2/26/2009

The Molly McGuires (1970)

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"...there's no hole deep enough to hide this time."

Times are tough for the Irish coal miners in 1876 Pennsylvania. With the hazards of the work itself, plus the mine-related illneses and early deaths, and mistreatment of the workers by the mining companies, revolt is brewing insidiously.

A secret group of workers, the Molly Maguires, lead by Jack Kehoe (Sean Connery), sabotage the company at every chance they can. When a new Irishman, McKenna (Richard Harris), shows up to work, he is at first suspect by the Molly Maguires, but in time he earns their confidence and is included in their plans.

But McKenna is actually a detective hired by the mining company to find the sabateurs. Will he remain on task with his contract or will he side with his countrymen who are only seeking social justice?

Samantha Eggar appears as the love interest. Others in the cast include Frank Finley, Anthony Zerbe, Philip Bourneuf, and Malachy McCourt.

Directed by Martin Ritt.

Run time: 2 hours, 4 minutes

Rated PG for violence, language and some thematic material.

My personal rating: B-

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