Overrated and overhyped

Let's be realistic.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

I first saw Darby O'Gill in 1999. The film was already a classic then, and the first time I saw Sean Connery not playing Bond or Indiana Jones' father. He was young in this film, and he sang. Something I don't believe he has ever done again since. An interesting fact about Sean Connery (as of this writing), he is the only cast member still alive.Albert Sharpe came out of retirement, as a favor to Walt Disney, to make this film. He was around his mid seventies. He was a pretty swell actor in this film, but I've nothing to compare him since this is the only film I've seen him act.Darby O'Gill is a fun, family film. Great for St. Patrick's Day.

I have to admit that I watched this (in re-runs) as a child. It was one of my favorite movies growing up. I just saw it again on cable and could not believe it.......crazy how these type of movies are still worth watching. I actually decided to record it on my DVR so I could see if my kids have any reaction to it (good or bad). Just goes to show there was a time when movies actually made a positive impact on children's lives. Everything I have seen in the last 30 yrs has not stuck with me like movies from this era. Anyway, if you want a good movie night with your kids (without having to worry about some scene popping up that is just NOT cool)......run with this film and it should be at least a good time.Cheers,

Here is a rare film indeed. A kid oriented fantasy movie without any kids in it. How often due you see that? It is a fun movie for many reasons.1. It takes place in Ireland. 2. It has witty and interesting dialog. It is interesting and fun to watch old-man Darby match wits with the King of the Leprechauns. They each continue to try and outwit the other. 3. It has a pre-bond Sean Connery. 4. It has really good extras on the DVD. It has a 'World of Disney' episode with some added adventures of Darby and the Leprechaun king. Walt Disney is searching for the Leprechaun so he can star in his movie. You learn some more of the myth of the Leprechaun which is Christian in origin. 5. It's a good and fun fantasy film.The only drawback is the on screen depiction of the banshee. Its some lights and vapors. Not really convincing. But this little wisp of pre-computer effects doesn't dampen the great special effects that bring the Leprechaun's to life.This magical movie deserves a place in your video library next to Disney's 'The Gnome Mobile.' Maybe you can pick up the book published by Sophia Press and add it to you library and read it to your kids or to yourself. You can then go and search for Leprechauns on your own. I plan on doing that so I can pay off my student loans.

Darby O'Gill is well known for his fantastical stories, he is also known as the man who is constantly seeking the pot of gold he believes exists. When one day Darby tells all in the Inn that he has found the pot of gold, nobody of course pays him much heed, they are further aghast when Darby tells of a Leprechaun King called Brian, and how he tricked Darby out of his three wishes.Fantastical romp that is cloaked by Irish mystical folklore, what's not to like really? It's a delightful tale told with intuitive pacing and containing wonderful special effects. Once Darby (Albert Sharp) enters the magical world of the leprechaun's, we are witness to gorgeous colour and jaunty shenanigans as director Robert Stevenson and his team unleash the tricks of the trade. Based on the Darby O'Gill stories written by H.T. Kavanagh, this production was something that Walt Disney had wanted to make for many many years, even visiting Ireland in 1948 to research for the project. Disney's wait was worth it for it oozes Disneys renowned production values and delivers entertainment for children and adults alike.Joining the splendid Sharpe in the cast is the excellent Jimmy O'Dea as King Brian, Janet Munro as Katie, and a youthful Sean Connery as Michael McBride, all of which are in on the fun and all lighting up the tale with consummate ease. I defy anyone to not be tapping their feet for most of this picture! So go grab all the family and park yourselves in front of the TV and let the magic wash over you: for it will, to be sure to be sure. 8/10