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7.0/10
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In 1920s Ireland, I.R.A. members are being led by the war mongering Dr. Sean Lenihan (James Cagney), as they fight oppressive British forces.In 1920s Ireland, I.R.A. members are being led by the war mongering Dr. Sean Lenihan (James Cagney), as they fight oppressive British forces.In 1920s Ireland, I.R.A. members are being led by the war mongering Dr. Sean Lenihan (James Cagney), as they fight oppressive British forces.
Harry H. Corbett
- Clancy
- (as Harry Corbett)
Allan Cuthbertson
- Captain
- (as Alan Cuthbertson)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAs of early 2019, the Turner Classic Movies print of this movie is unfortunately cropped on the sides to an aspect ratio of 1.33:1, most likely for early television broadcasts, and is not presented in the wider theatrical aspect ratio of 1.66:1 in which it was shot, and that director Michael Anderson and cinematographer Erwin Hillier originally intended. The Kino Lorber Edition Has the correct Aspect ratio released in April 2021.
- GoofsAfter Kitty, on the beach, puts on her skirt and dances over to pick up her top, you can see she's topless as she rises and turns her back to the camera. However, as she's towels off her hair, you can see a strap over her shoulder, and when she turns in surprise she's definitely got a top on.
- Quotes
Eileen O'Leary: 'Tis a small thing to do for Cathleen O'Shea, whose son once showed Eileen O'Leary a very great kindness.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Century of Cinema: Ourselves Alone? (1995)
Featured review
A Fictionalized telling of a crucial turning point in Irish history.
The politics of Shake Hands With the Devil have been eclipsed by the excellent biographical film Collins that starred Liam Neeson. But the other theme about war, especially endless civil war, is timeless and very relevant for today and not just in Ireland.
The setting is 1921 and the Rebellion is in full swing. James Cagney is a professor of medicine at Trinity College in Dublin by day and an Irish Republican Army commander at night. One of his students, an Irish-American played by Don Murray, gets innocently caught up in the Rebellion and chooses to join the IRA after being captured by the special British unit, nicknamed the Black and Tans who are not terribly squeamish in their methods.
Eventually the British opt for a truce and the General played by Michael Redgrave goes to London to sign a treaty giving Ireland Dominion status. Redgrave of course is Michael Collins and anyone who's seen the film Collins is aware of the politics. Redgrave was a great deal older than the real Michael Collins, then again he had to be in order to say that he's been fighting with Cagney for Irish independence for over 20 years.
Cagney is against the treaty and like he said in the film, the split over that treaty led to a long and bloody Irish Civil war in the 1920s, with far more blood spilled than in the struggle against Great Britain.
Gradually over the film it becomes apparent that Cagney has a lot of issues, violent and sexual. Think Cody Jarrett in the IRA and you'll have some idea. And there's no Ma Jarrett to control him. The tragic and luckless Glynis Johns is a victim of his wrath and Dana Wynter who is an IRA hostage almost becomes one as well. This is where the real acting talents of James Cagney are shown.
Among some of the IRA members in his cell is Richard Harris who got his first real notice in this film.
It's not Irish history per se, but it is a great story of the effects of interminable civil war.
The setting is 1921 and the Rebellion is in full swing. James Cagney is a professor of medicine at Trinity College in Dublin by day and an Irish Republican Army commander at night. One of his students, an Irish-American played by Don Murray, gets innocently caught up in the Rebellion and chooses to join the IRA after being captured by the special British unit, nicknamed the Black and Tans who are not terribly squeamish in their methods.
Eventually the British opt for a truce and the General played by Michael Redgrave goes to London to sign a treaty giving Ireland Dominion status. Redgrave of course is Michael Collins and anyone who's seen the film Collins is aware of the politics. Redgrave was a great deal older than the real Michael Collins, then again he had to be in order to say that he's been fighting with Cagney for Irish independence for over 20 years.
Cagney is against the treaty and like he said in the film, the split over that treaty led to a long and bloody Irish Civil war in the 1920s, with far more blood spilled than in the struggle against Great Britain.
Gradually over the film it becomes apparent that Cagney has a lot of issues, violent and sexual. Think Cody Jarrett in the IRA and you'll have some idea. And there's no Ma Jarrett to control him. The tragic and luckless Glynis Johns is a victim of his wrath and Dana Wynter who is an IRA hostage almost becomes one as well. This is where the real acting talents of James Cagney are shown.
Among some of the IRA members in his cell is Richard Harris who got his first real notice in this film.
It's not Irish history per se, but it is a great story of the effects of interminable civil war.
helpful•286
- bkoganbing
- Aug 22, 2005
Details
- Runtime1 hour 51 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.66 : 1
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Top Gap
By what name was Shake Hands with the Devil (1959) officially released in India in English?
Answer