The Molly Maguires (film)

The Molly Maguires is a 1970 historical drama film directed by Martin Ritt, starring Sean Connery and Richard Harris. The film is a fictionalized account of the Molly Maguires, a secret society of Irish immigrant coal miners in Pennsylvania during the 1870s.

The plot centers on James McParlan (Harris), a Pinkerton detective who infiltrates the Molly Maguires under the alias "James McKenna" to gather evidence against them. He befriends "Black Jack" Kehoe (Connery), a leader of the group, and becomes increasingly torn between his loyalty to the Pinkerton agency and his sympathy for the miners' plight. The film explores themes of labor unrest, social injustice, and the exploitation of immigrant workers in the anthracite coal region. It also delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by McParlan as he manipulates and betrays those he has come to know.

While the film is a work of fiction, it is based on historical events and figures. The Molly Maguires were a real organization that used violence and intimidation to fight for better working conditions and fair treatment in the face of dangerous and exploitative practices by mine owners. The film depicts the harsh realities of life in the coal mines, including low wages, dangerous working conditions, and the powerlessness of the workers against the mine owners.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its performances and historical setting, while others criticized its pacing and perceived historical inaccuracies. However, The Molly Maguires has since gained a cult following and is considered a significant film in the history of labor cinema.