It was the fact that John Ford gave considerable screen time to supporting actors—people who had previously contributed significantly to building John Wayne’s stardom—that I found most appealing about this understated romantic story. He plays "Thornton," an ex-boxer going back to rural Ireland, where he's met with a varied reception as he intends to build a life on land that once belonged to his family. Thornton succ…

It’s unusual to see John Wayne in anything other than a Western, but here he stars in a smaller, quieter romantic story about a retired boxer who returns to his homeland and finds himself falling for a spirited redhead. This leads to friction with her brother, who isn't thrilled about their relationship. The film was initially both a commercial and critical success, even earning Academy Awards—Best Color Cinematog…