Watch The Molly Maguires

The Molly Maguires is a 1970 historical drama film set in the late 19th century in Pennsylvania, USA. Directed by Martin Ritt and starring Sean Connery, Richard Harris, and Samantha Eggar, the film tells the story of a secret society of Irish-American miners who rebel against their exploitative mine owners. The movie begins with the arrival of a Pinkerton detective, James McParlan (played by Richard Harris), who infiltrates the group of Irish miners working in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. The miners, known as the Molly Maguires, are led by Jack Kehoe (played by Sean Connery), a charismatic leader who organizes the workers and fights for their rights. However, their actions, which include sabotage and murder, are considered criminal by the authorities, who seek to bring them to justice.

As McParlan gains the trust of the group, the conflicts between the workers and the mine owners become more complex, as they involve not only economic issues, but also political and personal interests. McParlan struggles with his loyalty and starts to question the motives of the Pinkerton agency, who seem more interested in suppressing the Molly Maguires than in solving the underlying problems in the mining industry.

The plot is based on true events and reflects the social and economic tensions of the time, when immigrant workers were often exploited by industrial monopolies and faced harsh working and living conditions. The movie portrays the Molly Maguires as a desperate but heroic group of men who fight against injustice and inequalities, even if it means resorting to violence.

Sean Connery delivers a powerful performance as Jack Kehoe, a bold and determined leader who becomes more and more torn between his loyalty to the Molly Maguires and his personal life. Richard Harris, on the other hand, plays a complex and conflicted character, who struggles with his own identity and his duties as a detective. Samantha Eggar plays the role of Mary Raines, a young and ambitious woman who is caught up in the tensions between the miners and the Pinkertons.

The film is notable for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, as it recreates the mining towns, the working conditions, and the social dynamics of the time. The settings are dark and dirty, highlighting the harsh realities of the miners' lives. The costumes and props, including the Pinkerton badges and the Molly Maguires' secret ritual, add to the authenticity of the movie.

Despite its serious tone and dramatic themes, the film also has some lighter moments, such as the scenes of Irish music and dance, which provide a glimpse into the miners' cultural heritage and traditions. The soundtrack, composed by Henry Mancini, features traditional Irish tunes as well as original songs that capture the mood of the film.

The Molly Maguires is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that explores issues of class, ethnicity, and labor rights. It raises questions about the nature of justice, the limits of loyalty, and the role of violence in social change. It is a must-see for anyone interested in history, social justice, and powerful storytelling.

The Molly Maguires is a 1970 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 62.