Top 10 Films: Maureen O'Hara
- Lindsay Blenkarn
- Mar 11
- 13 min read
Maureen O’Hara was widely known as "The Queen of Technicolor". She was, also, the cinematic definition of the fiery redhead. She could be warm and inviting, yet hard and willful; but no matter where she fell, she always had a mind of her own. A spirited Irish lass capable of going head to head with John Wayne, she could also portray the most sophisticated and caring mother you could possibly wish for. Maureen is, probably, the ultimate example of a tomboy who knew how to be a lady.
On this list you’ll find a diverse mix of Westerns, dramas, and family comedies. With an actress as versatile as Maureen O’Hara, there really is something for everyone. Throughout her life, Maureen remained very open to giving interviews about her classic films. In fact, she frequently recorded audio commentary for many of her biggest films as they were released on DVD in the 2000s (a rare and wonderful treat from a star of her magnitude). Out of all of the classic stars I’ve researched so far, I’ve yet to see another who had more pride in the legacy they've left behind or more willing to share their stories with fans.
But, which Maureen O'Hara films have remained the most popular in 2026...??
10. McLintock! (1963)
Loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, this broad Western comedy proved once and for all that both Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne could handle comedy, as well as the more dramatic fare they were best known for. Wayne stars as George Washington "G.W." McLintock, a rich and powerful rancher who lives in the small Western town that bears his name. When the time comes for G.W.’s daughter, Becky, to return from college, his estranged wife, Katherine, also reappears. It turns out that Katherine not only wants a divorce, but custody of their daughter. Needless to say, this doesn’t sit well with G.W.. Complicating things is the fact that Katherine and G.W. really do want to stay together. If only they could find a way to get along.
Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen (actor Victor McLaglen’s son), McLintock is a perfectly executed Western comedy, complete with comedic fight scenes and destructive stunts. The film is beautifully cast with Maureen performing most of her own stunts. McLintock also features John Wayne’s son, Patrick, as Devlin, a down-on-his-luck cowhand desperate to win Becky's favor. He makes a very nice impression onscreen and it’s curious why he didn’t become a bigger star. Fast-paced and boisterous, this is a really fun film for any Western fan who wants to take a walk on the lighter side.
9. Sitting Pretty (1948)
Based on the novel Belvedere by Gwen Davenport, this sweet family comedy stars Maureen O'Hara as Tacey King, the mother of 3 young boys who lives in a nice suburban neighborhood with her lawyer husband, Harry (Robert Young). Lately, Tacey and Harry have been struggling to hold on to a reliable nanny (or even a part-time babysitter) to help with their highly rambunctious boys. So, Tacey places an ad in the newspaper in the hopes of finding someone. She ends up getting a response from a Lynn Belvedere, who she hires sight unseen based on on a highly impressive cover letter and resume. Automatically assuming that "Lynn" is a woman, Tacey is thrown when Belvedere actually turns out to be an eccentric older man (played by Clifton Webb). Too embarrassed by her mistake to turn him away, Tacey agrees to a trial period. Harry is immediately suspicious of the enigmatic and condescending Belvedere but, despite his prickly personality, he might be exactly the kind of nanny their family needs. At the very least, he will definitely be full of surprises.
Extremely successful when it was first released, Sitting Pretty ended up spawning two sequels: Mr. Belvedere Goes To College (1949) and Mr. Belvedere Rings The Bell (1951). Those alive in the 1980s and '90s may, also, remember the successful Mr. Belvedere TV series (1985-1990), which was also inspired by this film's interpretation of the character. This film was, actually, a big departure for Clifton Webb, who up until that point had been primarily been known for dramatic roles. Webb had previous experience appearing in comedies and musicals on Broadway but, he hadn't been given the opportunity to play similar roles onscreen. Sitting Pretty, finally, gave him that chance and he would later describe it as one of "the most pleasant" jobs he ever had in his entire film and theatre career.
8. This Land is Mine (1943)
Set in an unspecified European country under German occupation (though subtly implied to be France), this WWII drama was the 3rd and last film that Maureen O'Hara made opposite Charles Laughton. Laughton stars as Albert Lory, a shy middle-aged school teacher living with his elderly mother but, secretly in love with his colleague, Louise Martin (O'Hara), who lives next door. Unfortunately for Albert, Louise is already engaged to George Lambert (George Sanders), the railway yardmaster. Most people in the town are simply trying to survive under Nazi occupation without making too many waves, but Nazi rule is starting to find its way into their everyday lives, particularly in Albert and Louise's classrooms. The Germans have, also, become more aggressive about locating the few citizens that have been showing resistance. So, while Albert prefers to stay safely uninvolved in politics, there may come a time when he won't have a choice.
This Land Is Mine is, essentially, an anti-fascist propaganda film with a timeless message about quiet resistance in the face of tyranny. Although lesser known today, the film actually broke the box office record at the time for opening day tickets. It's definitely one of Laughton's great performances and a powerful political film that is well worth watching today (though, fair warning, it might be a bit slow in spots for some younger viewers).
7. The Long Gray Line (1955)
Directed by John Ford, The Long Gray Line tells the true life story of Martin "Marty" Maher, an Irish immigrant who first began working at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point as a civilian waiter but, eventually, became a beloved fixture at West Point for over 50 years, both as a master sergeant and athletic instructor. The film stars Tyrone Power as Marty and Maureen O’Hara as Mary O’Donnell, a fellow immigrant from Ireland who eventually becomes Marty’s wife.
Primarily based on Marty's own autobiography (Bringing Up The Brass: My 55 Years at West Point), The Long Gray Line serves as a tribute to both the real Marty Maher and the US Military Academy. The film's title is taken from a turn of phrase often used to describe the alumni of West Point, a reference to the "long line" of cadets that have graduated from the academy over the years, as well as the gray uniforms they wear. Although the film starts out comedically, it eventually mellows into a moving drama. If you’re a fan of movies like Forrest Gump, this may be a good choice for you (it’s, also, a great one to watch on Veteran’s Day).
6. Our Man in Havana (1959)
Made at the onset of Cold War paranoia, Our Man in Havana is based on the book of the same name by Graham Greene and was adapted by him for the screen. In fact, the movie only came out a year after the book was first published. Set in pre-revolutionary Cuba, the film is best described as a black comedy-thriller (yes, apparently, the genre exists).
Alec Guinness stars as James Wormold, a British expatriate and vacuum salesman who has been living in Cuba with his teenage daughter, Milly. As Milly has gotten older, she’s developed expensive tastes and Wormold is struggling to maintain his beloved daughter’s lifestyle. When a British MI6 agent (Noel Coward) suddenly, approaches Wormold to become the agency’s Havana operative, he finds himself unable to resist the opportunity for an extra paycheck. But, Wormold has no idea how to be a spy, let alone how to recruit agents of his own. So, in order to keep the MI6 paychecks coming, he begins to make up stories to send back to Britain. The system works well for a while, but Wormold slowly begins to realize that the spy game is not meant to be played with.
Maureen O'Hara plays the part of Beatrice, a trained British spy sent to act as Wormold’s official secretary once his reputation begins to grow (an event that doesn’t figure very well into Wormold’s plans). Full of subtle British humor, Our Man In Havana was actually shot on location in Cuba only a few months after the revolution. Fidel Castro even paid a visit to the set while they were filming in Havana’s Cathedral Square. Even though this is really Alec Guinness’ movie, Guinness allows room for his co-stars to shine, including an unusually restrained Ernie Kovacs and the wonderful Burl Ives. Maureen, in particular, adds a much-needed female energy to this mostly male-dominated film and she makes an unforgettable impression from the moment she makes her first appearance. If you love satirical British comedies, as well as the occasional political thriller, this is the one for you.
5. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)
Released during the most famous year in Hollywood history (1939), The Hunchback of Notre Dame was Maureen O'Hara’s American film debut. She was able to secure her star-making role thanks to the support of co-star, Charles Laughton, who took Maureen under his wing after the two had worked together for the first time in Britain. Based on Victor Hugo’s famous novel, this film is widely considered to be the best adaptation of Hugo’s story.
Maureen plays Esmeralda, a gypsy girl who has just snuck into the city of Paris. No sooner has she arrived than she runs across the mysterious and feared bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, a hunchback named Quasimodo (Laughton). Horribly deformed and nearly deaf—thanks to the sound of Notre Dame’s massive bells—Quasimodo has been largely cut off from the world and, therefore, puts all of his trust into his guardian, Chief Justice Jehan Frollo. But, the corrupt Frollo takes a lustful interest in the beautiful Esmeralda and compels Quasimodo to chase her down and bring her to him. When Quasimodo is caught and unfairly punished, the malevolent Frollo makes no effort to save his loyal underling. However, Esmeralda takes pity on the bell-ringer and offers him water while others ignore his pleas. Grateful for her kindness, Quasimodo begins to fall for the lovely gypsy girl, but Frollo’s lust for Esmeralda has already turned to hate. If he can’t have her, he's determined that no one else will.
One of the most expensive films RKO ever produced, the sets for this movie featured massive replicas of Parisian streets and even Notre Dame itself. This is a movie made on a grand scale and it’s become famous for its epic crowd sequences. Disney fans will be able to immediately recognize the influence this film had on Disney's 1990s animated adaptation by the cinematography alone. Without a doubt though, the highlight of this film is the brilliant and transformative performance of Charles Laughton as Quasimodo. The film’s last lines (spoken by Quasi) will break your heart every single time.
4. The Parent Trap (1961)
Based on the German book, Lottie and Lisa by Erich Kastner, this family classic was written and directed by former Disney animator, David Swift. The film has since become famous for its groundbreaking split screen effects, developed by the co-creator of Mickey Mouse, Ub Iwerks.
The film stars Hayley Mills as both Susan Evers and Sharon McKendrick, a pair of identical twins separated by their long-divorced parents for the bulk of their lives. With each parent taking a twin after the divorce, the two girls have become completely unaware of each other’s existence. So, when the twins unexpectedly reunite at summer camp, the two concoct a scheme to bring their estranged parents back together. They decide to switch places, allowing each twin to get to know the parent they’ve never met and, more importantly, forcing their parents to coordinate switching them back.
Maureen O'Hara plays Susan and Sharon's mother, Maggie McKendrick, who has been raising Sharon in Boston. Brian Keith plays the girls’ father, Mitch, marking the first time the actor had ever appeared in a comedy, a genre he would later become known for thanks to his starring role in the 1966 TV sitcom, Family Affair. As was typical for the Disney studio at the time, Walt Disney was very involved in the production of The Parent Trap, even coming up with the film’s title. He visited the set often while filming and even awarded Hayley Mills' double, Susan Henning, a rare Duckster award (only three exist) for her uncredited contribution to the film. As for Maureen, she gives a witty and surprisingly sexy performance as Maggie, who runs the gamut from sophisticated to earthy as she simultaneously flirts and fights with her old flame. This witty and adorable comedy is a classic for a reason and no one should go through life without seeing it before their inner child grows up.
3. The Quiet Man (1952)
Often considered to be director John Ford’s most personal film, The Quiet Man is a sweet love story that also acts as a cinematic love letter to Ireland. Ford had been trying to make the film for years—Maureen O'Hara was first cast back in 1944—but most studios were wary of financing a John Ford movie that wasn't an action-adventure or a western. So, when little-known Republic Pictures agreed to finance the film, they did it under the condition that Ford and the cast make a low-budget western as well—which became Rio Grande. The Quiet Man marks the second time that Maureen appeared opposite John Wayne and the chemistry between the two is visceral.
Wayne stars as Sean Thornton, an Irish-born American who returns to his birthplace after a tragic accident leaves him shaken. Once he arrives, Sean is immediately drawn to the beautiful and fiery Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen), but makes a bad impression on Mary Kate’s hotheaded brother, "Red" (Victor McLaglen).To buy his family’s old home, Sean outbid Red for the property and Red is a man who certainly holds a grudge. His resentment for Sean grows to the point that he is willing to do anything in his power to ruin Sean and Mary Kate's relationship, regardless of how it affects his sister’s happiness or dignity.
As the proud and willful Mary Kate, Maureen proved herself to be one of the few leading ladies capable of matching "the Duke" blow for blow, and solidified them as one of film history's great screen duos. The making of The Quiet Man was really a family affair: most of the principal players had family members involved in the film (either behind or in front of the camera). Maureen’s brothers Charles and James, John Ford’s son Patrick, as well as, his brother Francis, and all four of John Wayne’s children appear onscreen at one point or another throughout the course of the film. This film has developed quite a following over the years and remains a popular St. Patrick's Day tradition to this very day.
2. How Green Was My Valley (1941)
Based on the popular novel by Richard Llewellyn, How Green Was My Valley marked Maureen O'Hara’s very first time working with director John Ford, starting off their long professional relationship. A quiet family drama peppered by bleak realism—despite the fact that the film is sometimes oddly remembered as a purely sentimental piece—How Green Was My Valley is a movie that transports you to a world that no longer exists.
Set at the turn of the century in a small Welsh coal mining town, the film focuses on the lives of the tight-knit Morgan family. Seen from the point of view of the Morgans' youngest son, Huw (Roddy McDowell in a star-making performance), the family lives a quiet and simple life until an unexpected pay cut at the mines begins to tear the family apart. Maureen plays Angharad, the Morgans' only daughter who falls for the town’s local preacher, a man she knows she might never have.
Although not discussed as often as other classics, How Green Was My Valley is a moving film that has lost none of its power, highlighting the chilling effects hard economic times can have on even the most tight-knit of communities. Full of striking visuals and strong emotions that ripple quietly beneath the surface, the film is often unfairly compared to the movie that famously did not win Best Picture in 1941: Citizen Kane. But, once you see How Green Was My Valley, it’s easy to understand why it was awarded five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Fans of quiet British dramas like Billy Elliott will likely enjoy this one. Believe me, it's a movie that stays with you.
1. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Many of us were likely first introduced to Maureen O'Hara thanks to this perennial classic. A timeless film about retaining faith and hope in a cynical world, Miracle on 34th Street continues to be widely considered one of the best Christmas movies ever made.
Starring opposite the underrated John Payne, Maureen is perfectly cast as no-nonsense single mother Doris Walker. Doris works in a high-level position at Macy’s flagship store in NYC and one of her primary duties is coordinating the Thanksgiving Day Parade. When the parade’s Santa shows up drunk, Doris quickly hires a last-minute replacement (played by Edmund Gwenn). The replacement Santa does so well during the parade that Doris hires him as the Macy’s department store Santa for the holidays. While trying to illustrate to her daughter, Susan (Natalie Wood), that there is no such thing as Santa, Doris discovers that the "Kris Kringle" she hired actually believes himself to be the real Saint Nick. Of course, Doris knows that's impossible. Or is it?
Filmed on location inside the real New York City Macy’s and at the actual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the filmmakers took a huge risk using the trademarked names of Macy’s and Gimbel’s in the film. Both companies refused to release their rights until they saw the finished movie (meaning if they didn’t like it, a large majority of the film would need to be re-edited and reshot). Luckily, both Macy’s and Gimbel’s loved the film and happily gave their consent. Macy’s even closed early when the movie premiered in order to allow all of its employees to see it. This tender and moving film is smartly written and perfectly executed by everyone involved. But, of course, a large part of the magic depends on the warm and charismatic performance of Edmund Gwenn, who won a well-deserved Oscar for his portrayal of Kris Kringle. This is a true classic in every way and required viewing for anyone who has ever believed.
Honorable Mention:
The Black Swan (1942)
Based very loosely on the novel by Rafael Sabatini, Disney fans will easily be able to see the influence this film had on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland, as well as the subsequent films of the same name. The Black Swan marks the very first time Maureen O'Hara appeared opposite Tyrone Power, who plays Captain “Jamie Boy” Waring, a carefree and amoral pirate happily enjoying his life of thieving and pillaging. But when the King of England appoints the infamous pirate Henry Morgan as the governor of Jamaica, it seems to mark the end of piracy’s “golden age”. Morgan has sworn to rid the Caribbean of piracy and enlists the help of his former friends to aid him in this crusade, including Jamie. While adjusting to his new life as a gentleman, Jamie immediately becomes infatuated with the fiery Lady Margaret (Maureen), the daughter of the former governor. But, in order to earn her favor, he must learn to ignore his ruthless pirate instincts and Lady Margaret is less than patient. In fact, she would like nothing more than for all of these newly “reformed” pirates to take a long walk off a short pier.
Tyrone Power gives an engaging and likable performance as the roguish Jamie Boy and the chemistry between him and Maureen works very well. The Black Swan, also, features Anthony Quinn in a small role and an unrecognizable George Sanders as the film’s villain, Captain Billy Leach. This big budget swashbuckler, also, features lovely Technicolor cinematography for which it even won an Oscar.
To see this list on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/B4wau
Which Maureen O'Hara Film Is Your Favorite?
0%Miracle on 34th Street
0%The Black Swan
0%Sitting Pretty
0%The Quiet Man
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