John Wayne is an icon as a beloved American actor. And the Many Community Center is featuring his movies in the month of March.

The Quiet Man is the feature film on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

“We’re celebrating not only John Wayne, but also St. Patrick’s Day by showing this much loved film,” Mary Brocato, chairperson of the Many Cultural District Advisory Committee. “Many of us in the Many area have Irish ancestors, and we thought everyone would enjoy seeing The Quiet Man.

The classic movie was filmed in the Irish countryside with John Wayne and Irish actress Maureen O’Hara starring in it. The story goes something like this:

After accidentally killing an opponent in the ring, boxer Sean Thornton (John Wayne) leaves America and returns to his native village of Innisfree, Ireland, hoping to buy his family’s homestead and live in peace. In doing so, he runs afoul of Will Danaher (Victor McLaglen), who long coveted the property. Spitefully, Will objects when his fiery sister, Mary Kate (Maureen O’Hara), begins a romance with Sean, and refuses to hand over her dowry. Mary Kate refuses to consummate the marriage until Sean retrieves the money.

The movie was released in August, 1952, and was a huge success in the United States. It offered viewers a glimpse of the gentle beauty of Ireland and the spirit of the Irish people. It also won the Academy Award for Best Director (John Ford) and numerous other film academy awards.

The modest family home that Thornton purchased in the movie still stands today and is a major tourist attraction for visitors to Ireland.

Admission to The Quiet Man is free. Concessions are only $1 each. Donations are always welcome to help defray the cost of operating the Many Community Center.

Although the film has been out for more than 50 years, it remains a favorite because of the actors, the dreamy landscapes of Ireland, and the love story it presents.

The Town of Many, Mayor Ken Freeman and the Many Cultural District Advisory Committee are sponsoring the free movie on March 17.