La Fille de Ryan

source: Ryan's Daughter

Trailer—Ryan's Daughter

Ryan's Daughter

It's 1916 Ireland in an isolated backwards village. Rosy Ryan (Sarah Miles) is the fancy modern daughter of the pub owner. Father Hugh Collins (Trevor Howard) urges her to find a husband. Michael is the town simpleton ridiculed by the townfolks. Charles Shaughnessy (Robert Mitchum) is the dashing schoolmaster and he marries Rosy. Major Randolph Doryan (Christopher Jones) takes command of the British troops in town. Rosy falls for the British officer and they have a passionate affair. The Irish revolutionaries led by Tim O'Leary (Barry Foster) arrive expecting a shipment of arms. The movie is too long especially the first half. The first half seems to be some melodramatic romance. The second half is more compelling with better drama. Also Sarah Miles lacks the acting power needed to hold such a wide epic. The Irish mob seems cartoonish at times although they are well served at other times. It remains a mix bag of boredom and compelling drama.

There's a reason nobody makes films of almost three and a half hours anymore and why using Irish actors for Irish roles is preferred, although John Mills is outstanding but he doesn't have to say a word. Great scenery and the storm during the recovery on the rocks must have been a challenge to film and ever so slightly dangerous. You should see this once if for no other reason than to have an opinion but brew some coffee first.