Ritt's film does not follow predictable lines, nor does it tidy up the personalities it examines. In the end, that unflinching honesty lends the The Molly Maguires pertinence and power. [08 Apr 1993, p.21]
75
TV Guide Magazine
TV Guide Magazine
The film cannot compare with John Ford's masterpiece about coal miners, How Green Was My Valley. However, it does offer some memorable moments of quality and passion.
75
USA TodayMike Clark
USA TodayMike Clark
Though dully directed and a bit prettified by Martin Ritt, James Wong Howe's outdoor Pennsylvania vistas often combine stirringly with Henry Mancini's score. [26 Jul 1996, p.3D]
The Molly Maguires, based on a Pennsylvania coal miners' rebellion of the late 19th century, is occasionally brilliant. Sean Connery, Richard Harris and Samantha Eggar head a competent cast.
60
Time Out
Time Out
The trouble, as so often with Ritt films, is that the situation remains interesting rather than involving. But at least this detachment means that one has the leisure to savour the textures of Wong Howe's magnificent camerawork.
Dour script but sterling performances from the two male leads, this is basically watchable if you're interested in the subject.
60
The New YorkerPauline Kael
The New YorkerPauline Kael
Ritt takes his time in building the atmosphere and introducing the people, and lets an image stay on the screen until we take it in. The movie is impressive yet lifeless.
Realism without much reality, enormous care for the wrong details, historical accuracy and spineless dramaturgy, The Molly Maguires vacillates among intentions and settles finally for ponderous spectacle and easy irony.