MovieChat Forums > The Molly Maguires (1970) Discussion > To those who've watched this

To those who've watched this


How historically accurate is it?

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From what I understand, other than the name of the Pinkerton agent, not very.

"Trust in God and fear nothing"-L.A. Armistead

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Not very if you read James McPharland's account of things or the accounts of many of the family members of the men who were hanged for these crimes. It's a great film if you take it at face value, but like most movies based on historical incidents, it doesn't follow the actual events well at all. For instance, Harris' character (McPharland) had no moral hang ups about what he was doing, like the character in the film does. He was very happy to bust this organization. Connery's character (Jack Keogh) was actually a combination of several figures in the area. Historically, Jack Keogh was a local bar owner in that area who hadn't worked in the mines for some years. He was a totally secondary figure to men like Alexander Campbell who was hung as the main ring leader. This is if you actually acknowledge that the State of Pennsylvania's case against these men was actually true as many (particularly those in the AOH) believe that it is not.

It's an interesting bit of American, Irish, and emigrant history that few people really know about in this country (unless you're from that area) and I would encourage people to read more on the subject.

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Greetings,

I am a native of Hazleton, PA, which is near Eckley. Most of the extras for the film were drawn from Hazleton, myself included. Sean Connery: very nice and approachable. Richard Harris: Extraordinarily nice and available (drunk?). Samantha Egger: bitchy, unpleasant and undeservedly self-absorbed.

Also I had a post-school/weekend job at a Hazleton music store. Richard Harris wanted a piano at the home he was renting and ours the lucky shop that got the account. So myself and a few co-workers moved the baby grand to his home.

We must have stayed for over three hours. Mr. Harris ordered in a sumptous dinner w/ several wines and the time was spent dining, drinking, conversing, drinking, general *beep* drinking, drinking,.......

Anyway Richard invited me and my then girlfriend to his home several times. He was never less than gracious, generous, kind and entertaining. So, In had the pleasure of Richard Harris' company both on- and off-set. A truly wonderful and missed individual.

Nevertheless, for the real Mollys story, may I suggest "Lament for the Molly Maguires" by Arthur H. Lewis (Harcourt, Brace, 1964; Paperback, Pocket Books, 1969). It is likely out of print but should be easily and cheaply available.

bye,

s

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Interesting story about Harris. Provides insight into Richard Harris as a human being. Always seemed like a nice guy on talk shows, glad you confirmed it with your encounters with him. Thanks for sharing ~

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Even though I'm crushed that the lovely Samantha Eggar is a b.!

I thought the film was outstanding. Usually I can't stand Sean Connery, but even he was excellent in this film.

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