We travel to South Ireland for this next film. One of the last films of the 1950’s, we get to see Sean Connery as pre-James Bond and he sings (just one song…twice). For this project, I’m focusing on the story itself, including dialogue, character development, any subplots, how a story presents itself, the speed at which it moves, if it slows down unnecessarily, etc.
Update: In February 2022, I started a video version of the DFP on Tiktok. You can find the video below. Thoughts expressed in the video may be different than what are expressed in the blog post, due to the time difference in posting.
A Brief Summary
Rather than taking care of Lord Patrick’s estate, Darby O’Gill spends his days telling tales of his friends, the leprechauns, at the pub. But when Lord Patrick arrives with Michael McBride to take over Darby’s place on the estate, Darby is worried about his daughter Katie’s reaction. After a night spent with the little people, Darby captures his old friend King Brian who grants him three wishes. In order for Darby to make his final wish, releasing King Brian from his trap, King Brian agrees to act as the matchmaker for Michael and Katie. But when Katie is injured, Darby might have to make a hard decision. Includes some fancy fiddling, a scary horse and a special coach ride.
What works
- I was surprised to find myself enjoying the dialogue, with smart bits spoken by each of the main/main supporting cast members. Considering the slow-rising action in the movie, the dialogue was the main thing carrying the story.
- King Brian and the Widow Segrue were my favorite characters
- This was probably, no it is my favorite scene from the movie. Katie and Michael had been flirting a bit (as soon-to-be couples are wont to do) and Katie took off running down the hill and smack into Pony. Michael’s not far behind, so he and Pony go toe-to-toe for a second after Pony tries to hang onto Katie. But here’s the kicker: POny never stops smiling and it’s creepy! Not creepy like the banshee/death coach/pucca horse scenes but like a “friendly” guy who’s stalking you kind of creepy. I loved it in a “never-let-me-be-alone-with-him” way and thinking back, he smiles just about that same way through most of the movie.
What may or may not work
- The first 45 minutes to the first hour were really slow. A lot of slow-moving action to the point that I really, really, really wanted to skip forward. I didn’t, because of the rules of the project, but that left me only feeling like I was trapped. Thankfully it picked up towards the end, but still, it could have picked up sooner and I would have been better off.
Honorable Mentions
- “Did no one ever tell you the hazard of hot bread?” “No, they didn’t. Sure you can see I need someone to watch over me.” Very smooth, Mr. McBride. Very smooth, trying to win over Miss Katie.
- More time is spent on watching Darby’s reactions to Michael fighting Pony than on the fight itself and for that, I’m grateful because it’s so enjoyable.
Side Questions
- So King Brian can’t work his ‘charms’ during the daytime but he can still grant wishes? That doesn’t seem like it should work but apparently, it does.
What I learned from watching this film
- After watching this movie through, I realized that the storyline is actually pretty decent. It’s just the execution that leaves much to be desired. There were interesting characters, some smart dialogue and some solid, good motivation for why the characters acted the way they did (which is one of the main things I focus on when watching, especially during the second viewings). My enjoyment level (before the final 20 minutes) was about the same as when I watched Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue. Am I glad I watched it? Sure, from a story angle, it’s always nice to see different stories told. But would I watch it again? No, not until there I’ve had a very nice, long break since the last viewing.
If you’ve seen Darby O’Gill and the Little People, what are some of your thoughts? Share in the comments below!
Rewind to the beginning of the Disney Film Project
Skip back to the previous film with The Shaggy Dog
Fast Forward to the next film with Third Man on the Mountain
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