Fighting Prince Of Donegal (1966)

Set in 16th century Ireland when the British occupied it under the guise of protecting England from an invasion from Spain, the film centers around an actual historical figure, Hugh "Red" O'Donnell played by Peter McEnery. When he attempts to gather all the Irish clans to band against the English invaders, he is captured and put into prison. For a swashbuckler, it's a pretty chatty piece. This being a Disney production aimed at families, I can't see the youngsters staying still for such an inactive adventure movie. Over half the film's running time takes place in a Dublin prison with escape attempts, both successful and unsuccessful. Things get pretty lively in the last 15 minutes with the storming of the Donegal castle which partially makes up for the slow parts. There's an amusing sequence with McEnery and Tom Adams dallying in the countryside with Marie Kean (BARRY LYNDON) and her three daughters that provides a respite from the prison scenes. The film has a rich and authentic look to it (England subbing for the Irish countryside) which I'll credit the cinematographer Arthur Ibbetson for. Swashbucklers usually afford an opportunity for composers but George Bruns churns out a lifeless score. Oddly, he has bagpipes accompanying the castle storming (did he think they were Scots?). Directed by Michael O'Herlihy. With lovely Susan Hampshire, Gordon Jackson (who makes for a marvelously slimey villain) and Andrew Keir.