Movie review - "Darby O'Gill and the Little People" (1959) ***

If you're in the mood for some whimsy about leprechauns, this will tick your boxes: plenty of Irish scenery, accents, some old tales of fairies, a banchee, decent special effects, some frights and a satisfying ending. Most of the plot consists of a battle of wits between old Darby and the king of the leprechauns; there's also a bit of romance via Janet Munro (initially a bit awkward, just a winsome smile instead of a performance but she loosens up as the film goes on) and Sean Connery (in an early role - very handsome and charismatic in a Roland Lewis way - he even sings!). Occasionally the handling feels a bit TV - opening certainly has too much clunky exposition - and its a shame the 'villain' couldn't have been used a bit more, say something to do with leprechauns. But its full of life and charm and is a satisfying meal.