This wonderful tale is told with a brisk, imaginative pace and the special effects--whereby Darby interacts with the tiny leprechauns--are marvelously executed, and sometimes frightening.
100
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times
The wonder of the experience is helped by the corny evocation of the whole misty Irish countryside, in which the blarney and the blather seem believable. [08 Aug 1993, p.5]
Overpoweringly charming concoction of standard Gaelic tall stories, fantasy and romance.
80
Variety
Variety
People of all sizes will get a bang out of Darby O'Gill And The Little People. [29 Apr 1959, p.6]
70
The TelegraphTim Robey
The TelegraphTim Robey
This Ireland-set fantasy adventure, starring Albert Sharpe and Janet Munro as a father and daughter vying with a local clan of leprechauns is benign and deeply genial stuff. [25 Mar 2020]
60
Time Out
Time Out
It registers as a pretty hokey entertainment. But Peter Ellenshaw and Eustace Wallace's effects are put together with the studio's customary care.