Everything about The Molly Maguires Film totally explained
The Molly Maguires is a
1970 film based on a novel by Arthur H. Lewis that was directed by
Martin Ritt.
Set in late 19th-century
Northeastern Pennsylvania, this social drama tells the story of an undercover detective sent to a coal mining community to expose a secret society of
Irish-American miners battling exploitation at the hand of the owners.
Based on a true story, the film portrays the rebellious leader of the
Molly Maguires and his will to achieve social justice.
Overview
If nothing else,
The Molly Maguires holds a cinema record, of sorts, with an opening sequence that runs an astounding 14:51 before the first word of dialogue is spoken. The movie was filmed in
Eckley, Pennsylvania in 1969. The town was so unchanged from its 1870s appearance that the only major alteration needed for filming was to remove television antennas and install underground electric wiring.
The wooden "coal breaker" featured heavily in the film was built as a prop. It received little or no maintenance over the years and, even though it has been called a
tinderbox, it still stands today — almost 40 years later.
The filming of the movie resulted in the town's being saved from demolition, and it was afterward turned into a mining museum under the control of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Eckley's self-imposed nickname is "the ugliest town in America." Portions of the film were also shot in
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. The courtroom where the trial scene was filmed is in the Carbon County Courthouse, and is still used for trials today.
The Molly Maguires soundtrack composed by
Henry Mancini (
The Pink Panther,
Charade,
Silver Streak), replaced that originally composed by
Charles Strouse. Mancini's score, noted for its rich employment of Irish modal harmony, played by period instruments including the
Irish Harp,
Tin Whistle (pennywhistle) and
Squeezebox, is considered to be among his best. Bay City Records released the original
Paramount Records (1969) album to cd. It is a highly prized collector's item and remains a favorite among soundtrack collectors.
A big budget movie for its time, with stars Connery (still filming as
James Bond) and Harris at career peaks, it was considered a major box-office failure.
Social issue director Martin Ritt would score later with
Norma Rae (1979).
Featured cast
Further Information
Get more info on 'The Molly Maguires Film'.
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