An Irish-American icon Maureen O'Hara She has established herself as one of the greatest actresses Hollywood has ever seen and starred in countless classic films. Born and raised in Dublin, O'Hara began acting at a very young age and soon became a major star in comedies, romances and Westerns. He has worked with some of the biggest names in show business throughout his career, collaborating with the likes of John Wayne and James Stewart.
Starring in some of legendary director John Ford's best films, O'Hara was literally a movie star as she gave her all to every role she played. Ethereal, with timeless beauty, O'Hara portrayed some of the most moving and iconic love interests the big screen has ever seen. Although O'Hara took a 20-year hiatus from acting, it was a testament to her incredible appeal that she lost none of her innate charm when she returned to filmmaking in the 1990s.
10 McLintock! (1963)
Maureen O'Hara as Kate McLintock
From five Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne films, McLintock! was certainly the funniest as it showcased the comedic talents of the two frequent collaborators. Partly inspired by William Shakespeare The Taming of the Shrewthis Western comedy featured shootouts, hijinks, and even the infamous slapping scene in an over-the-top adventure. As a depiction of daily life and rural life in the American Old West, what McLintock! what he lacked in adventure, he made up for with strong characterization and a unique sense of humor.
While Wayne gives an enjoyable performance as a wealthy farmer who uses his influence to keep the peace in the community, O'Hara shows off her expert talent for physical comedy as Kate McLintock, who is responsible for the film's funniest scenes. As a heartless box office hit, McLintock! It may not have the prestige credentials of O'Hara's most famous work, but it more than proved his knack for pure entertainment. It's funny, witty, carefree, and always a joy to watch O'Hara and Wayne share the screen with.
9 Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962)
Maureen O'Hara as Peggy Hobbs
Light comedy Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation Maureen O'Hara has teamed up with screen legend James Stewart for a story the whole family can enjoy. Stewart's Roger Hobbs was looking forward to a trip abroad with his wife Peggy, but it fell apart when the trip was rescheduled as a seaside getaway with the whole family. What was supposed to be a solo vacation together turned completely chaotic as they were joined by two grown daughters, a teenage brother and sister, the family cook, two sons-in-law, and three young grandchildren.
Like a goofy, crowd-pleasing comedy that evokes brutal, over-the-top family humor. Cheaper than thatStewart and O'Hara were in their best comedic form here. Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation reveled in the frustrations of family unity even if a family loves each other, spending time away from the children will not always be a bad thing. Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation it was a heartwarming look at the nightmare holiday that, while a little dated today, still got plenty of laughs.
8 Only Only (1991)
Maureen O'Hara as Rose Muldoon
After a 20-year retirement from the film industry, O'Hara returned in 1991 to star in the romantic comedy-drama opposite John Candy. Only Only. This exciting return proved that O'Hara has lost none of her innate comedic talents as she plays Candy's Irish mother. This classic is appreciated by writer and director Chris Columbus and producer John Hughes. With impeccable timing and genuinely funny characterization, O'Hara proved she could hold her own in the 1990s comedy scene, her humor very different from her 1950s and 1960s heyday.
While Ally Sheedy's Candy and her love interest give hilarious performances, O'Hara is truly the star of the show as the mother she can't seem to get away from. As a performer of such iconic stature, O'Hara returned to the screen for his film Only Only a defining moment in his career. O'Hara continued to act later in the decade and appeared in several made-for-TV movies.
7 Mother Trap (1961)
Maureen O'Hara as Maggie McKendrick
Although many viewers will think of Lindsay Lohan as the main character Mother Trapit was actually a remake of the 1961 rom-com starring Maureen O'Hara. As the story of two teenage twins trying to reunite their divorced parents by switching places, this classic story was based on a German children's novel. In addition, Lottchen By Erich Kästner. O'Hara played Maggie McKendrick, the mother of mischievous twins Susan Evers and Sharon McKendrick (Haley Mills in a dual role) who is determined to rekindle her love for her soon-to-be ex Mitch (Brian Keith).
Mother Trap was a box-office hit that appealed to adults and children alike and was made even better by Mills' stellar performance. While its narrative is predictable, the sheer fun at the heart of this story made for truly compelling viewing, and it's no wonder Disney chose to remake it in 1998. Mother Trap there were also several direct-to-television sequels in the 1980s.
6 Rio Grande (1950)
Maureen O'Hara as Kathleen York
As the first Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne film, Rio Grande It was a Western that featured some serious star potential under the expert direction of John Ford. Rio Grande revealed themes of conflict, love, and military life, and was the third in Ford's Cavalry Trilogy. Ford Apache and He wore a Yellow Ribbon. As the story of Wayne, played by O'Hara, confronts the murderous raids of the Apaches and his estranged wife, Rio Grande it was a romantic Western beloved by fans of the genre to this day.
with O'Hara as Kathleen Yorke, his long-lost wifeComing to bring his young son home from the army, this story of family and war explores personal and professional challenges in the decades following the Civil War. More serious topics Rio Grande It was balanced by the music of the “Sons of the Pioneers” singing group of the West. The excellent chemistry between O'Hara and Wayne led Ford to cast them in two more films, including Quiet Man and Wings of eagles.
5 Black Swan (1942)
Maureen O'Hara as Lady Margaret
Long before Darren Aronofsky's psychological thriller based on the ballet of almost the same name, there was the boozy adventure Black Swan starring Maureen O'Hara. Starring Tyrone Power as Captain Waring, leader of the Revenge, this TechniColor naval tale saw him face off against his nemesis Captain Leech's ship, The Black Swan. Amidst all this, it was O'Hara Waring's portrayal of Lady Margaret, the betrothed of an English nobleman, that caught Waring's attention.
As one of the most entertaining adventure films of the 1940s, Black Swan O'Hara's portrayal of Margaret was a pure cinematic spectacle, exuding beauty and charisma.. While Lady Margaret's characterization isn't as deep as some of O'Hara's other best-known roles, the part of the pirate's love interest didn't require complexity. In general, Black Swan was a visually spectacular display of cinema's power to engage and captivate.
4 Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Maureen O'Hara as Doris Walker
As if Maureen O'Hara hadn't already made a landmark in Hollywood history, she added a Christmas classic to her impressive filmography with the release of the film. Miracle on 34th Street. This holiday favorite told the story of a department store Santa Claus who claimed to be the real deal, and the aftermath of that claim. As a story that sheds light on the true magic of Christmas, this timeless classic fell short even though it was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. Gentleman's Agreement.
O'Hara played Doris Walker, a divorced New York mother who hires Kris Kringle to play Santa and soon finds herself embroiled in a court case that questions the sanity of the potentially magical man. With a clever and original concept, Miracle on 34th Street captured the wonder of the best Christmas movies and was a hearty reminder of its magical effects on young children. While the original can't be beat, Miracle on 34th Street It was remade in 1994 with Richard Attenborough and Mara Wilson.
3 The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)
Maureen O'Hara as Esmeralda
The Hunchback of Notre Dame It was Maureen O'Hara's American film debut and it was truly a star-making role as she played Esmeralda to perfection. Based on Victor Hugo's famous novel, the Disney animated version is more well-known, but this darker portrayal was the biggest screen portrayal of this heartwarming story. As Esmeralda, O'Hara and Charles Laughton, who gave an equally impressive performance as the mysterious and malevolent caller Quasimodo, were incredible to witness as they exposed each other.
Like a horribly deformed hunchback, Quasimodo was cast aside and generally hid from the world, befriending only the kind and determined Esmeralda. This timeless tearjerker was one of the most expensive films ever made by RKO Radio Pictures, and it can be seen beautifully as it takes over the streets and buildings of medieval Paris. as It is one of O'Hara's most subtle and complex roleshis performance The Hunchback of Notre Dame it was a real journey.
2 The Quiet Man (1952)
Maureen O'Hara as Mary Kate Danaher
The greatest of Maureen O'Hara's films with John Wayne should be a timeless classic Quiet Man. As a quirky romantic comedy, a beautiful homage to the wonder of the Irish countryside, and a delightful example of the pair's incredible on-screen chemistry, this John Ford film was a huge success. the effect of Quiet Man it was so big that, more than 70 years after its release, hordes of tourists still flock to Cong, County Mayo, to witness the green hills and quaint small-town life of Inisfree's fictional setting.
The fictional community's name, Innisfree, was inspired by the DB Years' poem “The Island of Lake Innisfree”, which describes a small island living within Lough Gill on the Sligo-Leitrim border in Ireland.
O'Hara played the beautiful Irish redhead Mary Kate Danaher, with whom Wayne's Sean Thornton was intensely smitten. As a beautiful depiction of the Irish countryside of the 1920s, Quiet Man It was a heartfelt and memorable romance that represented the best of O'Hara, Wayne and Ford's work together. With stunning visuals that continue to this day, The Quiet Man the triumph was nothing but silence.
1 How Green Was My Valley (1941)
Maureen O'Hara as Angharad Morgan
How Green Was My Valley was truly the pinnacle of Maureen O'Hara's incredible career. Based on the novel by Richard Llewellyn. this John Ford classic won the Academy Award for Best Picture for its stunning portrayal of the Morgans, a hard-working Welsh mining family. As a dark family drama set in the Victorian era, O'Hara's depiction of Angarad's love for local minister Mr. Gruffydd and her loveless marriage to Evans proved much of the sentimental story.
Like a powerfully moving film that doesn't lose its innate power, How Green Was My Valley holds its own as a timeless classic about a tight-knit community. Although he arguably won his Oscar Citizen Kane and Maltese Falconit was a testament to how well this film was received during its initial release. In a career full of extraordinary performances, How Green Was My Valley brought together everything unusual about the enormous talent that is Maureen O'Hara.