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
Related Posts
Battle Taxi (1955) Captain Russ Edwards (Sterling Hayden), the commander of the K-59 Helicopter Element in Korea, dispatches former fighter pilot Lieutenant Pete…
All for Mary (1955) Mary (Jill Day) is the daughter of a hotel proprietor at a Swiss skiing resort, and since she is a…
Robin and the Seven Hoods (1964) Chicago's #1 mob boss, Big Jim (Edward G Robinson), is ceremoniously whacked at his own birthday party in Chicago during…
Out of the Clouds (1955) Directed by Basil Dearden, and taking place over the course of twenty-four hours, Out of the Clouds is an ensemble…
Ryan's Daughter (1970) 20-year-old Rosy (Sarah Miles) lives the orderly, if dull, life of a schoolteacher's wife and publican's daughter in the tiny…
Countess Dracula (1971) This fine moment from Hammer has a solid cast list, some nice period costumes, several heaving bosoms and an angry…
Break in the Circle (1955) English adventurer Captain Skip Morgan (imported American star Forrest Tucker) is contacted by a "Major Hobart" who has an adventurous…
