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The Molly Maguires (1970)

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All Critics
Top Critics

Average Rating: 6.6/10
Reviews Counted: 9
Fresh: 8 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 2
Fresh: 1 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: 3.4/5
User Ratings: 1,407

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Movie Info

This grim historical drama from director Martin Ritt was loosely based on real-life events. Richard Harris stars as James McParlan, an operative for the Pinkerton Detective Agency in 1876. The Pinkertons have been hired by a major coal company to infiltrate and expose an underground terrorist organization, the "Molly Maguires," operating within the impoverished mining communities of Pennsylvania. As most of the miners are Irish, the recently emigrated McParlan is selected to pose as a new worker

PG, 2 hr. 3 min.

Drama, Classics

Directed By: Martin Ritt

Written By: Walter Bernstein

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1970 Wide

On DVD: Apr 27, 2004

Paramount Home Video

The Molly Maguires Trailer & Photos

Cast

Sean Connery
Jack Kehoe
Richard Harris
James McParlan/McKenna
Samantha Eggar
Mary Raines
Frank Finlay
Davies
Anthony Zerbe
Dougherty
Bethel Leslie
Mrs. Kehoe
Art Lund
Frazier
Philip Bourneuf
Father O'Connor
Anthony Costello
Frank McAndrew
Brendan Dillon
Mr. Raines
Frances Heflin
Mrs. Frazier
John Alderson
Jenkins
Malachy McCourt
Bartender
Susan Goodman
Mrs. McAndrew
Tom Jones
Football Player

Critic Reviews for The Molly Maguires

All Critics (9) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (9) | Rotten (1) | DVD (7)

Occasionally brilliant.

January 14, 2008 Full Review Source: Variety

| Comment

Variety Staff

Variety

Top Critic

Realism without much reality, enormous care for the wrong details, historical accuracy and spineless dramaturgy.

May 9, 2005 Full Review Source: New York Times

| Comment

Roger Greenspun

New York Times

Top Critic

It does offer some memorable moments of quality and passion.

January 14, 2008 Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide

| Comment

TV Guide's Movie Guide

The trouble, as so often with Ritt films, is that the situation remains interesting rather than involving. But at least this detachment means that one has the leisure to savour the textures of Wong Howe's magnificent camerawork.

June 24, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out

| Comment

Tom Milne

Time Out

Dour script but sterling performances from the two male leads, this is basically watchable if you're interested in the subject.

July 7, 2004 Full Review Source: Empire Magazine

| Comment

Empire Magazine

What it does have, however, are powerful performances from Connery as a labour leader, and Harris as a government agent sent to infiltrate the group. There is also good photography by Howe.

May 24, 2003 Full Review Source: Film4

| Comment

Film4

You'll be nudged one way and pushed the other

January 1, 2000 Full Review | Comment

Shane Burridge

rec.arts.movies.reviews

More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for The Molly Maguires

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What happened to kids in the 40s and 50s to make them so damn depressed in the 70s? In a classic 1970s move, this flick ends on one of the greatest downer moments ever. Not much happens in this one, but Harris carries it well enough and, my god, the ending!

January 26, 2010

Scott Corley

a gritty, realistic drama that was very underrated at the time. makes you think differently of sean connery. features some nice symbolic cinematography too. never goes for the jugular, but very solid all around.

March 7, 2008