Darby O'Gill and the Little People

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Darby O'Gill and the Little People
original movie poster
Directed by	Robert Stevenson
Produced by	Walt Disney
Written by	H. T. Kavanagh (stories) Lawrence Edward Watkin
Starring	Albert Sharpe Janet Munro Sean Connery Jimmy O'Dea
Distributed by	Buena Vista Pictures
Release date(s)	June 26, 1959 U.S. release
Running time	93 min.
Language	English
IMDb profile

Darby O'Gill and the Little People is a Disney film released in 1959 set in rural Ireland at the beginning of the 19th century. Based on the books of Herminie Templeton Kavanagh, the film features leprechauns (including the 21 inch King Brian), a death coach,a banshee, and a wonderful variety of music. The film's title is a slight modification of one of Kavanagh's books, Darby O'Gill and the Good People.

In this story, Darby O'Gill—an aging groundskeeper—is seeking his three wishes, but to get them he must match wits against King Brian, who has several thousand years of practice to his advantage. At the local pub Darby often tells his stories of his interactions with the little people; and while the elders of the town listen intently, some of the younger men mock him. Meanwhile, a relationship develops between Katie and Michael (Darby's soon-to-be replacement as groundskeeper).

The film starred Albert Sharpe as Darby O'Gill, Sean Connery as Michael McBride, Janet Munro as Katie O'Gill and Jimmy O'Dea as King Brian. The script was arranged by Lawrence Edward Watkin.

Actor Cyril Cusack and Chief Justice (later president) Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh picketed this film's launch in Dublin due to what they felt was ridiculous stereotyping of the Irish people. This film has been little-seen or promoted by the Disney organization in recent years, possibly for this reason.