Saints and Sinners (1949 film)

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The film contains some admirable photography of beautiful scenery, and is directed with an eye for building up character studies that are certainly effective, thanks to two outstanding performances by Maire O'Neill and Michael Dolan as Ma Murnaghan and the Canon. The romantic side of the picture is less successful, though Kieron Moore as Michael and Christine Norden and Shiela Manahan as Blanche and Shelah do what they can with unsatisfactory material. But the film as a whole remains a curious mixture of Irish whimsy and suburban trimmings."^[6]

Kine Weekly wrote: "The picture takes itself much less seriously than Odd Man Out, but even so a stronger acid could have been used in the etching of its widely assorted Irish types. At times the plot tends to ramble, but, despite its shortcomings, it has moments, which include flood and fire spectacle, and a moral, As for its technical presentation, the authentic backgrounds are artistically composed and the camera work is more than adequate."^[7]

Picturegoer wrote: "There is a deal of charm about yin this story of a small Irish silage, and certainly quite a lot of originality. Its greatest asset is, however, the character drawing."^[8]

Picture Show wrote: "Attractively staged, with authentic and charming Irish backgrounds, this romantic comedy-drama relates how a pipe-smoking village prophetess foretells the end of the world, with astonishing reactions on the villagers. Maire O'Neill as Ma, the Prophetess, and Michael Dolan as the priest make their scenes glow with rich humour."^[9]

Variety wrote: "An Irish village steeped in tradition and superstition provides an interesting setting for this story of simple folk who find it difficult to resist temptation and keep to the straight and narrow pei. Production and script match the simplicity of the theme. Appeal is limited for the U.S. market. Production relies entirely on local characterizations. The touch of glamor which comes from the arrival of an American woman on the scene is out of keeping with the story. Kieron Moore has a typical h-man part, which he performs with vigor, but Christine Norden has little more to do than look attractive. Sheila Manahan gives a pleasing, sympathetic study as Michael's girl-friend, and Michael Dolan stands out as the understanding canon."^[10]

• Saints and Sinners at IMDb