If you can ignore Sean O'Casey commitments to labor unions, socialism, and his many years on a blacklist (subjects that are not favorites in Hollywood), this is a well-cast, workman-like biopic. It is especially pleasing, I'm sure, for anyone sentimental about the Old Sod, like John Ford, its original director, whose illness necessitated replacement by Jack Cardiff. It celebrates O'Casey's early struggles as a laborer, rebel, and innovative playwright subject to much vilification. His love of family and a couple of young women offers most of the entertainment. An 8 minute long behind-the-scenes documentary about this film was also made ("Sean O'Casey: The Spirit of Ireland" (1965)).
Review of Young Cassidy
