Redwarmin This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

Greenes Please don't spend money on this.

AshUnow This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

Logan By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

moonspinner55 American medical student studying at Ireland's College of Surgeons in 1921 becomes a revolutionary for the Irish Republican Army in a battle against Britain's Black and Tans, soldiers used to forcibly shut down Irish forces fighting for their independence away from the British government. Story of rebels and martyrs has moments of interesting drama, but has to fight itself against a curiously old-fashioned and artificial production (this despite being filmed partly in Dublin). James Cagney--whose character is sarcastically referred to as "pure and noble"--is student Don Murray's professor and a leader in the IRA. Cagney attempts to bring off a maniacal side to his role, and he most likely had a great deal of conviction in the work he was doing, but his star presence stands out obtrusively among the cast (he isn't actually treated as visiting royalty, yet this moldy part is pretty much a glorified cameo). Murray comes off a bit better (though he's bland, as usual), however Glynis Johns is terrific as a barmaid unafraid of using her wiles to get out of danger and Sybil Thorndike has a riveting moment in court playing an elderly woman arrested for aiding an IRA leader after his escape from prison. Financed by Marlon Brando's company, Pennebaker Productions; Erwin Hillier was the cinematographer (his finest shots come at the very end); Michael Anderson directed, lugubriously. ** from ****

Spikeopath Shake Hands with the Devil is directed by Michael Anderson and adapted to screenplay by Marian Spitzer from the novel written by Rearden Conner. It stars James Cagney, Don Murray, Dana Wynter, Glynis Johns, Michael Redgrave and Sybil Thorndike. Music is by William Alywyn and cinematography by Erwin Hillier.It's 1920s Dublin, Ireland, and the Irish Republican Army are at war with the British Black & Tans. Into the conflict comes Irish American Kerry O'Shea (Murray), who in spite of being apolitical is drawn into darker waters as the violence rages. Complications arise when a hostage situation unfurls, all while the strings are being pulled by the IRA's fearsome commandant, Sean Lenihan (Cagney), who wants Kerry under his wing.It has always been a tricky subject to film, the so called Irish Troubles, for too many film makers have either been ignorant of the facts in the name of good cinema, or so fuelled by other motives it's difficult to get on side with such one sided venom. Michael Anderson's film, whilst itself harbouring dubious political material, deserves plaudits for trying to come at the topic from both sides, embracing the complexities of the issues and never shying away from the violence that tore through parts of Ireland. Even if it ends up being a little confused as to its aims.Filmed on location predominantly in Dublin, there's almighty strength in the cinematography of Hillier (The Mark of Cain/Chase a Crooked Shadow). The night time shots of damp cobbled streets and gaslights are ethereal, while in daytime the lush landscapes are imposing yet still giving off a depressing hue. On the acting front it's Cagney who dominates, in one of his craziest and most crafty roles, he's a Vesuvius who darts between being the honourable cause man, to that of a psychotic who doesn't believe peace is a viable option. Strong support comes from Wynter and Johns.Political hot-pot with wrought emotion, and action scenes that impact as Cagney does his stuff, Shake Hands with the Devil leaves a mark. 7/10

joesherman This was a superb drama, magnificently acted with sensational black and white images throughout. This movie was shown on Channel 13 in NYC on Jan. 21, 2012. Somehow, I had never heard of it before. It's as good as any black-and-white movie drama I have ever seen. I put it in the same class of excellence for this category as The Third Man, High Noon, The Bicycle Thief, Zorba the Greek, and The Hustler. I'm so glad I saw it.This movie contains a lot of violent action, but it is shown in the context of a gripping plot involving complex, three-dimensional characters. The only exception is the minor character Col. Smithson. He is a thoroughly "bad guy" character whose brutality incites the Irish resistance fighters to seek vengeance with an elaborate assassination plot that sets the stage for the climax of the movie. It was all wonderfully satisfying. It would make a terrific opera.

Zriter59 I first saw this film when I was 11, and even then I much admired it. Have seen it I don't know how many times since, and my original feelings re. this flick have only intensified.First off, many contemporary folks, in and beyond the West, know far too little about the Irish "troubles." This film brings them home, establishing that despite atrocities on either side, neither held the moral high ground with absolute certainty.Cagney is superb. His accent falters occasionally (although he was an Irish-American). But he nails every facet of his character, from the dedicated doctor and professor of medicine to the IRA commander who descends into fanaticism. Most of the rest of the cast is excellent. Murray is a little, well, not quite at that level, but he still gives a respectable performance --