Ah, yes! - The luck of the Irish, their curios superstitions, their wee, magical leprechauns, and (get this!) a Scottish Sean Connery being passed off as an Irishman (all rolled up into one movie).Though this 1959 Fantasy/Romance/Comedy film from Disney Studios was far from being top-notch entertainment - It was certainly notable for starring a young and very virile-looking Sean Connery (3 years before he first starred as James Bond in 1962's "Dr. No").Anyway - Besides Connery's appearance in this decidedly quirky picture - I also thought that the "little people" pre-CG effects were actually quite impressive, considering that this film is now 60 years old.All-in-all - I'd say that "Darby O'Gill" (and all of its merry, Irish shenanigans) was definitely well-worth a view, in the long run.

For me this is one Disney's best and perhaps one of the more underrated live-action classics. It is a film that makes me smile and happy every time I see it. The special effects are marvellous and hold up surprisingly well today, for me only the banshee is a disappointment, but compared to the rest that's relative. The scenery is absolutely lovely and captured by some splendid cinematography, and the music is always delightful and catchy in how it sticks in your head, and I mean this in a good way. There is also a sweet and imaginative story and witty and charming dialogue. The acting is great, Albert Sharpe is wonderful and Janet Munro is good value. Sean Connery, before the time of James Bond, is dashing and likable, his singing is not great as such but I also don't mind it. In conclusion, this little film is a sheer delight. 10/10 Bethany Cox

*Spoiler/plot- 1959, Darby O'Gill and the Little People, A legendary Irish fairy tale dealing with a poor old man needing money for his daughter and then leprechauns become involved with magical pot's of gold with flying horses.*Special Stars- Sean Connery plays the handsome male lead.*Theme- The world is full of wonder and magic.*Based on- Irish legends with leprechauns.*Trivia/location/goofs- A Disney film with a young heavy eyebrow ed full head of hair Connery. Be sure to watch this Disney film (that brought Connery to American Hollywood for the first time) to see and hear Mr. Connery sing, "My Fine Irish Lass'.*Emotion- A delightful vintage Walt Disney film including magic, songs and fun from the Irish legends portrayed by a great UK cast. Very much worth seeing.

In old Ireland, grandfatherly Albert Sharpe (as Darby O'Gill) is going to be replaced as castle caretaker, due to his advancing years. Instead of keeping the castle grounds tidy, Mr. Sharpe tells pub tales about his encounter with the "little people." Lord of the manor Walter Fitzgerald arrives from Dublin with young and sexy Sean Connery (as Michael McBride), to replace his retiring handyman. While Mr. Connery exchanges come-hither looks with Sharpe's pretty young daughter, Janet Munro (as Katie O'Gill), the old man plots to receive his "three wishes" from Leprechaun king Jimmy O'Dea (as Brian Connors).While Walt Disney's animated films consistently looked state-of-the-art, some of his studio's 1950s "live action" features looked a bit cheap - not so with "Darby O'Gill and the Little People". The "Special Photographic Effects" by Peter Ellenshaw and Eustace Lycett and "Animation Effects" by Joshua Meador are excellent. Director Robert Stevenson and Technicolor photographer Winton C. Hoch compliment their efforts. Witchy Estelle Winwood (as Sheelah Sugrue) and no-good son Kieron Moore (as Pony) offer fine support. The story doesn't know whether to be glossy children's fare, or dark fantasy. With its emphasis on the latter, the last act is especially memorable. The "Banshee" and "death coach" aren't too original, but they are very nicely done.******* Darby O'Gill and the Little People (6/24/59) Robert Stevenson ~ Albert Sharpe, Janet Munro, Sean Connery, Jimmy O'Dea