John Ford won his fourth best director Oscar for this immensely popular chunk of old blarney (why did he never win for his westerns?). John Wayne is, of course, splendid as the boxer looking for some peace by returning to his Irish roots, with fiery Maureen O'Hara more than a match for him - fans may remember Steven Spielberg's affectionate and memorable homage to this iconic pairing in a scene from ET. There's fantastic support from Barry Fitzgerald as a mischievous matchmaker who never says no to a drink and Victor McLaglen as O'Hara's blustering and bullying brother who takes an instant dislike to Wayne. Victor Young's lilting score is also very enjoyable, while Winton C Hoch and Archie Stout's Technicolor photography deservedly won the film a second Oscar. Though the picture-book view of Ireland may seem rose-tinted and dated now, if you're in the right mood, this is still a movie that can make you laugh and cry.

An American man returns to the village of his birth in Ireland, where he finds love and conflict.