Cast and Crew:  Frank S. Nugent (Screenplay); Merian C. Cooper (Producer); Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond, Victor McLaglen

What It’s About: Irish American boxer Sean Thornton (John Wayne) returns to the village where he was born and falls in love with fierce spirited Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O’Hara).

Why Watch it Today?: This St. Patrick’s Day, why not watch John Ford’s sentimental love letter to the land of his forefathers? Yes, it’s silly and Ford’s thoroughly Hollywood Ireland bears little resemblance to the real thing, but this *is* St. Patrick’s Day we’re talking about, which is generally little more than an excuse to sell some corned beef and green beer here in the States, so watching Ford’s fairy tale probably constitutes a step up.

Where to Get It: Your local library, Netflix (DVD only)

Other Choices: Last year we recommended The Return of Sabata, an Italian Western, featuring an Irish clan obsessed with protecting their gold.