Shake Hands with the Devil (1959) was directed by Michael Anderson.
Don Murray plays Kerry O'Shea, a young American student who has come to Ireland as a medical student. Dr. Sean Lenihan is a professor of surgery at the medical school, and also a commandant in the IRA. (The film is set in 1921, just before the Anglo-Irish Treaty.)
It's hard to say much more about the plot without giving it away. I'll just mention that Cagney--coming to the end of his career--was still able to dominate a film.
Two women are in love with O'Shea. Dana Wynter portrays Jennifer Curtis, who is a hostage of the IRA. Glynis Johns is Kitty Brady, a barmaid.
There are two cameo roles: Sir Michael Redgrave portrays Lenihan's commanding officer, The General. Dame Sybil Thorndike plays Lady Fitzhugh, an IRA member who is above suspicion because of her social status.
I can't envision this movie without Cagney. He's at the center, and everything else spins around him. It's worth seeing this film for many reasons. However, for me, the best reason is to see a veteran actor in a role he was meant to play.
This movie will work better in a theater--some of the views of the Irish countryside and the sea are less impressive on the small screen. However, we saw it on DVD, and it worked well enough. It's a powerful movie, and I recommend it.
Don Murray plays Kerry O'Shea, a young American student who has come to Ireland as a medical student. Dr. Sean Lenihan is a professor of surgery at the medical school, and also a commandant in the IRA. (The film is set in 1921, just before the Anglo-Irish Treaty.)
It's hard to say much more about the plot without giving it away. I'll just mention that Cagney--coming to the end of his career--was still able to dominate a film.
Two women are in love with O'Shea. Dana Wynter portrays Jennifer Curtis, who is a hostage of the IRA. Glynis Johns is Kitty Brady, a barmaid.
There are two cameo roles: Sir Michael Redgrave portrays Lenihan's commanding officer, The General. Dame Sybil Thorndike plays Lady Fitzhugh, an IRA member who is above suspicion because of her social status.
I can't envision this movie without Cagney. He's at the center, and everything else spins around him. It's worth seeing this film for many reasons. However, for me, the best reason is to see a veteran actor in a role he was meant to play.
This movie will work better in a theater--some of the views of the Irish countryside and the sea are less impressive on the small screen. However, we saw it on DVD, and it worked well enough. It's a powerful movie, and I recommend it.