Ford, Charlie FitzSimons and Maureen on the set.
LYRICS USED IN THE FILM:
Oh, Innisfree, my island, I'm returning
From wasted years across the wintry sea.
And when I come back to my own dear Ireland,
I'll rest a while beside you, gradh mochroidhe.*
* Gaelic words mean "love of my heart."
A short review for my fav. O'Hara Movie
The entire cast.
An Irish-American from Pittsburgh, returning to his ancestral home of Ireland and the sleepy Isle of Innisfree to reclaim his family's farm and escape his past. He notices and is noticed by the beautiful, fiery redhead Mary-Kate Danaher. Courting her proves harder than he thought.
This movie was based on a 1933 Saturday Evening Post short story by Maurice Walsh.
Screenplay by Frank S. Nugent
Directed by John Ford
The Cast
John Wayne as Sean Thornton
Maureen O'Hara as Mary-Kate Danaher
Barry Fitzgerald as Michaleen Oge Flynn
Victor Mclaglin as Squire 'Red' Will Danaher
Ward Bond as Father Peter Lonergan
Mildred Natwick as The Widow Sarah Tillane
Francis Ford as Dan Tobin
Arthur Shields as Rev. Cyril 'Snuffy' Playfair
Eileen Crow as Mrs. Elizabeth Playfair
Charles Fitzsimons as Hugh Forbes
James Fitzsimons as Father Paul
The villagers played by the villagers of Innisfree
The Fiery Redhead and John Wayne
What a man!
GIVE ME A MAN LIKE DUKE WAYNE!
Says Maureen O'Hara
(Narrative by Maureen from a fan magazine in the 50's)
Duke is thoughtful of women, adores his children and loyal to pals:
a man to lean on.
It was back in 1940 at a St. Patrick's Day party given by director John Ford that I first met John Wayne. And I've been a fan - and, I hope, a friend of his ever since.
I had just arrived in Hollywood from Ireland and knew few people. Duke was especially kind to me - without trying to be. That's the way he is. He just acts himself and puts on pretense for no one. I thought he was very nice and relaxed, tall and easy. Looking back on it now I realize he was easy to get to know because he seemed so shy that I outdid myself trying to make him feel at ease. This was no trick either - this shyness of Duke's.
I saw Duke often after that - usually at the John Ford's or at Catalina Island where Duke used to go each summer. When we made "Rio Grande," our first picture together, we were already quite good friends.
Working with Duke was a revelation. This man belies his exterior by being the hardest working actor I know. He worries himself sick with concern for everyone on the picture. He frets and stews and practically goes out of his mind wanting to tell an actor or an actress just what it is the director is trying to get in a scene. He is so conscientious about his work that he gets furious when an actor doesn't listen to direction. On more than one occasion I've heard him blow his top with, "Why don't you listen to the man?" As a result, performers with Duke are quite attentive.
He is a pleasure to work with and not in the least temperamental. With apologies to John Ford, I've heard this director give Duke a verbal licking that was so strong it made me nervous. And yet Duke takes it and goes on trying. I must add that John Ford is one of Duke's best friends - and mine too.
His career is very important to him but not nearly as important as are his four children: Mike, who is about 20; Toni, around 18; Patrick 15; and Melinda, who is 11 or twelve. He talks about them all the time. When we're not in a scene working, Duke is usually curled up in a chair on the set, drinks mugs of coffee, and chats incessantly about the kids.
Pat has been doing some acting. In fact, he had a good part in "The Long Grey Line" I did at Columbia. All four of the young Waynes were in "The Quiet Man" with Duke and me. As a father, he is very strict, but is also indulgent. A couple of years ago, for instance, he called all of Toni's friends and asked what she wanted for Christmas.
"Do you think she would like a car?" he asked one of them. The friend assured Duke Toni would be elated. Later he asked someone if Toni's closest friend would like a car too - and, if so, would she want the same kind of color as the one he gave Toni?
Duke usually takes the kids on location with him. Mike went to Hawaii with his father recently and got himself quite a wardrobe for the event, including the latest in tuxedos. In fact, he was the best dressed man on the ship. Duke took along one tux. When Mike came back he said his father embarrassed him and in the typical youthful shock he exclaimed, "Dad didn't even have a Tony Martin Midnight Blue with him."
Duke and his kids are members of a Duke Club - as are Duke's cronies: Grant Withers, Ward Bond, Paul Fix, Ben Harold, Archie Stout and John Ford. Duke has been a member of the club for 15 years. In the club house there is a big picture of Wayne under which is this sign: "Forever Absent - The Duke." He never goes to the club, but he won't quit and he won't stop paying his dues.
There was the time he went skeet shooting, aimed, fired and nothing went off. He tried again, - still nothing. A third time he tried and still no sound. Ben Harold, who was with him, finally smiled and said, "Didn't a book of instructions go with this?
Apparently Duke had forgotten about the safety lock!
Another time he went quail shooting one evening with some friends, among whom was Ward Bond, dressed in cowboy boots and having a difficult time walking. The gang went to a secluded spot where they wouldn't bother anybody. Suddenly, Duke thought he saw a cottontail, so he fired - and a big roar went up. Ward Bond turned out to be the cottontail and his posterior had been punctured! Duke at first thought he had mortally wounded him, at least from the way Ward was dancing around, so with great frenzy Ward was taken to a nearby town to a doctor. But ether wouldn't knock Ward out, so Duke and his pals got some whiskey, poured it down him and sat on him while the doctor removed the buckshot!
He's tops as a father. He attends every show at the school in which one of his family appears. At one such event Duke was mobbed in the hall by the students and the next day, over the public address system, the students were cautioned to resort to no more such displays.
Duke is not the typical Hollywood figure in that he seldom attends large parties. But by those who know him, he is sincerely loved. They regard him as a normal, healthy guy with a real Irish sense of humor - a little bawdy, but not biting. They also know he is quite a sentimentalist.
He's always buying little presents for people and he gets quite dewy-eyed about old friendships. More than anything else he loves to listen to people tell him about something his kids have done. He also gets a real pleasure out of sincerely telling others how good they were in a picture. The night we saw the first running of "The Quiet Man" he rushed over to me, picked me up, and said how great he thought I was. It's gotten so I would like to be in all of his pictures. Unfortunately, he is not with me in my new one, "Lady Godiva of Coventry."
Speaking as an actress, I wish all actors would be more like Duke Wayne - and speaking as a person, it would be nice if all people could be honest and as genuine as he is. This is a real man.
The End.
Note: Maureen recently reviewed this article found in the archives and
found to be accurate in content.
From: http://www.moharamagazine.com
WHAT, NO OSCAR?
We're still haunted by Miss O'Hara's performance as a frightfully bloodless rationalist in "Miracle on 34th Street," but the fact that she was never nominated, especially for unforgettable work alongside John Wayne in John Ford classics including "The Quiet Man" and "Rio Grande," is astonishing.
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byLaraineRose says:
I agree, charlino. Maureen has been presented with many awards from her countrymen but it sure would have been nice for her to receive an honor from her USA peers.
Posted August 30, 2009
LaraineRose says:
Thank you for your latest comment. So far everyone agrees. She should be awarded some kind of life time achievement award from the USA. She will be 89 yo on August 17th .. perhaps someone will set things straight then.
Posted August 15, 2009
Brittany says:
MOST DEFINITELY! Since I highly doubt she'll be doing much more acting, I firmly believe she is owed an honorary oscar or lifetime achievement award. She won a lifetime achievement award in Ireland, but she did most of her work here!
Posted August 15, 2009
MaureenOHaraFan says:
She should gotten it for the Quiet Man, I wish they would atleast give her a honorary award
Posted June 08, 2009
LaraineRose says:
You are all voicing my opinion. Does anyone disagree with us? No? Well then, what are the chances she will receive an Oscar before it is too late?
Posted April 23, 2009
roysumit says:
Of course she deserves an Oscar. Pray, she receives it while
she is alive.
Posted April 21, 2009
sparklenz says:
You only need to see Miracle to know that Maureen O'Hara deserves an Oscar. And may she receive it while she is STILL a great actress - it would be a shame if she wasn't alive to receive such acknowledgement.
Posted April 20, 2009
Margaret_Schaut says:
Of course! There are NO actresses these days that even hold a candle to her, excepting ONLY Meryl Streep. Actresses are little more than bodies and pretty faces anymore. Real acting is a mystery to them, IMHO.
Posted April 14, 2009
LaraineRose says:
I totally agree with you Jody! She did say that she would have liked to have acted in more movies with 'Duke Wayne' as she called him. See the article above for more about that. I just recently found it. Very interesting!
Posted March 23, 2009
jody brewers388@charter.net says:
Maureen O'Hara is a pretty!but a better actress.i have all the movies of her and john wayne and for the quiet man she should have took it hands down.they made me fall in love with Ireland.and to be courted like that with the buggy and her temper and love she could turn it on and off.and be so real!I have loved all of her films but I wish she could have made more with the duke! they were the best.those two just connected perfect.in every movie they made.
Posted March 18, 2009
LaraineRose says:
I understand that sometimes they give an aware to actors after they have died ... I hope they don't wait until then ... that would be a shame indeed!
Posted February 26, 2009
Sophia says:
she is wonderful=)
she definitely should have won an oscar. i can't believe she didn't.
Posted February 21, 2009
Surly-Mac says:
Now THERE'S a trivia question I would have gotten wrong! How could that BE?
Posted January 31, 2009
LaraineRose says:
The first of five films O'Hara made with director John Ford, HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY, (one of my favorite movies) was the only Best Picture in which she starred. Also starring Walter Pidgeon, Roddy McDowall, Sara Allgood and Donald Crisp, this film beat CITIZEN KANE among others to win the Academy Award for BestPicture of 1941, and overall, it took five of the ten Oscars for which it was nominated. I think that Maureen O'Hara should have won an Oscar for this movie. I also believe she should have won an Oscar for her part in The Quiet Man among others.
Posted January 12, 2009
Maureen O'Hara Photo Collection #3
Using Squidoo's Photo Gallery. (Just click on the photos below to enlarge.)
Maureen O'Hara To Buy
DVDs
I would love to feature ALL of Maureen O'Hara's movies but it is quite impossible as Maureen O'Hara has been in almost 60 movies. (Not counting the movies produced for TV.)
Maureen is still in the land of the living and maybe you are among the many who would like to keep her alive forever. One way to do this, is by having a good supply of her records and movies.
Long live Ms. O'Hara!
Priced low.
Get them while they last.
These are all wonderful movies and at reasonable prices too.
![Maureen O'Hara 6 Disc Box Set ( The Quiet Man / Against All Flags / Our Man in Havana / Rio Grande / The Rare Breed / Lady Godiva of Coventry ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Great Britain ]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QXkPMMUVL._SL75_.jpg)
More O'Hara Movies
DVD
Here are a few more of O'Hara DVDs
Remember there are over 60.
Grab a wee bit o' green
DVD Favorites
A few 1940 movies for you to choose from.
To the Shores of Tripoli
Shortly before the United States' entry into World War II carefree wiseacre playboy Chris Winters (John Payne) joins the Marine Corps and journeys to a training camp in San Diego. While there he falls under the spell of nurse 2nd Lieutenant Mary Carter (Maureen O'Hara) and under the thumb of nail-tough drill sergeant Dixie Smith (Randolph Scott.) Before long the feckless young Winters is counting the days until his rich fiancée Helene Hunt (Nancy Kelly) can pull the strings that will get him out of the Corps.
Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 11/16/2009)
How Green Was My Valley
The film won three other Oscars including Best Supporting Actor for Mr. Crisp. The film was to be shot in color on location in Wales, but due to the escalation of World War II, filming was moved to California and shot in black & white to help create the dreariness of South Wales. This worked out brilliantly as the lack of color helps create more a bleaker mood and Arthur C. Miller was rewarded with an Oscar for Best Cinematography.
Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 11/16/2009)
Dance, Girl, Dance
Fine drama directed by Dorothy Arzner---examines women's roles in society and how men perceive them and what it means to follow your dream. Maureen O'Hara is lustrous as Judy, a struggling dancer in a knock about all girl dance troup who longs to dance in ballet.
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
A Bill of Divorcement
This was the second, definitive version of three filmings of the Clemence Dane play. (The first was a British silent of 1922, and RKO made a second worthy sound version with Adolphe Menjou and Maureen O'Hara in 1940.) John Barrymore was at the top of his profession with this performance, and a radiant Katharine Hepburn made her screen debut.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
The Christmas Box / Timepiece
"
The Christmas Box" and its prequel "Timepiece" are heartwarming. Now both are included on DVD, letting us into the bittersweet story of the Parker and the Evans families, from the 1940s to the 1990s.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
To The Shores of Tripoli
Original Theatrical Trailer
If you are a Maureen O'Hara fan, you'll love this movie. It's in black and white but you won't even notice after a couple of minutes of watching.
John Payne stars in this story about a playboy-type who enlists in the US Marines shortly before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He falls in love with a nurse played by Maureen O'Hara, and Randolph Scott is the drill sergeant who does his best to whip Payne into shape. Minor Watson, William Tracy, and a very young Harry Morgan(billed as Henry Morgan) also appear.
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How Green Was My Valley
Original Theatrical Trailer
In black and white but all Maureen O'Hara fans know that she loves bright colors and you can let your imagination run wild when you watch this old movie. It's another great!
This drama reveals the harsh conditions of coal miners in about 1890. A minister gives them inspiration but is too poor to marry the woman who loves him.
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Dance, Girl, Dance
Lucille Ball and Maureen O'Hara Catfight!
Two gorgeous gals in a catfight!
Just one of the funny scenes from this 1940 movie. It's hilarious!
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Where's The' Miracle'?
Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn in the 1947 Christmas classic "Miracle on 34th Street."
Miracle on 34th Street (the 1947 version) is the rare holiday film to be nominated for Best Picture, and it's easy to see why. The combination of humor, romance and sentimentalis .. hilariously chronicled in the film makes it a winner. The excellent screenplay, written by director George Seaton, keeps things light from the start, with an amusing sequence in which Kris Kringle stops to explain to an incredulous storekeeper how his storefront reindeer display is incorrectly arranged.
There are other versions of the tale of a department store Santa who insists he's the real deal, but the original remains by far the best and the most acclaimed. It won three Oscars and was nominated for best picture. Edmund Gwenn (best supporting actor winner) plays Kris Kringle.
Experience the 'Miracle'
Miracle on 34th Street (Special Edition)
Miracle on 34th Street (Special Edition)
Amazon Price: $12.49 (as of 11/16/2009)
Perhaps the best special feature in this release (in what is a tough choice given its incredible company) is the feature length audio commentary by Maureen O'Hara. Recorded at her home in Ireland this past August the DVD warns us that this is merely excerpts of that interview with frequent silent sections. But I must say that this is happily not entirely accurate. O'Hara is clearly watching the movie (discussing elements on the screen as they occur), but also is more talkative than other commentaries that I have listened to that do not have a similar warning.
Theatrical Trailer
Miracle of 34th Street (1947)
You'll love, "Miracle on 35th Street!" It's Hillarious! Romantic! Delightful! Charming! Tender! Exciting! Starring: Maureen O'Hara - Doris Walker John Payne - Fred Gailey In Miracle on 34th Street With: Edmund Gwenn - Kris Kringle Gene Lockhart - Judge Henry X. Harper Natalie Wood
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Coffee Table Books
and Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Black and White)
The movie was directed by George Seaton, who also wrote the screenplay, based on Valentine Davies' story. Seaton and Davies both won Oscars. The movie was also nominated for Best Picture, losing to GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT. Among the other nominees was another holiday perennial, THE BISHOP'S WIFE. The movie was filmed in black and white and runs 96 minutes.
Fans of this film might be interested in two following related books.
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: A HOLLYWOOD CLASSIC by Sarah Parker Danielson is a beautiful oversized coffee table book.
The book is 112 pages and contains numerous beautifully reproduced full-page film stills and publicity photos. It's a real treasure which I highly recommend.
Valentine Davies' book has been republished in many editions. I have a red and white paperback illustrated with pictures from the film.
One of the loveliest copies of the book is a facsimile of the 1947 edition (pictured here). It's so beautiful that I chose it as a gift for a special couple the year it was republished.
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET can be seen on a Special Edition DVD. The DVD includes a commentary by Maureen O'Hara, which is interesting, though fairly short. Her commentary on THE BLACK SWAN (1942), with Rudy Behlmer triggering her memories with questions, was more extensive and detailed. O'Hara has a phenomenal recall for names and people.
The DVD also includes a documentary and the 1955 TV version which reunited Teresa Wright and MacDonald Carey, the sweethearts of Alfred Hitchcock's SHADOW OF A DOUBT (1943). In the TV version Thomas Mitchell plays Kris and Sandy Descher is Susan, with Dick Foran as the DA and Ray Collins as the Judge.
My advice is to ignore the colorized disc of the 1947 film which is included in the box and watch the film in its original beautiful black and white. Call me sentimental. This is a movie that stays with me year after year. What are your favorites?
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET.
The trailer can be seen at IMDb. You may notice that the trailer makes no mention of Christmas or Santa Claus whatsoever -- the movie was released in May!
Miracle on 34th St.
Amazon.com
Miracle on 34th Street
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
![Miracle on 34th Street: [Facsimile Edition]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BS3CB8B0L._SL75_.jpg)
Miracle on 34th Street: [Facsimile Edition]
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 11/16/2009)
It's a Wonderful Life / Miracle on 34th Street
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
How well do you know Maureen O'Hara?
See how many correct answers you can get.
1. When was she born?
2. Where was she born?
3. What is her real name?
4. What was her first American film?
5. What role did she play in the answer to Question 4?
6. What was her first movie for John Ford?
7. In the answer to Question 6, who played her father?
8. In the answer to Question 6, who played her youngest brother?
9. What was the first movie she made in Technicolor?
10. She played Natalie Wood's mother in what 1947 movie?
11. What movie did she make with Clifton Webb in 1948?
12. Who was her co-star in "The Quiet Man"?
13. What 1952 swashbuckler did she make with Errol Flynn?
14. She played opposite what actor in "The Long Gray Line"?
15. What 1957 movie did she make with John Wayne?
16. What part did she play in "The Parent Trap"?
17. Who played her daughter in "The Parent Trap"?
18. Who played her husband in "The Parent Trap"?
19. Who was her co-star in "Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation"?
20. Who wrote "Spencer's Mountain"?
21. What movie did she make with John Wayne in 1963?
22. Who played her daughter in "The Rare Breed"?
23. What was the last movie she made with John Wayne?
24. What is her daughter's first name?
25. What movie did she make with John Candy?
26. What famous actress played Maureen O'Hara's daughter in two separate films?
(Answers at the bottom of the page.)
Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne - The Best
My favorite YouTube
Created by June Parker Beck and published in 1995 on her official website, Maureen O'Hara Magazine. A special tribute to the fantastic screen chemistry of John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Background music by the incredible Roberta Flack - album available on Amazon.
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Maureen O'Hara Photo Collection #4
Using Squidoo's Photo Gallery. (Just click on the following photo to enlarge.)
A Popular Irish Song
Celtic Woman - "Scarborough Fair"
Hayley Westenra, the newest member of Celtic Woman performs "Scarborough Fair" at Slane Castle, Ireland.
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Vote for your favorite of Maureen O'Hara
Do you like one better than "The Quiet Man?"
Here are just a few of the movies Maureen O'Hara starred in. Can you add at least one more?
Hint: You may find another to add from the Amazon section.
1
The Quiet Man (Collector's Edition)
When an American prize-fighter kills a man in the more...3 points
3
The Parent Trap (1961) and The Parent Trap II (1986): 2-Movie Collection (2-Disc Set)
Two identical twins, separated since their parents more...1 point
5
Pirates of the Golden Age Movie Collection (Against All Flags / Buccaneer's Girl / Yankee Buccaneer / Double Crossbones)
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with fou more...0 points
Do real pirates wear earrings?
Yes. Why?
It is almost impossible to see a pirate movie without seeing earrings. Naturally the question has often arisen, did real pirates wear earrings? Surprisingly, the answer is yes.
Maureen O'Hara acted in a number of pirate movies. The Black Swan is one I remember well. Tyrone Power (pictured above) was the handsome, and very rough I must add, pirate.
While I'm sure Hollywood was trying to make leading men such as Erroll Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks look suave and exotic, real pirates were piercing their ears for a more practical purpose. It was believed that piercing the ears with such precious metals as silver and gold, improved one's eye sight. This was the main reason pirates performed such a ritual. It must also be noted that most other sea faring men also indulged in the practice.
While for years this was considered an old wives tale, today the art of acupuncture lends some credence to the practice of ear piercing. The ear lobe is an acupuncture point for several eye ailments. It is quite possible that the practice of ear piercing was brought to the west from the oriental trade routes.
Still another source says:
They used the earring as payment when they crossed over to the next world (when they died). Now this sounds logical considering the superstitious nature of mariners but it has one problem. A fellow pirate was quick to pull your payment from your earlobe rather than send a perfectly good earring with you to Davy Jones.
Danny from the UK says:
"As you are aware, sailors are superstitious and religious in their own way, and they carried gold from their ear so that if their body is washed ashore, they might buy a proper Christian burial. Because of this association between the earring and drowning, it soon became a good luck charm protecting the wearer from drowning. Later, an earring in the other ear became a charm to protect the wearer against fire (which was the other great danger sailors faced)."
And as always it may have simply been a "fashion statement" on the wearers part. As pointed out by many people, pirates (at least the successful ones) were a colorful lot.
For the Budding Pirate
Cute!
Every pirate needs his/her special t-shirt. Here is one I especially like.
Ahoy Pirate Light T-Shirt
Price: 24.99
Books on Cinema
Maureen O'Hara
Jeanine Basinger, Professor of Film Studies at Wesleyan University, has authored several books on Cinema. I have (and love) "A Women's View - How Hollywood Spoke to Women 1930 - 1960," published in 1993 in which she expounded on Maureen's ability to create an equality to her male co-stars while still remaining feminine.
A Must Read For Classic Film Buffs
A Great Book
Jeanine Basinger teaches Film at Wesleyan University; is often seen on Turner Classic Movies and evinces an evident love for popular films.
Her book is well written, entertaining and informative. Recommended for movie buffs,young people wanting to become familiar with how movies were made in an earlier era and anyone interested in Hollywood history and how film has been important in American popular culture.
It does not surprise me that there are more than a few pages on Maureen O'Hara since, I have read, she admires her.
The Star Machine
Basinger delves into detail on how the stars were selected, groomed and functioned within the system. Some people like Joan Blondell and Norma Shearer who married Irving Thalberg the MGM boy boss-wizard did well. Others became disillusioned as did the good actor Tyrone Power who was typecast as a romantic/adventure hero.
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Amazon Price: $25.55 (as of 11/16/2009)
List Price: $35.00
Maureen O'Hara's Favorite YouTube
If it isn't, it should be ... it's mine!
Of all the YouTubes I've watched over the past while, this one stands out as my favorite. Apparently, Maureen O'Hara still watches the tributes to her. I hope that she gets to see this one.
On staying young
Maureen O'Hara must have read this book. She certainly has stayed youthful.
You: Staying Young: The Owner's Manual for Extending Your Warranty
Amazon Price: $17.16 (as of 11/16/2009)
With the whole world of "Baby Boomers" heading toward "OLD," I believe that this should be manditory reading for all of "us." Oh, did I say "US?" I meant to say "them."
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When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Sung by
This song will always remind me of Maureen O'Hara
My Favorite Maureen O'Hara Picture
This is my favorite picture of Maureen O'Hara. Oh, did I say that of another one? I guess that is okay as they are all my favorites. She is beautiful isn't she!
When I was in my 20's, an older, beautiful friend of mine (a model) informed me that there aren't any beautiful persons who can afford to neglect their skin.
I found that my dear friend was right ... there is an old saying, 'Beauty is only skin deep.' so if you want beautiful skin, don't buy junk my friends.
Other Movies Filmed in Ireland
Go Ireland!
Ireland is a beautiful country and this is one very compelling reason why I enjoy watching movies filmed in Ireland like the ones mentioned below.
It seems like Irish movies tend to be somewhat sad like Angela's Ashes and The Wind That Shakes the Barley but there are some good, fun Irish movies also such as The Matchmaker and Waking Ned Devine. Falling for a Dancer takes place in the peninsula of Beara on the western side of Ireland. It is very dark movie, and depicts the way some people lived in Ireland during the 1930's. It also has a sweet love story, and you can see a very young Colin Farrell in a minor part. And then there is The Field based on John B. Keane's play of the same name and starring Richard Harris, it's an amazing depiction of the unique relationship we Irish have with the land.
I have chosen to feature in this lens movies more on the lighter side. If you are as interested in Irish history as I am, please visit my lens The Great Irish Famine - An Epoch of Death and Immigration
An Irish Movie For the Family
It's beautiful!
The Secret of Roan Inish ....A little Irish girl named Fiona goes to stay with her grandparents and becomes convinced that her baby brother, whose cradle was carried off to sea years before, is alive and being cared for by Selkies, seals who can transform themselves into humans. This is a quiet film, filled with lovely images that convey the magic surrounding anyone who believes in it. It explores themes of loyalty and commitment to family and following your heart.
Another Family Movie
With Irish Music
Once ...The best song Oscar went to this bittersweet film about an Irish musician (Glen Hansard) who meets a pianist and singer (Marketa Irglova) from the Czech Republic.
A Movie the Whole Family Will Love
Millions ( An Irish film)
This year's Oscar-winning director of "Slumdog Millionaire," Danny Boyle, also shows his gift for working with children in "Millions," the story of a young boy who finds a bag of money.
Great Irish Movies for the Family
Sometimes it is hard to find a movie suitable for the family to watch I hope that you will have a chance to see these.
The Secret of Roan Inish
I loved this beautiful story of a little Irish girl and her secret.
Amazon Price: $8.49 (as of 11/16/2009)
Once
Though it is filled with music from beginning to end it isn't really a musical. The songs help tell the story.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
Millions
This is a great film that really shows what money can do to people. It is also fascinating that it is the youngest person who actually has philanthropic ideas on how to spend it.
Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 11/16/2009)
"Paddy the Irishman" Jokes
(Craic) Irish for Fun!
Joey-Jim was tooling along the road one fine day when the local policeman, a friend of his, pulled him over. "What's wrong, Seamus?" Joey-Jim asked. "Well didn't ya know, Joey-Jim, that your wife fell out of the car about five miles back?" said Seamus. "Ah, praise the Almighty!" he replied with relief. "I thought I'd gone deaf!"
********
McQuillan walked into a bar and ordered martini after martini, each time removing the olives and placing them in a jar. When the jar was filled with olives and all the drinks consumed, he started to leave.
"S'cuse me," said a customer, who was puzzled over what McQuillan had done. "What was that all about?"
"Nothing," he replied, "my wife just sent me out for a jar of olives."
********
His wife had been killed in an accident and the police were questioning Finnegan.
"Did she say anything before she died?" asked the sergeant.
"She spoke without interruption for about forty years," said Finnegan.
********
Two Irishmen met and one said to the other, "Have ye seen Mulligan lately,Pat?"
Pat said, "Well, I have and I haven't."
His friend asked, "Shure, and what d'ye mean by that?"
Pat said, "It's like this, y'see...I saw a chap who I thought was Mulligan, and he saw a chap that he thought was me. And when we got up to one another...it was neither of us."
********
The first Irish National Steeplechase was finally abandoned. Not one horse could get a descent footing on the cathedral roof.
********
When the Irish say that St. Patrick chased the snakes out of Ireland, what they don't tell you is that he was the only one who saw any snakes!
********
What's the difference between an Irish wedding and an Irish wake? One less drunk at the wake.
********
There's a new Irish restaurant being built near downtown L.A. They are going to serve gourmet 7-course Irish meals.
Everyone coming through the door gets a potato and a six-pack.
*******
Have you heard about the Irish boomerang?
It doesn't come back, it just sings songs about how much it wants to.
*******
What's Black and Blue and floats in Sydney Harbour?
A person caught telling "Paddy the Irishman" jokes.
Getting To Know Maureen Now
Answers to some of your questions.
The Irish have changed the world.
There's an Irish perspective on the world that has changed us all. If you talk to scholars they'll pinpoint the Irish character as witty, distrustful of authority and having an incredible sense of history. The culture also fosters a deep appreciation for language and music and we are all different because of it.
See what Maureen has to say.
Q. What do you think are your special qualities and that of other Irish people?
A. "Well my special qualities is that I was born in Ireland of Irish parents and I'm very proud of it, and I'm very proud to be Irish by birth. The special qualities of the Irish are to realize that for centuries they have lived in a very difficult situation and can still wake up every day and laugh and smile and be wonderful hard-working people. Ireland, of course, is a very, very special country, full - every inch of the way - of beauties that will mesmerize you. They are so beautiful to look at: the mountains and the sea. God made Ireland I think that was his most beautiful job."
Q. Favorite Music?
A. "Well naturally my favorite music is the music of the country I was born in, and some of the very ancient Irish music. I'm not talking about that modern music. I like Broadway, classical music, and opera and of course, the beautiful "ancient" Irish melodies."
Q. Favorite actors?
A. "I love the work of Liam Neeson and Sean Connery and I would thoroughly enjoy working with either one of them. I don't know what I'd have to play - their sister, their old aunt, or their mother (laughing) but I think they are very fine performers."
Q. Friends of people in show business?
A. "That's a very sad question to answer. I'm not really a part of the motion picture industry of today. They are all very young people; and when they were coming into the foreground I was living quite happily in St. Croix in the Virgin Islands with Charlie Blair. He was my everything. But you have to realize that all of my good friends starting with Tyrone Power, Cornell Wilde, Charles Laughton, Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, and topping it all off with John Wayne, they've all left, and I'm still here. Oh yes - and of course Roddy McDowall, he was my dear, dear friend for many years. I miss him terribly."
Q. What was your favorite movie to make?
A. "Of course 'The Quiet Man,' but there are many others. Making movies is a challenge."
"There are also many movies that I "hated" making, but there was nothing I could do about it. You were under contract, that was it!" Maureen indicated the ones that she did not particularly like or enjoy making....they are:
~ They Met in Argentina
~ A Woman's Secret
~ Ten Gentleman from West Point
~ The Foxes of Harrow
~ Father was a Fullback
~ Comanche Territory
~ Kangaroo
~ The Redhead from Wyoming
~ War Arrow
~ Lady Godiva
~ Everything But the Truth
~ How Do I Love Thee
Q. What's a "day in your life like?
A. "I attend to the duties I have to do during the day and I never cease to be anything other than myself...and that's that."
Q. What was it like when you first started flying home to Ireland compared to "jetting" away nowadays? Aside from longer flights, did they have an airline version of the "sleeper" car? Were there tables and chairs in the mid-section? Aviation has come a long way from its infant days to now.
A. "Yes, I've been involved with aviation for many years; when the immigrants in the US were given permission after the second World War to return to the country of their birth, I was on a plane as fast as I could, back to Ireland. It was a very, very long flight and we stopped once to gas up and to continue on to Ireland, it was a long, long flight. Yes, in those days there were sleeper planes; four seats would be turned into a lower bunk and then there was an upper bunk; you first sat in your seat and you were given your breakfast, lunch, dinner, whatever it was according to the time of the day, and the stewardess came around and asked did you want your bunk made up? And you said "yes please." She lowered the upper bunk and she dressed the lower bunk. They had large bathrooms; now it's just a small toilet on a plane, but in those days, you went into the bathroom and there were 4 wash basins and two toilets in a small room and you undressed and put on a robe (you didn't undress entirely you just took off your suit, or whatever it was). After putting on the robe.You hung your clothes up and went back to your bunk, climbed in and went to sleep. The steward or stewardess would wake you in the morning and tell you it was so much time until you arrived at your destination. You had your breakfast and although the trips were long and very tedious, they were terribly comfortable. It was 'wonderful' to be able to climb into a bunk and go to sleep. They had a center section in the aircraft which had tables and bunk chairs around the tables and you could go there and sit during the flight and have tea or coffee or just sit and chat; read the paper or play cards; it was up to you. Because the flights were long they had to make them more commodious and more comfortable, and quite wonderful.
Original article may be found at: http://www.moharamagazine.com
O Danny Boy
sung by Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Maureen likes when a woman sings this song. Here's a lovely!
Lyrics written by F. E. Weatherly
O Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen and down the mountainside,
The summer's gone and all the roses falling,
It's you, it's you must go, and i must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow,
And when the valley's hushed and white with snow,
It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow,
O Danny Boy, O Danny Boy, I love you so!
But when ye come and all the flowers are dying,
If I am dead, as dead I well may be,
Ye'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an Ave there for me;
And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me,
And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be,
For you will come and tell me that you love me,
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me!
For more " o danny singing please go to: The Great Irish Famine
curated content from YouTube
Maureen - The Writer and Publisher
Maureen also owned and published the magazine "The Virgin Islander" writing a monthly column "Maureen O'Hara Says...." As wife of Charles Blair, Maureen said, "I got to live the adventures I'd only acted out on the Fox and Universal lots."
A pretty face but, not just another pretty face!
Book by Maureen O'Hara
'Tis Herself: A Memoir - 2004 - 372 pages
'Tis Herself
Bought it -- loved it!
I decided to skim the first few pages, and several hours later realized I'd read a good portion of the book.
What a fascinating life Maureen has had. The courage and determination of Joan Crawford (without all the baggage) and the beauty of a myriad of other Hollywood starlets ... she stood up to just about everybody and everything.
'Tis Herself: An Autobiography
Amazon Price: $10.80 (as of 11/16/2009)
A great read, well-written, with insight into one of Hollywood's most memorable leading ladies. It's great fun!!
The Whisper
The Quiet Man
Every time I watch this film I wonder what Mary Kate whispered to
Sean Thornton at the very end of the movie. I'll bet you will too.
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The Whisper ... The Question ???
What did you whisper into John Wayne's ear?
Here is an excerpt from Ms. O'Hara's book. I think that everyone who is a fan of hers will want to know .. what did she whisper?
There is only one fitting way to end our discussion of The Quiet Man, and that's with a whisper. No matter what part of the world I'm in, the question I am always asked is: "What did you whisper into John Wayne's ear at the end of The Quiet Man?" It was John Ford's idea: it was the ending he wanted. I was told by Mr. Ford exactly what I was to say. At first I refused. I said, "No. I can't. I can't say that to Duke." But Mr. Ford wanted a very shocked reaction from Duke, and he said, "I'm telling you, you are to say it." I had no choice, and so I agreed, but with a catch: "I'll say it on one condition - that it is never ever repeated or revealed to anyone." So we made a deal. After the scene was over, we told Duke about our agreement and three of us made a pact.
There are those who claim that they were told and know what I said. They don't and are lying. John Ford took it to his grave - so did Duke - and the answer will die with me. Curiosity about the whisper has become a great part of the Quiet Man legend. I have no doubt that as long as the film endures, so will the speculation. The Quiet Man meant so much to John Ford, John Wayne, and myself. I know it was their favorite picture too. It bonded us as artists and friends in a way that happens but once in a career. That little piece of The Quiet Man belongs to just us, and so I hope you'll understand as I answer:
"I'll never tell."
Maureen O'Hara
'Tis Herself
In response to a request from lensmaster, "Spirituality," I've been busy trying to find a more recent picture of Ms. O'Hara. I am quite aware that some women (men also) have no mirrors in their homes due to aging. While I am sure this is not the case with Ms. O'Hara, I have not been very successful in finding a very recent picture of her. This is the most recent picture I have found. One I did find, a bit older, indicated that noone was free to copy, print or publish. It was a very nice picture (Ms O'Hara even had on her beautiful emerald jewellery.) I'll keep trying though so, watch this lens. I may surprise you (and myself).
A very nice photograph of Ms. O'Hara. She is amazing!
Maureen O'Hara turned 89 years old on the 17th of August. She divides her time between Glengarriff in Co. Cork, St. Croix in the Virgin Islands and Beverley Hills, California.Ms. O'Hara fondly remembers the nearly three months the crew spent in Ireland. It was a homecoming for her. She had come to America to appear as Esmeralda in 1939's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
While re-viewing "The Quiet Man," she said that there were several misconceptions about the film that she wanted to clear up.
"I read these things that I know are not true, and it just drives me mad," O'Hara said.
So what are the misconceptions?
-- The production year. "We actually made the movie the summer of 1951. I always read that it was produced in 1952. Not true. We made it in '51, and it was released in '52."
-- Wayne's little cottage. "So many reviews and books say the name of the cottage was 'White of the Morning.' The name was 'White of Morn.' I just think people should get it right."
-- The weather. "I have read numerous times that the weather was awful while we were shooting the movie. They say something like, 'Ford was plagued by bad weather and rain throughout the filming.' That is not true. I know. It rained only once while we were there. I was there, so I ought to know. It was one grand summer."
If you have a recent photograph of Ms. O'Hara (and it is a nice one) please contact me. I'll appreciate it. I'd like more.
If good is what you're looking for, good is what you'll find.
Good to remember
Maureen O'Hara's odometer is about to roll over to 89 in August. Here is some very good advice written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me."
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion,
today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Maureen O'Hara?
Quick, what do you think of her?
Getting Older But ...
Lookin' Good!
I promised you that I would be on the lookout for more recent photographs of Ms. O'Hara. Well, although these photos were not taken yesterday, they are quite recent. Maureen O'Hara has the gift of "Lookin' Good" no matter what age she is.
Pour yourself a cup of Green "Irish" Tea and get caught up-to-date with the fabulous Maureen O'Hara. Just click on the "View All Images" button and you'll be looking at my Maureen O'Hara Slideshow.
I hope I look as good when I'm in my 80's.
Sorry. This video is in the process of changing. It will be back in service soon. Thank you for your patience.
Favorite old VHS movies.
Maureen O'Hara at her best.
These movies haven't come out on DVDs yet but when they do ... I'll let you know.
![Sitting Pretty [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DPHSC58DL._SL75_.jpg)
Sitting Pretty [VHS]
This is not a particularly well-known movie any more, but it is a great film worth buying and enjoying. Clifton Webb plays the prissy and effeminate Mr. Belvedere, a no-nonsense butler who moves into Robert Young and Maureen O'Hara's home to watch their bratty sons.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
This Land Is Mine
The movie told of the early days of a small town in France under German occupation. How the townsfolk responded and reacted to the shrewd and manipulative German leadership.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
A Woman's Secret [VHS]
Told in flashback, it's the story that leads to the death of singer Susan revealed as the ungrateful, selfish and deceitful protége of Marian, who has devoted her life to making Susan's career a success after her own ambitions had been thwarted.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
Old O'Hara Movies
VHS
I watched these for years on TV and waited anxiously for them to come out on DVD. If you still have a machine that plays VHS these are clear and sharp and the color is so clean it looks like a new print.
![Father Was a Fullback [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51V0B2CND8L._SL75_.jpg)
![Flame of Araby [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EGYYG3TQL._SL75_.jpg)
![Comanche Territory [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51STESHJVTL._SL75_.jpg)
![Bagdad [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CTJ6Z6SAL._SL75_.jpg)
Photos and Posters
To add to your collection
Are you a collector of Maureen O'Hara memorabilia? If so, you'll have a great time at Amazon. Here are just a few items for sale there.
MAUREEN O'HARA 8x10 COLOR PHOTO
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
Quiet Man John Wayne Picture Plaque Framed
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
MAUREEN O'HARA 24X36 COLOR POSTER PRINT
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
Maureen O'Hara
A few things you might like to buy.
From a small catch-all case with the famous 'McLintoch' scene to books about Director John Ford, we have a few things here you may be interested in.
SPANKING JOHN WAYNE MAUREEN O'HARA ID CIGARETTE WALLET
Product Features
~ Handmade to order in USA
~ Durable stainless steel
~ Holds ID cards, credit cards, drivers license, up to 8 cigarettes
~ Also holds ipod, mp3 player, earbuds
Sleek and stylish
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
MAUREEN O'HARA 24X36 COLOR POSTER PRINT
A dreamy photo of Maureen O'Hara in her prime.
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
John Ford: Hollywood's Old Master (The Oklahoma Western Biographies , Vol 10)
During a career that spanned more than 50 years, Ford (1895-1973) directed 136 films and established himself as a creative genius. Although best known for directing westerns that emphasized visual beauty, action and mood rather than dialogue. Ford won six academy awards for non-westerns, including The Grapes of Wrath (1940) and How Green Was My Valley (1941), which dealt with social themes. Davis draws on the recollections of the actors who worked frequently with Ford, including John Wayne, Henry Fonda and Maureen O'Hara, to document Ford's tyranny on the set, which intimidated his cast but wrung brilliant performances from them. This biography humanizes both the dean of Hollywood directors and the motion-picture industry itself.
Davis weaves Ford's roots as the son of 19th-century Irish immigrants throughout his portrayal of the filmmaker's illustrious career. From silent-film beginnings to the early '60s, his presence shaped the industry. Intimate glimpses into Ford's personal life provide insight into the making of his films as well as reveal his influence on many of Hollywood's legends
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 11/16/2009)
Company of Heroes: My Life as an Actor in the John Ford Stock Company (Scarecrow Filmmakers)
A really fine book by someone who has a true appreciation for the giants he worked with. Mr. Carey is a wonderful story teller, sensitive with a good sense of humor. His observations make for what may be the best book about John Ford ever written. But it is Dobe Carey's depiction of all the greats who worked for Ford that makes this book special indeed. They were unique and wonderful screen icons, the likes of which we will never see again. Mr. Carey brings them to life again in a way I shall never forget. Do not miss this book!
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
Pappy: The Life Of John Ford
John Ford is THE greatest film director of American Cinema, and perhaps one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. Yet his figure remains enigmatic, part of the reason is because this man never wanted to talk about himself. This biography is a well-researched piece written by Ford's own grandson, who is also a film producer. As the director's relative, he had access to most of his personal papers. He had interviews with Ford's many collaborators, including John Wayne, Henry Fonda and Maureen O'Hara. It is a very good introduction to John Ford.
Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 11/16/2009)
John Ford
A Brilliant Film Director
Dark Glasses hid Poetic Eyes
T. Gallagher has written an outstanding book on the films of John Ford from his primitive Westerns of the silent era through his last film "7 Women" in 1965.
Gallagher helps you to "read" a Ford film, giving you new insights into the neglected genius of the fiery Irishman who made the best American movies of his time.
Gallagher includes biographical information on the enigmatic Mr. Ford-tough guy; closet intellectual; painter of superb movie landscapes and all around genius!
Gallagher's main focus, however, is a close study of all the John Ford movies. His commentary is to be read slowly and with a dictionary handy to look up the abstruse words he likes to use!).
John Ford: The Man and His Films
Amazon Price: $23.04 (as of 11/16/2009)
If you want primarily a scholarly study of the movies made by Ford, Gallagher is for you.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it to fans of Ford or anyone wishing to know more about this legendary director of such classics as: "The Quiet Man," "Rio Grande," "Fort Apache," "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," "The Grapes of Wrath," "Drums Along the Mohawk"; "Young Mr. Lincoln"; "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence," and countless other classics!
MY OBSESSION
Watching movies about Ireland and/or filmed in Ireland has been an obsession of mine for a long time. I've listed a few more of my favorites.
Movies About Ireland
On the lighter side.
Green is the color of life, hope and joy. In these delightful stories you can lose yourself. The Irish love to laugh and I'm sure you will be laughing along with them.
The Matchmaker
Funny and romantic, sweet and charming, an unlikely but brillantly witty leading lady and the beauty of Ireland combine to make this little film a definate keeper! This one very much reminds me of those wonderful romantic screwball comedies of the 30's and 40's.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
The Boys and Girl From County Clare
Brother against brother is the overarching theme of this gem of a movie, but the driving force throughout is its music. I've always enjoyed Irish music and here the Aran Ceilidh Band Competition draws bands from all over Ireland, and in this case, Liverpool, to compete for the Ceilidh band trophy. It's funny, the music and scenary are gorgeous, and it's just well done all the way around.
Amazon Price: $9.98 (as of 11/16/2009)
The Snapper
Set in north Dublin in a lower working class neighborhood where many families spend their whole lives, the film shows the reliance on humor when life might otherwise be too tragic to handle.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
Waking Ned Devine
As you watch `Waking Ned Devine', you will soon realize that what you are seeing is an Irish fairy tale, simple and pure. The signs are all there, and if you are sharp, you will soon start to catch them. First to make its appearance is the pot of gold, disguised as a winning lottery... This movie is a delight!
Amazon Price: $7.49 (as of 11/16/2009)
The Secret of Roan Inish
A splendid old-fashioned movie experience for the whole family.
Based on a 1959 novel by Rosalie Fry, 'Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry', Sayles' Roan Inish tells the story of a young girl, Fiona, who when her mother dies is sent to live with her grandparents on the Irish coast in the years immediately following WWII.
Amazon Price: $8.49 (as of 11/16/2009)
Angela's Ashes
Seriously Serious!
The film and the book are works of art. The job of the artist is to shake us up, to make us see what we did not see before. The Ireland that Frank McCourt experienced was poor, dirty, downtrodden and very Catholic. Read "Irish Immigrants and Exiles" if you think Mr. McCourt is exaggerating.
Angela's Ashes
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
The film faithfully follows the book and I thought the film was more "hopeful" than the book. The child actors who play Frank at three different ages are wonderful. Mr. Mccourt said that he thought the film was a wonderful film that exactly captured his family.
Irish MP3 Downloads
The Best of Irish Music
If you have a yen for Irish songs you won't find them any less expensive than these downloads.
Maureen O'Hara on Wikipedia
Someone has put a lot of research into this. I found it very interesting and I hope that you do also.
'Maureen OHara' (born August 17, 1920) is an Irish film actress and singer. The famously red-headed OHara has been noted for playing fiercely passionate heroines with a highly sensible attitude. She often worked with director John Ford and longtime friend John Wayne.
More about Maureen O'Hara
Google Blogs
No doubt I have missed something which others may have found. Have a look at some of these blogs.
- Maureen O'Hara | cine101 : The ultimate resource for 1920 to 2010 ...
- After convincing Maureen to change her surname to O'Hara, Laughton helped launch Maureen's career by recommending her for the role of the orphaned Mary Yelland in Alfred Hitchcock's British-made film Jamaica Inn (1939). ...
- MAUREEN O'HARA - Reviews and insights of her films
- MAUREEN O'HARA - Reviews and insights of her films.
- Thanksgiving Plans « International Heat
- The 1947 black and white version with Maureen O'Hara and Natalie Wood. After that my MIL heads into town to visit with her brother and family for another dinner. I'm usually in a tryptophan induced coma by now. ...
- Kerry Film Festival
- The Kerry Film Festival, which is celebrating ten years of bringing film to Kerry, today announced that Newbridge Silverware, a brand that is synonymous with style and quality, will handcraft the Maureen O' Hara Award which will be ...
Research - Maureen on BabyNamer
~ Meaning: Its source is Mairin, an Irish Gaelic name meaning "Wished-for child."
~ Languages: This girl's name is used in English.
~ Nicknames: Maurie, Mo and Moreen
~ Compound Forms: Mauresa
~ Alternative Spellings: Maurine and Maurene
~ Source Forms: Mairin
~ Popularity: The name Maureen ranked 226th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.
~ This name is highly rated in the 1990 U.S. Census popularity survey of all ages, but after 1960 does not appear in the state data listing the most popular baby names.
~ Narrative: The original form is a nickname of Maire, the Irish Gaelic form of Mary.
There is enough trivia on Maureen O'Hara that I could write a book. Here is some more:
~ Maureen was named: The "Queen of Technicolor." So striking in appearance was she that Technicolor inventor Herbert Kalmus was said to have used her red-haired and green-eyed image to promote his creation.
~ The results of a USA People Search on "Maureen O'Hara" turned up over 100 records.
~ For a short time Ms. O'Hara also sold products from Ireland on Home Shopping Network. There was crystal, lace, art and perfume. All of the items were gorgeous and had some kind of history behind the product.The perfume was named, "Whisper" and she said in The Quiet Man, John Wayne whispered something to her at the very end and that is why she named her perfume 'Whisper.'
I still think about that show and wish I'd bought some "Whisper."
How can you get an autographed photo?
** Note: If you would like an autographed photo of Maureen .. one may be purchased at eBay. Please see below.
Get A Maureen O'Hara Photo From eBay?
There are a lot of Maureen O'Hara photos to choose from at eBay. Some of them may even be signed.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
The Latest News
DIRECTOR IN FILM FESTIVAL HONOR ..
MAUREEN O'HARA AWARD
The Kerry Film Festival, which celebrated ten years of bringing film to Kerry, has announced that Rebecca Miller received an award at the Kerry Film Festival.
Famed writer-director Rebecca Miller (pictured above) was honored for her work at this year's Kerry Film Festival. Daughter of renowned US playwright Arthur Miller and wife of actor Daniel Day-Lewis, was presented with the Maureen O'Hara award recognising women who have excelled in film.
The award is named in honor of one of the most glamorous leading ladies of Hollywood's golden era, Maureen O'Hara.
"It's an honor to have Rebecca Miller pick up the Award." said Maureen O'Hara. "Rebecca is a wonderful director and it is magnificent to see such a strong character having success in film. One more example of the incredible talent present in today's Ireland. I am absolutely delighted that Rebecca will accepted this award and I wish her the very best in her career, in film, and most importantly, in life with her husband and young family."
Rebecca Miller worked as a painter and an actress before becoming a writer and director. She is the author of the short story collection, Personal Velocity (2001), and the novel, THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PIPPA LEE. For the film version of PERSONAL VELOCITY (2002), she won several awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. She has also written and directed the award-winning films ANGELA (1995), THE BALLAD OF JACK AND ROSE (2005), which starred her husband Daniel Day Lewis, and again premiered at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival and this year's THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PIPPA LEE (2009).
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee was her first novel and has been published in 30 countries. The film version was released earlier this year, playing at the prestigious Toronto Film Festival, and had a cast that includes Robin Wright Penn, Keanu Reeves, Julianne Moore, Alan Arkin and Winona Ryder.
Ms Miller receiveD the award at a star studded ceremony at the Kerry Film Festival Awards Ceremony at Fels Point Hotel in Tralee on November 7th.
The main feature of the festival is a short film competition which focuses on young directors looking to showcase their work.
More than 500 films were submitted to the event this year which has a top prize of 5000 euro.
LOOPLINE FILMS FROM DUBLIN CONDUCTS INTERVIEWS IN U.S.
"The Quiet Man - Milestone or Millstone" is the name of the new documentary being directed by Se Merry Doyle and produced by Vanessa Gildea. More details can be found on the website.
Announcement:
What's happening in Glengarriff, Ireland?
A Legacy Center is being built in honor of Maureen O'Hara. For up to date information please refer to:
Maureen O'Hara MagazineAugust 17th
Highlighted In History
Maureen O'Hara
Best Wishes to you today.
NOTABLE PEOPLE BORN ON THIS DAY
~ Actress Maureen O'Hara is 89.
~ Former Chinese president Jiang Zemin is 83.
~ Author V.S. Naipaul is 77.
~ Baseball All-Star Boog Powell is 68.
~ Actor Robert DeNiro is 66.
~ Movie director Martha Coolidge is 63.
~ Rock musician Gary Talley (The Box Tops) is 62.
~ Rock musician Sib Hashian is 60.
~ Actor Robert Joy is 58.
~ Tennis Hall of Famer Guillermo Vilas is 57.
~ Rock singer Kevin Rowland (Dexy's Midnight Runners) is 56.
~ Rock musician Colin Moulding (XTC) is 54.
~ Country singer-songwriter Kevin Welch is 54.
~ Olympic gold medal figure skater Robin Cousins is 52.
~ Singer Belinda Carlisle is 51.
~ Author Jonathan Franzen is 50.
~ Actor Sean Penn is 49.
~ Jazz musician Everette Harp is 48.
~ Rock musician Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses) is 47.
~ Singer Maria McKee is 45.
~ Former Football player John Offerdahl is 45.
~ Rock musician Steve Gorman (The Black Crowes) is 44.
~ Rock musician Jill Cunniff (kuh-NIHF') (Luscious Jackson) is 43.
~ Actor David Conrad ("Relativity") is 42.
~ Singer Donnie Wahlberg (New Kids on the Block) is 40.
~ Former Basketball player Christian Laettner is 40.
~ Rapper Posdnuos (PAHS'-deh-noos) of Del La Soul is 40.
~ Tennis player Jim Courier is 39.
~ Baseball player Jorge Posada is 38.
~ Baseball player Dustin Pedroia is 26.
~ Actor Bryton McClure ("Family Matters") is 23.
~ Actor Brady Corbet (kohr-BAY') ("24") is 21.
Maureen's August 17th Festivities
In Ireland
Glengarriff Harbor
It is a matter of routine for legendary actress Maureen O'Hara to spend her holiday at her summer home in the picturesque Irish village of Glengarriff. It has also become tradition that she travel to Foynes each year to preside at the Coffee Festival and Parade and celebrate her birthday at a dinner/fund raiser for the Foynes Flying Boat Museum. Maureen's late husband, famed pioneer pilot Gen. Charles F. Blair, was a part of this historical milestone in trans-Atlantic passenger travel that is the feature of exhibition there. Maureen has taken an active part in archival work and promotion in this endeavor and was instrumental in the museum's creation.
I will give you the details of this momentous event in Maureen's life as I hear about them.
The affection for Maureen O'Hara is shared by fans all over the world. It brings to mind a toast made by Frank Sinatra to Duke Wayne, "May you live to be 100 and may the last voice you hear, be mine." With Maureen's legacy of films she will definitely live in our hearts forever.
OTHER MEMORABLE EVENTS - August 17th
Over the years.
August 17, 1807 Robert Fulton's North River Steamboat began heading up the Hudson River on its successful round-trip between New York and Albany.
August 17, 1863 Federal batteries and ships began bombarding Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor during the Civil War, but the Confederates managed to hold on despite several days of pounding.
August 17, 1915 a mob in Cobb County, Ga., lynched Jewish businessman Leo Frank, whose death sentence for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan had been commuted to life imprisonment. (Frank, who'd maintained his innocence, was pardoned by the state of Georgia in 1986.) In 1942, during World War II, U.S. 8th Air Force bombers attacked Rouen, France.
August 17, 1943 The Allied conquest of Sicily was completed as U.S. and British forces entered Messina.
August 17, 1945 Indonesian nationalists declared their independence from the Netherlands.
August 17, 1962 East German border guards shot and mortally wounded 18-year-old Peter Fechter, who had attempted to cross the Berlin Wall into the western sector.
Aug. 17, 1964, the single "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks was released in Britain.
Aug. 17, 1969 Hurricane Camille slammed into the Mississippi coast as a Category 5 storm with top sustained winds estimated at nearly 200 mph. The hurricane and resulting flash floods were blamed for 256 U.S. deaths, three in Cuba.
August 17,1969, the three-day Woodstock Music and Art Fair concluded in upstate New York. One of the day's memorable moments was Pete Townsend of "The Who" knocking Yippie Abbie Hoffman off the stage during the performance of "Tommy."
August 17, 1973, original Temptations member Paul Williams was found dead by police with a single bullet wound to the head. The death was later ruled a suicide. Williams had left The Temptations in 1971
August 17, 1974, keyboardist Patrick Moraz replaced Rick Wakeman in the band "Yes."
August 17,1978 The first successful trans-Atlantic balloon flight ended as Maxie Anderson, Ben Abruzzo and Larry Newman landed their Double Eagle II outside Paris.
August 17,1983 Lyricist Ira Gershwin died in Beverly Hills, California, at age 86. With his composer brother George, they wrote such classic songs as "'S Wonderful" and "The Man I Love."
August 17,1986, Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen played his first concert with the band since losing his left arm in a car accident in 1984.
August 17, 1987 Rudolf Hess, the last member of Adolf Hitler's inner circle, died at Spandau Prison at age 93, an apparent suicide.
August 17,1988 Pakistani President Mohammad Zia ul-Haq and U.S.Ambassador Arnold Raphel (RAY'-fehl) were killed in a mysterious plane crash.
August 17,1992, actor-director Woody Allen admitted being romantically involved with Soon-Yi Previn (SOON'-ee PREH'-vihn), the 21-year-old adopted daughter of Allen's longtime companion, actress Mia Farrow.
August 17, 1992, Singer Wayne Newton filed for bankruptcy. He owed about $20 million to 200 creditors.
August 17,1994, Actor David Caruso quit the cast of "NYPD Blue" to pursue a movie career. He was replaced on the show by Jimmy Smits.
August 17, 1999 More than 17,000 people were killed when a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Turkey.
Five years ago: At the Athens games, Romania won its second straight Olympic gold medal in women's gymnastics; the United States took silver while Russia won the bronze.
One year ago: At the Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps and three teammates won the 400-meter medley relay for Phelps' eighth gold medal. In tennis, Venus and Serena Williams defeated Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual of Spain in women's doubles; Rafael Nadal defeated Fernando Gonzalez of Chile in the men's singles; Elena Dementieva defeated fellow Russian Dinara Safina in the women's singles. ~Matamoros, Mexico, pitcher Jesus Sauceda had the fifth perfect game in Little League World Series history as he struck out all 12 batters in a 12-0 win over Emilia, Italy.
Bronwyn Brigid FitzSimons
Mother of Connor Beau FitzSimons
Maureen O'Hara helping-Daughter-Bronwyn FitzSimons Dress for Her Graduation
Bronwyn Brigid Price has a son, Conor Beau FitzSimons, a hairdresser who also owns his own line called "The Red Collection," honoring his famous grandmother, Maureen O'Hara. Bronwyn was named after the character played by Anna Lee, her mother's co-star, in How Green Was My Valley (1941). She takes her last name, "FitzSimons," from her mother's original last name.
It was her mother who got her started in movies with her cameo in Spencer's Mountain (1963), she showed great talent for a movie career and her mother encouraged her, but she soon dropped out of films to be a mother.
Before motherhood, she made frequent appearances on television in shows like "The Virginian" (1962) and "McHale's Navy" (1962), and also had a part in a movie, The Ravagers (1965).
Bronwyn FitzSimons at 19, looked markedly the way her mother, Maureen O'Hara, did at 19 years ago. Bronwyn has five television credits and one film (Spencer's Mountain) behind her, and was, like her mother, interested in a singing career.
Friend of Maureen
Michael Flatley
September 28, 2009
Michael Flatley of Lord Of The Dance payed tribute to Maureen O'Hara at the New York Athletic Club.
This is one of my favorite pastimes: watching this entertainer strut his stuff.
Answers to How Well Do You Know Maureen O'Hara
Did you get them all right? Well, of course you did.
1. August 17, 1920
2. Ranelagh, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland
3. Maureen FitzSimons
4. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"
5. Esmerelda
6. "How Green Was My Valley"
7. Donald Crisp
8. Roddy MacDowall
9. "The Black Swan"
10. "Miracle on 34th Street"
11. "Sitting Pretty"
12. John Wayne
13. "Against All Flags"
14. Tyrone Power
15. "The Wings of Eagles"
16. the mother of the twins
17. Hayley Mills
18. Brian Keith
19. James Stewart
20. Earl Hamner
21. "McLintock!"
22. Juliet Mills
23. "Big Jake"
24. Bronwyn
25. "Only the Lonely"
26. Natalie Wood played her daughter in Miracle on 34th Street in 1948 and in Father Was a Fullback in 1949.
This is a picture of Natalie Wood back stage with Maureen, whom she called "MaMa Maureen."
HISTORY DAY
DOCUMENTARY
This is something so very special!
This young person could probably teach us a thing or two about the life of Maureen O'Hara.
I found this very interesting!
Child Actress Natalie Wood
Miracle on 34th Street
Natalie Wood was born on July 20, 1938, in San Francisco, California, as Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko. Her parents were Russian immigrants who spoke barely comprehensible English, but they changed the family name to Gurdin after becoming US citizens. When she was just four years old,
Natalie appeared in her first film, Happy Land (1943). A production company had come to Santa Rosa, California, where the Gurdins were living and Natalie won a bit part of a crying little girl who had just dropped her ice cream cone. With stars in her eyes for her daughter, Mrs. Gurdin packed the family and moved south to Los Angeles in the hopes that more films would come her daughter's way. Natalie tested for a role in Tomorrow Is Forever (1946). She was only seven at the time, and flunked the screen test. Natalie's mother convinced the studio heads to give her another test, and this time she was convincing enough that they gave Natalie the role.
In 1947's Miracle on 34th Street (1947), she won the hearts of movie patrons around the country as Susan Walker in a film that is considered a Christmas classic to this day.
Supporting Actress Lorraine Chanel
The Magnificent Matador
Lorraine Chanel, a Veracruz native who grew up in San Antonio and appeared in American and Mexican films in the 1950s, died Oct/08 She was 83.
"In Hollywood, Chanel had supporting roles in 1955's "The Magnificent Matador," starring Maureen O'Hara and Anthony Quinn,
and in 1972 "The Revengers" with William Holden and Ernest Borgnine.
James Stewart - The Western Collection
New DVD Release
If you're getting ready for a shopping spree, it's a good bet that many of the friends on your list would enjoy a DVD collection as a present. Here are six of Stewart's best journeys to the Old West.
Amazon Price: $23.50 (as of 11/16/2009)
The films are:
"Destry Ride Again" (1939) with Marlene Dietrich
"Winchester '73" (1950) with Shelley Winters
"Bend of the River" (1952) with Arthur Kennedy
"The Far Country" (1955) With Walter Brennan
"Night Passage" (1957) with Audie Murphy
"The Rare Breed" (1966) with Maureen O'Hara
A Very Special Website
Maureen O'Hara Magazine
Maureen O'Hara has an official website and like her, it is beautiful! It's the only website on the internet endorsed by Maureen O'Hara "herself." Why don't you take a look.
Ms. O'Hara's official website:
Maureen O'Hara Magazine
Please note: A Rhapsody website carries quite a few of the tracks from Maureen's 1960 album "Maureen O'Hara Sings Her Favorite Irish Songs" ...
Go to: Songs O'Hara Loves
(We're sorry. This service is currently only available to residents within the United States.)
Music Maureen O'Hara Loves
All Irish
Of course O' Danny Boy is her first choice.
Gobs O'Phun
St. Patty's Day Celebration
Performed: 3/13/2009
**If you live in Ireland, I hope you took in this show.
Most things that have been around for 15 years are mellowing with age, but the Gobs haven't the time or the temperament! Since they've finally arrived at some degree of respectability after finishing 5th out of 136 on the Denver 7 ( a List for Best Local Band), they took advantage of it and staged an event they've dreamed of for years.
I'm sure John Ford spun in his grave, but Gobs O'Phun, County Denver's favorite Irish pub band, offered a tribute to his classic movie, "The Quiet Man." All the songs, jokes, and classic lines made for a rare evening indeed; impetuous, homeric! And if you know the movie's dialogue as well as you say you do, it probably turned into a Rocky Horror-style trade off between the stage and audience with all the great lines from the movie.
In their own inimitable style, the Gobs rounded it out with a plethora of bad jokes and favorite songs from their 7 CDs, including their newest release, Phun-duh-mentals. This was truly a special St. Patrick's weekend performance, and thank you for "wiping your muddy boots."
FIDGETY DIGITS - Record O'Hara Music
Shellwood Productions SWCD36, 69:36
A Piano Syncopation Delight
"ONE take, folks!" says Alex Hassan in his effervescent notes to this important release of rare recordings, very well transferred by Phillip Legg; indeed, the listener is often left amazed that such virtuosity is possible. Some of those who have tried in vain to attempt to play some of these numbers may well be left feeling happily inadequate.
There's an international feel to this collection, a United Nations of syncopated piano playing, with contributions from the US, UK, Europe, South Africa and Australia. The Australian is Sefton Daly, a mysterious character who cut six sides on New Year's Eve 1942, all available on the Crystal Stream label for those who wish to investigate further. He also appeared in the 1953 film, "Wherever She Goes", playing the part of a piano player in this story of the early life of Eileen Joyce. He is indeed an elegant and sophisticated player, with hints of a classical training.
Isador Goodman was another classically trained Australian pianist whose big tone and confident arpeggios impress with the other wartime recording here, "Bless 'em All"
For the rest of this article please go toIsador Goodman was another classically trained Australian pianist whose big tone and confident arpeggios impress with the other wartime recording here, "Bless 'em All"
For the rest of this article please go to: http://www.audaud.com/article.php?ArticleID=5296
May The Road Rise up "With" You
Irish Blessing
Maureen insists that this famous blessing has been miss interpreted for many years.
Here are the correct words.
May the road rise up with you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise up with you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
What's the weather in Glengarriff?
OLD IRISH RECIPES
For your enjoyment
Barm Brack at Tea Time
From the Appletree Press title: A Little Irish Cookbook
Barm Brack (Traditional Irish Bread)
Cream the yeast and the sugar and allow to froth up in the milk, which should be at blood heat. Sieve the flour, caster sugar and spice and rub in the butter. Make a well in the centre and add the yeast mixture and the egg, beaten. Beat with a wooden spoon for about 10 minutes until a good dough forms. The fruit and the salt should be worked in by hand; the gold ring wrapped in greaseproof paper should then be added, and the whole kneaded.
Put in a warm bowl, cover and allow to rise in a warm place for about an hour until doubled in size.
Ingredients:
1/4 pt/ 125 ml/ 1/2 cup lukewarm milk
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp fresh yeast
8 oz/ 250 g/ 2 cups plain flour
1 tsp mixed spice, pinch salt
1 egg, 3 tbsp butter
6 oz/ 200 g/ 2 cups mixed fruit
(currants, sultanas, raisins, candied peel)
1 gold ring (in greaseproof paper)
2 oz/50 g/2 tbsp caster sugar
*1 ring optional
Directions:
Knead lightly and place in a lightly-greased 7 in /15 cm diameter cake tin and allow a further 30 minutes rising time.
Bake near the top of a pre-heated oven at gas mark 6, 400°F, 200°C for 45 minutes. On removing from the oven the brack can be glazed with a syrup made from 2 tsp sugar dissolved in 3 tsp boiling water.
Let cool in the pan on a wire rack. Slice and serve buttered with tea.
Whoever gets the ring ( make sure not to swallow it) is prophesised to be the next person to get married.
Beef in Guinness
'tis Supper time....
The Guinness in this recipe has the same function as the wine in Coq Au Vin - the acid and moisture combined with the long, slow cooking help tenderise the tough but flavoursome meat.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 lb/ 1 kg shin of beef
2 large onions
6 medium carrots
2 tbsp seasoned flour
a little fat or beef dripping
1/2 cup dry cider
1/2 pt/ 250 ml/ 1 cup Guinness with water
sprig of parsley
(serves four)
Directions:
Cut the beef into chunks and peel and slice the onions and carrots. Toss the beef in the flour and brown quickly in hot fat. Remove the beef and fry the onions gently until transparent. Return the beef and add the carrots and the liquid. Bring just to the boil, reduce the heat to a very gentle simmer, cover closely and cook for 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
Check that the dish does not dry out, adding more liquid if necessary. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with plainly boiled potatoes.
Colcannon
'tis the greens
Ingredients:
1 lb potatoes
1 lb kale (cabbage may be substituted)
Onion, or leek or scallion (green onion)
1/4 cup milk
Butter, salt and pepper
Directions:
Peel and boil the potatoes. Chop the kale or cabbage fairly small, discarding the large stems. Steam until tender, about 8 minutes. Gently saute the onion (if desired) until golden but not too brown. Mash the potatoes well, and mix with the kale and onion. Add the milk (not too much, until moistened but not wet), and the butter, salt and pepper to taste.
Bake in a medium oven for about 15 minutes.
Blackberry Sorbet
Dessert From the Appletree Press title: A Little Irish Cookbook.
A fresh fruit sorbet is a delightfully refreshing culmination to any meal. As a method of preserving the taste of a warm autumn into the depths of winter this simply-made sorbet is second to none. From late August to mid October wild blackberries can be picked from bushes by the side of country roads throughout Ireland. A wet summer
followed by a warm, dry autumn will ensure a bumper crop.
Ingredients:
1 lb/ 500g/ 2 cups fresh blackberries
4 oz/ 125g/ 1/2 cup sugar
1/4 pt/ 125 ml/ 1/2 cup water
2 egg whites
(serves four)
Directions:
Clean the blackberries thoroughly and remove stalks. Liquidise the fruit in a blender and strain through a sieve.
Dissolve the sugar in the water and boil for about 5 minutes to make a syrup. Add the blackberries and boil for a further minute. When the liquid has cooled, fold it into stiffly-beaten egg whites. Freeze in an ice-cream machine or in ice cube trays in the freezer compartment of a fridge. If the latter is used, the mixture should be stirred about once an hour to prevent large ice crystals developing.
A Little Irish Cookbook
Appletree Press
The above recipes are from this unique little cookbook I recently picked up to add to my collection of Celtic cookbooks.
If you are looking for a recipe, and don't want a large format book, than this is the one for you. Clear directions and simple ingredients make it a winner.
(Other Irish cookbooks I recommend for those willing to spend a little more money are The Irish Heritage Cookbook, Classic Irish Recipes, and Celtic Folklore Cooking -- which provides some ancient history behind the recipes.)
A Little Irish Cookbook (Little Books)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
The compact format makes it easy to use, and the recipes are delicious. It includes personal memories of the author about when dishes were served as well as any regional variations.
More of my Favorite Irish Cookbooks
They are all winners in my opinion.
McGuire's Irish Pub Cookbook
I made Irish Whiskey Balls, Colcannon Pie and Paddy's Artichoke and Spinach Dip for a dinner party and everyone was asking for the recipes. A definite buy for anyone who loves to entertain.
Raves all around from a discerning audience (some are Bon Appetite diehards). Everyone who tasted the pie recipe wanted it.
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 11/16/2009)
Irish Traditional Cooking: Over 300 Recipes from Ireland's Heritage
Includes a comprehensive guide to Irish ingredients, from wild and cultivated harvest fruits to traditional meats and game.
Amazon Price: $15.61 (as of 11/16/2009)
The Irish Spirit: Recipes Inspired by the Legendary Drinks of Ireland
Savory selections made with beer include Medieval Stew with Stout, and Oysters with Bacon, Cabbage, and Guinness Sabayon; entrees with whiskey include Bushmills Duck au Poivre with a sauce thickened by heavy cream. The resources appendix is a necessity for those seeking the traditional tastes, since Kerrygold Irish butter is used throughout, as is Irish bacon. And for those who would rather sip than chew, there are informative pages on such topics as Irish whiskey history, brewing techniques and the origins of cyder (cider).
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 11/16/2009)
Myrtle Allen's Cooking at Ballymaloe House: Featuring 100 Recipes from Ireland's Most Famous Guest House
I received this book as a gift and use it regularly. Not only are the recipes wonderful, but so are the photos. You get a lot of history about the dishes, where they originated, etc. I have made a lot of the recipes in the book and have not had one disappointment. It's Irish cooking at it's best. In my search for the very best Irish cookbook, this one ranks high among those I have. I would recommend this cook book to anyone who loves to cook and enjoy's a good Irish meal. Two of my favorite recipes are the Dingle Pie (