Pots of Gold and Leprechauns Enchant Viewers

Have you watched Darby O’Gill and the Little People? In the enchanting realm of Disney films, Darby O’Gill and the Little People emerges as a timeless journey to the heart of Irish folklore. Through this Christian movie review, I aim to help you discern the film’s alignment with family-friendly viewing, focusing on positive messages and evaluating representations of Irish culture, movie violence, and romantic and spiritual elements. Crafted for those orchestrating family movie nights or managing screen time, my guide navigates the waters of substance use in movies and the celebration of strong female characters within the tapestry of 1950s cinema. 

Key Takeaways:

• Assessment of Family-Friendly Content: Evaluating the movie for Christian family viewing. 
• Cultural and Spiritual Examination: Analyzing the representation of Irish culture and spiritual elements. 
• Highlight on Positive Messaging: Spotlighting strong female characters and positive values. 

Christian Review of Darby O’Gill and the Little People

Darby O’Gill and the Little People, a movie set amidst rich Irish culture, unveils the adventurous tale of Darby O’Gill’s encounters with leprechauns, accentuated by Sean Connery’s charm. It invites Christian families for a movie night that merges the joy of Irish people with themes of courage and honesty, spotlighting a strong female character and delivering positive messages amidst its village pub scenes, mild movie violence, and mysterious banshees. Take a wee bit of ancient folklore and Irish legends, mix in some special effects, then add a magical cast…and you’ve got an enchanting fantasy. 

Studio Synopsis:

A frisky old storyteller named Darby O’Gill is desperately seeking the proverbial pot of gold. There’s just one tiny thing standing in his way: a 21-inch leprechaun named King Brian. To get the gold, Darby must match his wits against the shrewd little trickster- which proves to be no small task, indeed- in this fun-filled evening of magic, mirth, and non-stop shenanigans.

“A wily old codger matches wits with the King of the Leprechauns and helps play matchmaker for his daughter and the strapping lad who has replaced him as caretaker.”

My Synopsis:

In Darby O’Gill and the Little People, this is a world where leprechauns dwell, Irish folklore thrives, and simple faith confronts the supernatural. This Irish film, brimming with Irish culture and tradition, champions the values of honesty, bravery, and a touch of magical wonder. 

Darby O’Gill and his daughter Katie live in a small town. Moreover, Darby is caretaker for Lord Fitzpatrick’s estate. As we follow Darby’s adventures, he tries to capture the little people and the King of the Leprechauns and his encounters with banshees and a death coach, the storyline weaves together lessons of respect for folklore, the importance of family, and the power of belief. When Lord Fitzpatrick replaces Darby with a pre-James Bond Sean Connery, Michael McBridde, Katie takes a liking to him. 

Meanwhile, Darby catches King Brian of Knocknasheega, and Brian grants Darby three wishes.

Christian Review of Darby O’Gill and the Little People – What Parents Want to Know

In our Christian review of Darby O’Gill, it’s essential for parents to weigh the presence of movie drinking scenes, the depiction of movie violence, and spiritual content against Christian values, particularly the portrayals of leprechauns and banshees in movies. Such elements could prompt discussions on Irish folklore movies and their alignment with family entertainment guide standards. 

Language:

In ‘Darby O’Gill and the Little People,’ the dialogue stays true to its setting, rich in Irish accents. Content-wise, it’s refreshingly devoid of profanity or vulgar expressions, aligning well with Christian values regarding the use of language. This adherence contributes positively to the movie’s family-friendly nature, making it a suitable choice for a family movie night. Its clean language further enhances the movie’s charm, adding to its value as a Disney movie that can be enjoyed by most children.

Be aware there are a few instances of crude language, such as “wicked old devil” and talks

Violence:

In Darby O’Gill and the Little People, violence is sparse but present, including a pub brawl and menacing supernatural elements like a banshee. Such scenes might be unsettling for younger viewers and warrant discussion on fear and courage in line with Christian teachings. 

Other violence includes: 

A horse rears up, and a man falls down a well

A leprechaun is captured and put in a sack

During the pub fight, most of the fight is off-screen, but there is a broken bottle, several punches thrown, and a man falls onto a table, breaking it.

Spiritual Content:

In assessing Darby O’Gill and the Little People from a Christian viewpoint, it’s pivotal to deliberate on its portrayal of leprechauns and the supernatural realm. While engaging with Irish folklore movies, such as this, Christians might ponder the implications of indulging in tales that intertwine with mystical elements not aligned with biblical teachings. However, it also opens avenues for discussing the discernment between fantasy and spiritual reality, urging us to reflect on how such narratives fit within our Christian movie review guidelines and family entertainment guide. 

A banshee appears to signify the imminent death of a person. This can be scary to some children. There is also a death coach. One character agrees to go in place of another person because “once the death coach” comes, it has to take someone. However, the person who goes ends up “cheating death.”

Additionally, the film has a priest and talks about the church bell. One woman wears a cross throughout the film. 

Other Content:

Several scenes take place in an Irish pub. There is drinking of stout and whiskey throughout the film. One character is drinking and playing cards in the pub while he is supposed to be working. Two characters engage in a drinking contest. 

Additionally, a character lies to cover for a person who isn’t working. In another scene, a man steals jewels from a chest. However, he loses those jewels. 

An unmarried man and woman kiss. 

Positive Content:

Darby O’Gill and the Little People shines with its heartwarming portrayal of courage, honesty, and the deep bonds of family. One character is willing to sacrifice himself to have his daughter live. This is the perfect time to talk about Jesus taking our place and paying the penalty for our sins.

Using Darby O’Gill in Your Homeschool Classroom

Watching Darby O’Gill and then teaching with this film is a great way to highlight some Irish traditions, customs, and folklore.

For example: Research banshees, leprechauns, Irish music, Irish pubs, death coach, old wives tales such as the dangers of eating hot bread, and more.

In addition, make fresh bread and butter from cream.

Christian Review of Darby O’Gill and the Little People – My Viewing Recommendations

Overall, ‘Darby O’Gill and the Little People’ holds charming lessons in Irish folklore and integrity, making it suitable for Christian families, particularly those with children over seven, mindful of mild thematic elements. Darby O’Gill opens up a lot of dialogue about death, dying, Irish mythology and customs, and so much more. It is an entertaining film that can be viewed by most family members. Watch this film with your kids for St. Patrick’s Day and have a lively discussion about leprechauns, death coaches, banshees, and the true meaning of St. Patrick’s Day.

About the Movie:

‘Darby O’Gill and the Little People,’ a cherished Disney movie from 1959, captivates with its enchanting Irish culture and folklore. Directed by Robert Stevenson, it stars a very young Sean Connery in one of his earliest roles, bringing to life a tale of leprechauns and wit deeply rooted in Irish tradition. Though it might not have swept award ceremonies, its charm, and Connery’s performance have left an indelible mark on the annals of family-friendly cinema. 

Rating: G

Release Date: June 26, 1959

Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Genre: Fantasy

Studio: Walt Disney Productions

Directed by: Robert Stevenson

Produced by: Bill Anderson, Walt Disney

Written by: H.T. Kavanagh, Lawrence Edward Watkin

Editor: Stanley Johnson

Music by: Oliver Wallace

Distributed by: Buena Vista Distribution

The Cast of Darby O’Gill:

Michael McBride played by Sean Connery

Katie O’Gill played by Janet Munro

Darby O’Gill played by Albert Sharpe

King Brian played by Jimmy O’Dea

Pony Sugrue played by Kieron Moore

Sheelah Sugrue played by Estelle Winwood

Phadirg Oge played by Jack MacGowran

Father Murphy played by Denis O’Dea

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I watch Darby O’Gill? 

It’s available on Disney+ for family movie night enjoyment.

Are there other live-action films rated G that are family-friendly? 

Visit my post, G-rated movies on Disney Plus, to see more great family-friendly content.

Additionally, check out The Best Classic Movies on Disney+.

Why do some people hate Darby O’Gill and the Little People?

People are critical of Sean Connery’s and Janet Munro’s Irish accents. While the majority of the cast are Irish characters, and the film was set exclusively in Ireland, the movie was marketed to Irish Americans, specifically targeting Irish-American societies. It received mixed reviews from American audiences.

What are the wishes Darby makes?

Darby is granted three wishes. His first wish is that the Leprechaun King will stay by his side for two weeks or until Darby runs out of wishes. He is tricked into his second wish when Darby tries to show the King to Micheal, but Michael sees an empty sack. He says offhandedly, “I wish you could see the King.” Darby’s third wish is to take Katie’s place. Brian tricks him into making a fourth wish, but this final wish voids all the other ones.

Is Sean Connery Irish or Scottish? 

While many people believe that Connery was Scottish, he was, in fact, of Irish descent.

Fun Facts:

Director Robert Stevenson most famously directed Mary Poppins (1964), and also worked on the following Disney films: 

Johnny Tremain (1957)

Old Yeller (1957)

Kidnapped (1960)

The Absent-Minded Professor (1961)

In Search of the Castaways (1962)

Son of Flubber (1963)

The Misadventures of Merlin Jones (1964)

The Monkey’s Uncle (1965)

That Darn Cat (1965)

The Gnome-Mobile (1967)

Blackbeard’s Ghost (1968)

The Love Bug (1968)

Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)

Herbie Rides Again (1974)

The Island at the Top of the World (1974)

One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing (1975)

The Shaggy D.A. (1976)

Episodes of Zorro