Watch an array of behind-the-scenes photos of Irish America’s favourite film, The Quiet Man.
The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, began filming in Ireland on 7 June 1951. In this video, you’ll get to see a behind-the-scenes look at filming The Quiet Man.
The film was shot in several locations in County Mayo and Galway, and in the footage, it’s amazing to see the crew in action and between takes, the stars mingling with locals and extras, as well as photos of director John Ford.
A behind-the-scenes look at filming The Quiet Man – stunning photos
For those of you who love The Quiet Man, you will relish these magical behind-the-scenes photos. While filming in Ireland, John Wayne brought along four of his children who cameo in the movie. They all play attendees of the horse racing.
This beautiful montage includes a collection of behind-the-scenes photos from filming The Quiet Man.
Watch to see the film crew in action, to see John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara’s friendship, and see the stars engaging and laughing with locals and extras.
You’ll see the crew between scenes changing positions and getting makeup touch-ups, as well as John Ford in the director’s chair, filming his love letter to Ireland.
The film – a romantic comedy-drama
At the time in 1951, filming The Quiet Man was a huge deal for anyone involved. The film is a romantic comedy-drama starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara with direction from John Ford.
Although the film perpetuates a few Irish stereotypes in regards to drinking, fighting and freckled redheads, it remains one of the most adored Irish American movies today.
Filming locations in Ireland include Cong and Ashford Castle County Mayo, Oughterard, Maam and Lettergesh Beach in County Galway as well as the Ballyglunin Train Station in Galway.
The film features many of Ireland’s theatre actor treasures, like Barry Fitzgerald, Arthur Shields, and many local Irish extras.
Irish roots – Antrim and Dublin
Both protagonists of The Quiet Man celebrated their Irish roots. Although born in Iowa in the United States, John Wayne, whose real name is Marion Michael Morrison, can trace his roots back to County Antrim.
John Wayne has had success in a total of 179 film and TV productions. However, his most notable role remains as the haunted retired boxer Sean Thornton in The Quiet Man.
Then there’s Maureen O’Hara, loved and adored by the masses. The Irish-American actress lived a wonderful and exciting life. She was born and raised in Dublin.
Later in life, she and her husband bought a house in Glengariff, West Cork. After living in America for a substantial part of her life, she settled permanently in her Cork residence in 2005 before moving back to the States in 2014 to live out the remainder of her life.
If you ever visit Cong in County Mayo, you must check out the beautiful statue of John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara from the film.