In 19th-century Ireland, the nation is in rebellion and rebel leader John Doherty (Jeff Morrow) – alias Captain Thunderbolt – fights a ceaseless battle against the English overlords. He enlists as his second, Michael Martin (Rock Hudson), whom he dubs “Captain Lightfoot”.
In Dublin, Martin meets Doherty’s daughter, Aga (Barbara Rush) and the two become sweethearts.
Doherty’s gambling house in Dublin – which he runs from a mansion presided over by his comely cousin Lady Anne More (Kathleen Ryan) – is raided, and he seeks revenge against his rival in gambling operations, Englishman Sir George Bracey (Nigel Fitzgerald).
In the ensuing gun battle, Doherty is critically wounded and delegates Michael – whose courage is matched only by his lack of caution – to replace him until he recovers.
How Doherty is arrested through Michael’s unwitting betrayal, his escape, Michael’s capture and Captain Lightfoot’s rescue from the prison where he was sentenced to death are some of the escapades that keep the audience tense throughout this highly entertaining drama.
Almost all players – except stars Hudson, Rush and Morrow – were recruited from the ranks of Dublin’s famed Abbey Players.
Filmed entirely on location in Ireland, the movie captures the beauty of the Emerald Isle – its magnificent expanses of lush green terrain, antique castles, and picturesque shores.
Michael Martin (Captain Lightfoot)
Rock Hudson
Aga Doherty
Barbara Rush
John Doherty (Captain Thunderbolt)
Jeff Morrow
Lady Anne More
Kathleen Ryan
Callahan
Finlay Currie
Regis Donnell
Denis O’Dea
Captain Hood
Geoffrey Toone
Lord Glen
Hilton Edwards
Brady
Harry Goldblatt
Dan Shanley
Charles Fitzsimons
Lord Clonmell
Christopher Casson
Trim
Philip O’Flynn
Tim Keenan
Shay Gorman
Desmond
Kenneth MacDonald
Clagett
Robert Bernal
Cathy
Louise Studley
Tuer O’Brien
James Devlin
Willie the Goat
Mike Nolan
Big Tom
Edward Aylward
Sir George Bracey
Nigel Fitzgerald
Shamus O’Neill
Oliver McGauley
Sir Edward Grant
Austin Meldon
Director
Douglas Sirk