Captain Lightfoot (1955) User Reviews

Swashbuckling adventure with British turncoats , romance , fights , kidnapping and duels

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 12 November 2015]

This is a 1955 Douglas Sirk film for Universal about Irish adventures , concerning a romanticized version of a pair of intrepid adventurers , starring Rock Hudson in the title role of Captain Lightfoot , and it is full of adventure, romance , intrigue , ballroom dance , action , pistol duel and Ireland rebellion . Set in Ireland in 1815 , spanking Michael Martin (Rock Hudson , he was full-blood Irish, his real name was Roy FitzGerald) , member of an Irish revolutionary society , turns highwayman to support it , and is forced to flee into outlawry and to seek shelter in Dublin , capital of Ireland . In Dublín , he meets known rebel "Captain Thunderbolt¨ (Jeff Morrow, also an Irishman in real life) posing as an aristocrat , he is really leader of the Irish resistance against the English dragoons sent to occupy Ireland by the British Crown , then Michael becomes his second-in-command , "Lightfoot¨. As a couple of Irish rebels undertake swashbuckling adventures , abducting , rescues , attacks against fortress and many other things . The flick describes their dangerous life , with captures , betrayals , perilous feats , and romance . There takes place an unforgettably beautiful love story between Michael and Thunderbolt's daughter (Barbara Rush) . Meanwhile , Thunderbolt is gunshot wound , he hides but is discovered , being betrayed by a traitor (Dennis O'Dea) , caught eavesdropping and imprisoned . Lightfoot attempts to free him from prison , disguising as a priest . The real "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" story goes back to 1818 , about two notorious highwaymen , their bold and daring robberies, and hair-bredth escapes . Together with the life and recent death, in Vermont, of a man reputed to be Thunderbolt was arrested in Springfield , Massachusetts, was tried, convicted, and hanged about 1821 . It was Martin who, just before his execution , gave the full description of his former partner, Captain Thunderbolt, who by then was a simple, kindly , somewhat overdressed country doctor quietly practicing his medicine in Dummerston and falling down on his face at the Saturday night dances .

A fine , impressive adventure and a warm , sensitive romance , including turncoats , riots , dance balls and many others things . Dealing with love , battles , death and societal constraints . The film often depends on melodrama and relies heavily on the silly love story between Hudson and Rush . The flick is made in Sirk style , including his ordinary trademarks and financed by his customary producer , Ross Hunter , and Universal International with whom he made nine films , many of which involved the collaboration of Rock Hudson, cinematographer Russell Metty or Irving Glassberg , and art director Alexander Golitzen . Weak screenplay based on novel , ¨Captain Lightfoot¨ , written by prestigious W.R. Burnett . The three principals in the cast , Rock Hudson as character name in title , Barbara Rush and Jeff Morrow , all shine in this studio vehicle for young star Rock Hudson, who is terrific in the title role , with style , sex appeal , and a good Irish accent . Jeff Morrow was especially good in one of his greatest roles as Captain Thunderbolt , Morrow had to take lessons to learn how to sword-fight from Basil Rathbone . Support cast is pretty well such as Kathleen Ryan , Finlay Currie and Denis O'Dea . To be said that inspired Michael Cimino to write the film "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" with Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges . Interestingly, this film was shot at the time Eastwood was an apprentice for Universal . We don't know whether Cimino's original inspiration came from the film or one of the books, or even from popular tales he might have heard somewhere around .

Rousing and thrilling musical score by Heinz Roemheld and Herman Stein , though uncredited . Colorful and brilliant cinematography in magnificent Technicolor by Irving Glassberg . Filmed almost entirely on location in Ireland, this was one of the first Universal pictures to be filmed away from Hollywood . Being shot on location in Clogherhead, County Louth, Ireland and Powerscourt Estate , Enniskerry, County Wicklow, Ireland . The motion picture was professionally directed by Douglas Sirk . His first directorial stint in America was Hitler's Madman (1943) , but it is for his work at Universal International in the 1950s for which he is primarily known . Sirk got a great success , particularly the high-suds soap operas he lensed for producer Ross Hunter in the 1950s : Magnificent obsession (1954) , All That Heaven Allows (1955) and his last American film , Imitation of life (1959) . Sirk's favorite American film was the Western , Taza , son of Cochise (1954) , which was shot in 3-D , also starred by Rock Hudson and Barbara Rush . The true genesis of the Sirk cult was the realization of notorious flicks full of twisted melodrama and passion , such as : Written on the wind , Battle hymn , The Tarnished Angels , Interlude , All I desire , There's Always Tomorrow and A Time to Love and a Time to Die ; the latter is one of the best films made by the producer-director team of Ross Hunter and Douglas Sirk . Society is an omnipresent character in Sirk's films , as important as the characters played by his actors, such as Jane Wyman , Barbara Rush and Rock Hudson.

A young star flexes his wings

[grahamclarke · 6/10 · 8 July 2003]

Universal in the early Fifties was a decidedly second rate studio in desperate need of a star of their own. Director Douglas Sirk spotted Rock Hudson in a bit role and sensed star potential. Sirk almost single handedly coached and groomed Hudson towards stardom, which was achieved with the wildly successful "Magnificent Obsession" (1954). They would make eight movies together, "Captain Lightfoot" being the fourth, and the first in which Hudson would appear as an established star.

Hudson's newfound stardom is palpable throughout the movie. He exudes a boyish confidence as yet unseen in his work making this the joyful romp that Sirk intended. He is matched by a feisty Barbara Rush who played opposite him in the inferior "Taza, Son of Cochise" and supported by an cast of Irish players vastly superior to the bit players Universal would have supplied had the movie not been shot in Ireland.

Sirk's Hollywood career can be divided into three phases. First, the early years in a new country, finding his feet with some solid, if unexciting movies. The middle period was characterized by light weight comedies and trying his hand at different genres such as the western, the costume and historical dramas. Finally, would be his golden period of the melodramas for which he became famous. "Captain Lightfoot" signals the end of the middle period.

While extremely enjoyable, it lacks sufficient substance to make it memorable. Sirk fans would naturally not want to miss this, but Rock Hudson fans in particular should seek this out. He seldom seemed to be truly having such a good time as here when flexing his new grown wings of stardom.

Light swashbuckling

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 7 August 2020]

While Douglas Sirk won't be everybody's cup of tea, which was as true then as to now, he was an interesting director. Perhaps best known for the last of his three primary periods which consisted namely of melodramas, that were always very well made and mostly well acted too but were either intense and moving or pure soap and unintentional camp. Another main reason for seeing 'Captain Lightfoot' was for one of his main lead actors Rock Hudson, who gave some of his best work under Sirk (with him being one of not many directors to fully understand Hudson's strengths).

'Captain Lightfoot', made when Sirk was nearing the end of his middle period, is not among the best films of either of them or one of the best of its genre. Sirk did better with especially 'Imitation of Life' and 'All That Heaven Allows'. As far as his filmography goes 'Captain Lightfoot' is around middle of the pack level. Hudson though comes off better and one can see why he was a popular leading man at the time and in Sirk's, who again really knew what to do with him and what he particularly excelled in, films.

Hudson is an immensely likeable lead, with such an endearing good nature and the charm and charisma factors are there. Barbara Rush is alluring and not too sugary, her chemistry with Hudson is sensitively charming and even if it is very cliched it didn't feel too rushed. Jeff Morrow is even better than the two of them, his performance brimming with authority. The supporting cast are not exceptional but are sturdy enough. Sirk's direction has skill and has some energy.

The film looks great, being very lavishly produced and the photography is very sumptuous. The music has the right amount of heroism, sensitivity and edge. Enough of the writing amuses and charms and the story likewise in parts.

At other points though, the story seemed a little uneventful and could have done with more oomph pace-wise. With the pacing sometimes being rather dull and not containing enough excitement. The script would have been better than it turned out if time constraints were kinder to it, there was a rushedly-written feel to it and with not enough time to give any depth to the characters or what goes on. Which all felt underdeveloped, with some vague politics, and some real credulity straining.

Sirk's direction has moments but he didn't seem in full command of the story, some of it came over as routine.

Overall, worth the look but not great. 6/10

Thunderbolt and Lightfoot.

[dbdumonteil · 13 April 2009]

This is not really a drama;this is not a story of sound and fury either. Sirk's swashbuckler is a bit tongue-in -cheek .He often makes a fool of his hero (Rock Hudson ,his favourite actor ,he will be featured in many other Sirk works including the stunning "magnificent obsession" and "written on the wind" ): he tries to help captain Thunderbolt to escape and ends up himself in prison;on the roof he unintentionally rings the bell.Barbara Rush (another Sirk's favourite:she will team up with Hudson again in " Taza" and "obsession")gets a good whacking.The political side remains vague and neither the Irish nor the English seem to take it seriously although it's not really a comedy.But the main interest is the splendid cinematography ,the marvelous landscapes :the scene when Lightfoot and Regis try to escape and end up in the river is masterfully filmed.There's something nonchalant ,which makes "captain Lightfoot" a distant cousin of "a scandal in Paris" (1946) in Sirk's filmography.

That said,it's entertaining but I do not think that it ranks with the director's best films.

The Original Thunderbolt and Lightfoot

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 26 May 2012]

Rock Hudson, Barbara Rush, and Jeff Morrow came over from America to appear with a cast of Irish players starring in Captain Lightfoot. It's a story of Ireland in the post Napoleonic era with the dashing Captain Thunderbolt looking for a successor to carry on with banditry and villainy all in the cause of a free Ireland.

Morrow is the legendary Thunderbolt getting on in years and when in the guise of a parson spots young Rock Hudson taking on a British dragoon. That was it, Morrow has found his man.

He also finds his son-in-law as well as his daughter Barbara Rush eventually falls for Hudson who after a period where she thinks of him as a country bumpkin, starts falling for him. She names his Lightfoot because of lack of ability on the dance floor. There relationship is not approved of by Morrow and first and Rush is a spitfire. There's a lot of borrowing from The Taming Of The Shrew here.

Hudson seems a bit ill at ease in a part that a young Errol Flynn would have gone to town with. Also if you've seen Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. in The Fighting O'Flynn with that kind of élan Fairbanks brought to the part it was a shame he was about 15 years too old for the role.

Rush and Morrow are great and the Irish locations and the talents of the supporting cast, many of them members of the Abbey Theater really do make the film a visual treat and a treat for the ears. The finale involving storming the castle at Ballymoor is well staged.

He wasn't well cast, but the role did no harm to the rising career of Rock Hudson.

Young Rock with Brogue in Irish Swashbuckler

[dglink · 7/10 · 13 February 2017]

A colorful, light adventure that plays like a classic swashbuckler, the Ross Hunter production "Captain Lightfoot," is entertaining Hollywood hokum from a screenplay by W.R. Burnett and Oscar Brodney, which was loosely based on Irish history. The casting of Rock Hudson as Mike Martin, aka Captain Lightfood, undercuts any pretense to historical accuracy, despite a supporting cast of Irish players. Although hired more for his looks and marquee value, than his aptness for the role, Hudson nevertheless is amiable, and he attempts a slight brogue that gets slighter as the film progresses. While his good-natured performance is an asset to the movie, Hudson lacks the confidence and bravado that a Burt Lancaster would have brought to the part.

Martin was a bold highwayman in early 19th century Ireland, who worked for a revolutionary society in support of Irish independence. An Irish Robin Hood, Martin stole from the English oppressors to aid the cause and to feed the poor. An Irish rebel patriot, Captain John Doherty, hears of Martin's exploits and enlists him to be his second in command; brought to Dublin by Doherty, Martin is dubbed Captain Lightfoot by Doherty's saucy headstrong daughter, Aga, after a fumbled dance with him. Known as Captain Thunderbolt, Doherty runs a gambling establishment that fleeces the English to fund the independence struggle. Like a boys' adventure movie, "Captain Lightfoot" is often exciting fun. During duels and escapes, fights and chases, robberies and romance, director Douglas Sirk maintains a steady pace.

Barbara Rush provides the requisite love interest as Aga, although the predictable romance between her and Hudson is of the clichéd "hate at first sight" variety, and viewers know the outcome from the first scene. Jeff Morrow, who plays Aga's father, Doherty, arguably gives the film's best performance; he is strong, authoritative, and convincing as a rebel leader. "Captain Lightfoot's" technical credits are also good. Shot on location in Ireland, the scenery is lush and beautiful, and the music, supervised by Joseph Gershenson, is rousing. While undemanding fun, the movie does not rise to memorable, despite the presence of a young Rock Hudson at the cusp of stardom. For Hudson fans, the film is essential viewing, for others, light escapist fun.

Beautiful elaborate production values, weak script

[pacificgroove-315-494931 · 6/10 · 1 June 2015]

Very unusual for a 1950's Universal costume adventure, Captain Lightfoot sports expensive, elaborate production values. It benefits greatly from extensive location shooting, beautifully photographed, and fancifully but tastefully colorful sets and costumes.

Hudson and Rush are excellent as dashing hero and his spitfire lady.

There's an effective mix of action, romantic comedy, and melodrama--all well staged.

Too bad the script is weak; often the character relationships and decisions characters make stretch credibility to the point of distraction.

Contrary to what a couple of other reviewers here said, I thought most of the supporting cast so-so, Abby Players or not. None of the fun, charisma, and panache that British-Hollywood baddies like Basil Rathbone, Claude Raines, and Henry Daniel brought to similar material.

He's brave...but also kinda stupid...at least initially. Perhaps he'll improve!

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 22 August 2020]

When I started watching "Captain Lightfoot", I was taken aback when I saw that Rock Hudson was playing an Irish highway man! But, after getting over the shock, I realized that Hudson wasn't 100% terrible...at least when he remembered to use his Irish accent! But, as I just noted...he often sounded like Rock Hudson and only sometimes remembered the accent. I really don't blame him so much....it was the director's job to notice these sorts of things. Amazingly, it was directed by the very well respected Douglas Sirk....who made some of Douglas' best films. It also was a big budget production...filmed on location in Ireland and in color.

When the story begins, Michael Martin (Hudson) is a cheap and rather dim highwayman along with his friend. But they aren't very good at it and soon end up in really serious trouble with the law when one of their victims pulls Michael's mask off. So, he needed to go into hiding and is rescued by a traveling priest....or at least someone PRETENDING to be a priest. The man turns out to be the infamous Captain Thunderbolt (Jeff Morrow)...a combination Irish patriot, gambler and highwayman. But unlike Michael, he has class and common sense and soon Thunderbolt dubs Michael 'Captain Lightfoot' and makes him his second in command.

A bit later, Thunderbolt is shot and injured during one of his incursions. While in hiding and recovering, he asks Lightfoot to take command of his gambling house AND his household...including his headstrong daughter, Aga (Barbara Rush). You just KNOW that this means sooner or later, the pair will become lovers (I am referring to Aga and Lightfoot, not Thunderbolt and Lightfoot). What's next for these folks? See the film.

Despite being about highwaymen and crime, this film turned out to be a costume drama. Much of the time, folks are wearing colorful fancy outfits, dancing and living in luxury...not the sort of thing you might expect in a film about Irish patriots/bandits. Again, you could see that Universal really pulled out the stops with this one...with a large budget and lots of gloss.

So is it any good? Yes...very good...but not great. The acting is generally good (apart from a few missing accents...not just from Hudson), the locations lovely and the story engaging.

Captain, my captain

[Lejink · 6/10 · 22 March 2019]

I was slightly surprised to see that this Ross Hunter-produced, Douglas Sirk-directed, Rock Hudson-starring film was one which didn't examine the morals and behaviour of 50's American society as did later films like "Written On The Wind", "All That Heaven Allows" and "Magnificent Obsession".

Still, swashbucklers were all the rage in the mid-50's and guys have got to eat, so once you check your original expectations at the door, just sit back and enjoy this sumptuously colourful CinemaScope production filmed entirely on location in Ireland. I've read other reviews trying to attach significance to the sub-plots of treachery and informants back to Sirk's time in pre-war Germany, but I doubt very much that entered his mind.

No, this just looks to me like a relaxed, comfortable location shoot with an easy to follow story with stock characters and situations and, if anything, looks like Sirk trying out Rock Hudson as a leading man for future projects. Hudson plays Michael Martin, later re-christened Captain Lightfoot, a rebellious young Irishman drawn to the nationalist cause against the occupying English in Regency times. Less attracted to the visible, passive resistance, his mercurial nature is instead fired by the exploits of the mysterious Captain Thunderbolt, a local dignitary by day but who by night clandestinely engineers raids to strike back on behalf of his countrymen. Unsurprisingly he has a pretty young daughter who whilst initially resistant to Martin's brusque charms, inevitably succumbs to him, throwing over a conventional rival in the process.

I love a good swashbuckler but this is isn't really in the top echelon. For one thing, all the action is done with guns rather than swords, so reducing the excitement quotient and there's no real out and out baddie to counterpoint the two bold captains. You'd also have to say that Rock isn't really cut out to be an action hero a la Flynn or Power, lacking their dynamism and athleticism plus his attempt at an Irish accent frequently takes a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

All the same, it's an entertaining story, shot in lush, verdant greens and ochres. While it does looks very much like a contractual assignment, it's pretty to look at and undemanding to watch. Consider it an example of an artist like Sirk, testing out his colour palette on his way to creating his later masterpieces.

Historical Entertainment

[ldeangelis-75708 · 7/10 · 10 March 2023]

I don't know how historically accurate, but it's still an entertaining film, set in a time period I love (early 19thc) and I adore the costumes! Rock Hudson does a good job as Michael Martin, an Irish revolutionary turned highwayman (for a worthy cause, of course), who becomes a wanted outlaw, and then joins forces with famous rebel John Doherty (Jeff Morrow), known as "Captain Thunderbolt", himself becoming known as 'Captain Lightfoot", and falls in love with John's spoiled, headstrong daughter, Aga (Barbara Rush). There's action, adventure, life-threatening close calls, as well as love scenes (not to mention a spanking one)!

The stuff historical romance novels are made of!

A group of Irish patriots rob the rich to further their cause.

[JohnHowardReid · 3/10 · 12 November 2016]

This film is singularly lacking in power and excitement, despite actual lensing in Ireland in CinemaScope and color. Despite lavish production values, the story is weak, the dialogue weaker and the acting tepid. Sirk's perfunctory direction does not help. It's one of those films in which the music score attempts to do all the work of building up suspense, excitement and atmosphere — an attempt which is by no means a successful one.

Every bit as boring as I remembered it on its first release, "Lightfoot" is not only thoroughly routine and thoroughly dull, but totally without interest in acting, writing, direction or production. It's dull enough with Jeff Morrow partnering Rock in "hairbreadth" escapades, but with the entry of Barbara Rush as Rock's romantic interest it gets even duller, even more predictable and even less interesting. You need a big supply of stay-awake pills to sit this one through.

Classic Historical Romantic Drama.

[Dejael · 8/10 · 26 November 2002]

Set in Ireland in 1815, this magnificent Technicolor production is full of romance, intrigue, action and adventure. The three principals in the cast, Rock Hudson, Barbara Rush and Jeff Morrow, all shine in this studio vehicle for young star Rock Hudson, who is terrific in the title role, with style, sex appeal, and a good Irish accent (Hudson was full-blood Irish, his real name was Roy Fitzgerald). Jeff Morrow, also an Irishman in real life, was especially good in one of his greatest roles as Captain Thunderbolt, leader of the Irish resistance against the British dragoons, sent to occupy Ireland by the British crown; Morrow had to take lessons to learn how to swordfight from Basil Rathbone. Filmed almost entirely on location in Ireland, this was one of the first Universal pictures to be filmed away from Hollywood. A fine, rousing adventure and a warm, sensitive romance. One of the best films made by the producer-director team of Ross Hunter and Douglas Sirk. Sadly, many Universal pictures of the 1950s and 1960s are still unavailable on home video. Universal should be ashamed of themselves for not releasing this great film on video, and a wide-screen letterbox version on DVD as well. Ay, tis the luck o' the Irish.

Captain Lightfoot

[coltras35 · 6/10 · 12 January 2024]

Rock Hudson stars as a young Irishman who is recognised during a robbery and escapes to Dublin to play a key part in the rebellion during the early 1800s.

Pacing is a bit laborious and there's a lack of excitement, a blandness, but the Technicolor, the beautiful Irish countryside ( Clogherhead, County Louth, Marlay Park in Rathfarnham, County Dublin, and in the Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry, County Wicklow) and good performances by Rock Hudson and Barbara rush as the leads help this to be watchable. Sirk's melodramatic/romantic impulses here are complemented by some action and adventure, but don't expect a full mode swashbuckler with a hero swinging on the chandelier.

A colorful saga of delightful nonsense.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 3 November 2023]

Played almost as a swashbuckling comedy, this gets laughs (intentional or unintentional unknown) for the moment that Rock Hudson opens his mouth and starts speaking with an Irish brogue. He's an Irish rebel turned highwayman who ends up teaming with his idol (Jeff Morrow) who lives on a huge estate with daughter Barbara Rush. She is a tempestuous young lady with an independent spirit and hot temper that Hudson tries to tame when Morrow is injured during one of their escapades.

Beautiful photography and sets with very vivid reds and greens, plenty of slapstick (although one scene has it spank rather than slap) and nice supporting performances from Kathleen Ryan as Rush's tutor and the stiff upper lipped Finlay Curie. This certainly isn't a great movie and far from realistic, but it's irresistible with the witty dialog and great production design. I recognized the set from another Ross Hunter/Douglas Sirk film, "All That Heaven Allows", which was set in the present day. A nice change of pace from their usual melodramatic weepers, but obviously some audience members were crying from constant laughter.

Captain Lightfoot

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 25 November 2023]

"Michael Martin" (Rock Hudson) is a low-key highwayman in early 1800s Ireland happy to rob the local gentry and contribute to Denis O'Shea's association that is peaceably pressuring for Irish freedom. The latter man isn't keen on accepting the fruits of crime, though, and so "Martin" leaves in a fit of pique and encounters a clergyman who takes him to a tavern. No room at the inn, but the preacher is a man of imagination and soon they are to share a room - if only the robber can convince the rebel-loathing landlord that he is worthy! Guess what? Folks ain't what they seem and in best "The Moonraker" tradition, the priest turns out to be the legendary "Capt. Thunderbolt" (Jeff Morrow) and swiftly the two become best friends, the former falls madly in love with the mischievous "Aga" (Barbara Rush) and a standard swashbuckling adventure ensues. To be sure, Hudson looks the part - but his acting is always the same - wooden with the occasional glint in his eye. There's virtually no chemistry with the almost as equally uninterested Rush and the presence of Scotsman Finlay Currie as the local balladeer doesn't quite convince either. That said, it's a colourful and reasonably paced film with just enough action, some duplicity, treachery and threat to temper the romantic slush and though maybe not a film I'll remember, I quite enjoyed it.

Good historical romance in early 1800s Ireland

[weezeralfalfa · 8/10 · 7 November 2017]

A story of largely landless Irish Catholic resistance against a pervasive Protestant landowning class, in the early 1800s. It's based on the novel of the same name, released the year before, in 1954. A relatively small amount of time is spent on actual violent events. It more focuses on events leading up to such physical clashes, and on the sporadic romance between highwayman Michael Martin(Lightfoot), played by Rock Hudson, and Aga Doherty(Barbara Rush), impish ingénue daughter of John Doherty(Thunderbolt), played by Jeff Morrow. Actually, the nicknames Lightfoot and Thunderbolt are used sparingly, preference being given to their given names. Rock and Barbara appear to be playing characters actually about a decade younger than themselves. The on again, off again, romance between Michael and Aga reaches low points when he gives her a good paddling for being contrary("You're acting like my father"), when she announces her imminent marriage to one of Michael's foes, to spite him, and near the end, when Michael says he leads too dangerous a life to be married(With Aga's prodding, he soon changes his mind). These events are interspersed with several very passionate kisses, which express their true feelings toward each other. She's especially impressed with his performance in a formal duel with his romantic rival, Captain Hood. There was only one acceptable outcome of this duel, which was for both to miss. After Hood missed, Michael shot into a nearby scarecrow. If he were to kill or even wound Hood, even in a formal duel, he would be in big trouble with the law.

The initial section deals with several robberies by Michael, sometimes aided by his friend Tim, in the Ballimore area. The local resistance cell refused to take stolen money for fear it would make them more harassed by the authorities. He was advised to relocate in the Dublin area, which he did, with some difficulty from the English dragoons. He was fortuitously picked up by Doherty, disguised as a parson, who took him to Dublin.

Despite the general description of Michael and Doherty as highwaymen, I didn't see Doherty participate in any robbery, and there were no further robberies by Michael. Perhaps the older Doherty was once a highwayman, but in recent times he 'robbed' the rich by encouraging them to gamble at his casino. He also had a bevy of prostitutes for hire.(Michael seemed never to have heard of such!).

Irish accents of the various players varied greatly. Rock's rather minimal display tended to wax and wane, especially toward the last part. Barbara made virtually no attempt at an accent.

Both Michael and Doherty spent a bit of time in a castle dungeon. Michael was captured trying to free Doherty. Unfortunately, others had just recently freed Doherty, and Michael was captured. The several hair-raising escapes from prison or from pursuing dragoons, by the 2 men, are among the action highlights.

Production values are high, and cinematography excellent, with most of the action taking place in several locations in Ireland. Fans of Hudson and Barbara should not pass this up. Some of you probably would have preferred more action scenes, which is the chief gripe I have. Available at YouTube.

Rousing spectacle

[jarrodmcdonald-1 · 2 July 2022]

Universal went to Ireland to produce this picture. None of it was filmed in Hollywood, and the scenery is must-see. And while the leads were Americans, the supporting cast was entirely comprised of top Irish actors. So most of the performances are particularly authentic. Even Rock Hudson, an Irish-American, does a convincing job playing the title character- a rogue highwayman in the early 1800s.

This wasn't the first time Hudson had worked with director Douglas Sirk, and it certainly wouldn't be their last collaboration. By the mid-50s the handsome actor had become a household name, thanks to his appearance in Sirk's remake of MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION. At this point of his career, Hudson was confident and every bit the star. Barbara Rush is on hand as his leading lady, and she exudes great confidence in her scenes, too. Like Hudson, she did several films with Sirk.

The beginning of the story tells us that Ireland in the early 19th century is a place "bitter with resistance against foreign rule." In this case, foreign rule is English rule. But while the story might expectedly lapse into political drama, Sirk and screenwriter Oscar Brodney wisely keep the narrative focused on action, romance and the struggle of people to maintain their own identity. In that regard, the material is similar to Sirk's earlier effort, HITLER'S MADMAN. However, this is not so much a tale of oppression, as it is a tale of overcoming adversity.

In order to prevent the whole affair from becoming too serious, Hudson's character Michael Martin (a.k.a. Lightfoot) is presented somewhat amiably. In fact, he's rather foppish at times, making foolish mistakes. As a result there is comedy and mirth mixed in with the dark deeds of rebellion.

Lightfoot and his pal Thunderbolt (Jeff Morrow) belong to a secret society intent on overthrowing outside rule. Together they commit crimes, mostly robbing from the rich, to finance the resistance efforts of the downtrodden. And while they might be bad men, they're not evil men. The more vulnerable aspects of Lightfoot's character are shown when he falls in love with Thunderbolt's daughter (Rush).

It's obvious the studio spent a lot of money making this film, and it's a very entertaining romp. In some ways, it reminds me of family entertainment that Disney's live-action unit made during this time. The characters are larger than life, and their glorious adventures are fun in a most endearing way. It's a rousing spectacle.