Dalbert Pringle
Ah, yes! - The luck of the Irish, their curios superstitions, their wee, magical leprechauns, and (get this!) a Scottish Sean Connery being passed off as an Irishman (all rolled up into one movie).Though this 1959 Fantasy/Romance/Comedy film from Disney Studios was far from being top-notch entertainment - It was certainly notable for starring a young and very virile-looking Sean Connery (3 years before he first starred as James Bond in 1962's "Dr. No").Anyway - Besides Connery's appearance in this decidedly quirky picture - I also thought that the "little people" pre-CG effects were actually quite impressive, considering that this film is now 60 years old.All-in-all - I'd say that "Darby O'Gill" (and all of its merry, Irish shenanigans) was definitely well-worth a view, in the long run.
J. Spurlin
Darby O'Gill (Albert Sharpe) seems to be as full of blarney as any old codger in Ireland, but the stories of leprechauns he tells at the pub are true. In fact, he and the tiny King Brian (Jimmy O'Dea), ruler of the little people, are friendly adversaries, continually out-foxing each other. Darby needs a bit of magical help from the wily king when Lord Fitzpatrick (Walter Fitzgerald) replaces him as caretaker with the handsome, strapping young Michael (Sean Connery) from Dublin. Michael falls in love with Darby's beautiful daughter, Katie (Janet Munro), which is all right with Darby; but the lad has a rival in a local ruffian (Kieron Moore), the son of a devious widow (Estelle Winwood) who wants her boy to be the caretaker. King Brian's supernatural assistance is necessary to make everything come out all right, but the sneaky leprechaun won't play matchmaker without a fight. Finally, real trouble comes in the form of the Banshee, and Darby will need all his quick wits to save his daughter from the wicked spirit.This wonderful piece of whimsy from Walt Disney is brightened by marvelous special effects and supreme film making craftsmanship, helmed by Robert Stevenson, whose name is on most of the best live-action films from the Disney Studios. In his films, major technical challenges and small moments between actors are handled with equal deftness. Today's moviegoers will enjoy seeing Sean Connery before he was James Bond and even hearing him sing (though no one would wish his brief solo a minute longer). Of course, the real star is Albert Sharpe, who didn't make many movies, but whose thoroughly Irish charm is preserved for as long as this movie lasts.
JLRMovieReviews
Before he was Bond...James Bond, Sean Connery was in this tale of a little Irish village and its simple inhabitants. Darby O'Gill (Albert Sharpe) loves to tell stories of leprechauns and such, so when he finally catches of the king of 'em all, no one believes him. He is also being ousted out of his job as caretaker and gardener of the village and being replaced by Sean. He is waiting to tell his daughter, played by Janet Munro, at the right time. Then there's Pony Segrue (Keiron Moore) who likes her, but she doesn't like him. Enter Sean. Enough said.All these details make for the plot, but the true star is Ireland itself, with all the magic, folklore, and leprechauns that go with it. Jimmy O'Dea plays a memorable King of the Leprachauns who is kidnapped. This may be a bit frightening for little kids as there is the presence of the "banshee" and the "death coach" near the end.But if you want a good Irish movie for St. Patrick's Day viewing, forget all those corny over-the-top 30s and 40s MGM movies about Irish cops and watch the only film truly dedicated to and worthy of the heart of an Irishman. Disney does it best with'"Darby O'Gill and the little people."
shaffer00
I have to admit that I watched this (in re-runs) as a child. It was one of my favorite movies growing up. I just saw it again on cable and could not believe it.......crazy how these type of movies are still worth watching. I actually decided to record it on my DVR so I could see if my kids have any reaction to it (good or bad). Just goes to show there was a time when movies actually made a positive impact on children's lives. Everything I have seen in the last 30 yrs has not stuck with me like movies from this era. Anyway, if you want a good movie night with your kids (without having to worry about some scene popping up that is just NOT cool)......run with this film and it should be at least a good time.Cheers,
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