The Molly Maguires is a 1970 American film based on a 1969 novel by Arthur H. Lewis that was directed by Martin Ritt. It stars Richard Harris and Sean Connery.
Set in late 19th century Northeastern Pennsylvania, this social drama tells the story of an undercover detective sent to a coal mining community to expose a secret society of Irish-American miners battling exploitation at the hand of the owners. Partly inspired by a true story, the film portrays the rebellious leader of the Molly Maguires and his will to achieve social justice.
The Molly Maguires were a secret organization of Irish coal miners established in nineteenth century Pennsylvania to fight oppressive mineowners. Led by Jack Kehoe (Sean Connery), they plant dynamite to destroy plant shafts and equipment. As character James McParlan, Richard Harris portrays real life Pinkerton Detective James McParland who was employed to infiltrate the Mollies.
Kehoe and McParlan are working class immigrants from Ireland with essentially the same aspiration - advancement in the new society to which they have come. McParlan coldly betrays the group whose leader he has befriended and Kehoe kills to advance his cause. McParlan also develops a romantic interest in Mary Raines, but she ends up offended by his treachery.
Make[C] way for the[G] Molly Maguires,thet're
[F]drinkers,they're[G] liars but they're[C] men,
Make[C] way for the[G] Molly Maguires,you'll[F] never see
the[G] likes of them[C] again.
[Am]Down the mine no[Em] sunlight shines,thoes[C] pits
are black as[Am] hell,
In[C] mud and slime they[F] do thier time,it's[G] Paddy's
prison[C] cell.
And they[F] coursed the day they[C] sailed away,and
[F]drowned their tears with a[G] jar.
Backs will break and muscles ache,
Down there theres no time to dream,
Of fields and farms and wimans arms,
Just dig that bloody seam,
Though they break their bodies underground,
None dare to push them around.