Flight of the Doves (1971) User Reviews

Sweet-natured but totally inconsequential Oirish blarney.

[barnabyrudge · 5/10 · 18 August 2011]

In the late 60s and early 70s, when cinematic boundaries were being pushed back, there were people working in the film industry who seemed to wrestle with a guilty conscience. To understand what I mean, look at the movies that some stars and directors made immediately after they had courted controversy in their more risky films. Soon after the extraordinary outcry that surrounded the graphic violence of 'The Wild Bunch', William Holden appeared in 'The Christmas Tree' which was one of the most lachrymose family movies of all-time. 'Wild Bunch' director Sam Peckinpah also mellowed out for his next film with the light-hearted and extremely gentle 'Ballad Of Cable Hogue'. Another director who had ruffled a few feathers around that time was Ralph Nelson, whose brutal 'Soldier Blue' had pushed the envelope further still, most notably in its infamous blood-soaked massacre. What did Nelson do immediately after 'Soldier Blue'? He made 'Flight Of The Doves', such a juvenile-orientated piece of blarney that it's hard to believe the two films could have been made by the same man in the space of a year. You can almost sense Nelson saying: "look, I know I roughed-up the industry a bit with my last movie… so here's something sweet and sentimental that all the family can enjoy". This film is the cinematic equivalent of an apology. Its main weakness is that it is actually too safe, too childish, too sweet-natured for its own good.

Finn and Derval Dove (Jack Wild & Helen Raye) are a couple of young kids living in a working class English town with their cruel stepfather. They dream of moving to Ireland to join their grandmother O'Flaherty (Dorothy McGuire) on her picturesque farm. One evening, the two youngsters decide that they've had enough of their abusive home life so they run away from their house, planning to escape to Ireland. Around this time, their sinister Uncle Hawk (Ron Moody) – a master of disguise - arrives on the scene, plotting to kill the two children so that he can claim the sizable inheritance he stands to receive if anything happens to them. The Dove children make it to Ireland and have various adventures while searching for their grandmother's farm, pursued all the way by the law, their despicable step-father and the murderous Uncle Hawk.

'Flight Of The Doves' is loosely based on a popular novel by Walter Macken. The child actors are OK, albeit a little wooden, while the adult stars tend to mug their way through their roles. Moody in particular gives a desperately uneven performance, often behaving as if he's in an end-of-term pantomime (an acting style which may well work on stage, but proves frequently embarrassing under the glare of a movie camera). The film is perfectly enjoyable for children – anything with a plot about kids running away from cruelty and injustice makes an appealing premise for a family flick. It's not badly handled overall, just never truly magical in the way any family film should aspire to be. A couple of scenes seem utterly out of place – one is the 'You Don't Have To Be Irish To Be Irish' march which apes 'Consider Yourself' from 'Oliver!' without much success; the other is a frankly annoying comedy sequence involving a chase through a series of doors, reminiscent of something that Harold Lloyd or the Keystone Cops might have done, but desperately ill-fitting here. All things considered, 'Flight Of The Doves' is a harmless and inconsequential enough time-filler which kids will enjoy, though the sickly-sweet mawkishness might prove a bit much for the adults.

Two children flee the clutches of a cruel stepfather and a greedy uncle to their grandmother in Ireland

[parklad · 5/10 · 5 April 2008]

Although the film at times feels like an over cooked tourist ad it would be unfair to overlook some fine moments.Ron Moody shows off all of his remarkable skills in a series of ham characters,while Jack Wild is better than usual as Finn.I have just seen this film not having watched it since the seventies and I really liked Tom Hickey as Garda Flynn.The film is well worth a look and kids would immediately empathize with the two runaways.It also features a Synagogue which is a rarity in an Irish based movie.The narrative is a standard fugitive adventure and no more with plenty of twists and turns but some of the set pieces are poor,such as the dire parade and the cringe-worthy scene outside the church when the tour bus pulls in.Noetheless,Moody as Hawk keeps the tension alive throughout.

Comparing movie to the original book

[jay-863 · 7/10 · 11 November 2008]

I had the original book when I was a child and read it many times. In my head I had concrete images of the characters and places that the story described. A few years back I discovered that a movie had been made from the book, but had never been able to find a copy to buy or view. Then the other day it dawned on me to check You-Tube and I found it instantly. I was so excited to watch it!

However, as many movie made from books can be, this one was somewhat of a letdown. Many of the interesting characters and scenes from the book are totally missing from the film and other things have been added that were never in the book.

For instance, in the book, there is a character who is the "children's uncle from America". The character is a small one and mostly in the background of the plot and only for a short while. He does meet up with the children near the end of the story, but only briefly and then is gone again. In the movie, this character is blown out of all proportion into a villainous psychopath and whole new plot lines are created to give the character lots of screen time. The only reason I can figure that this was done is because the character was played by Ron Moody, a well-known actor, and they needed to make the part bigger for someone of that stature. Having read the book and knowing the original story, the revision of the story to make this happen really took away from the original. I left thinking, "If they hadn't wasted time on this storyline, they could have focused on the adventures that actually took place in the book.

There was also a scene that was reminiscent of keystone cops racing in and out of a series of doors in a wall. I think it was supposed to be humorous but, since it did not fit into or advance the story at all, it seemed very out of place.

Also, the book had the character of Michael, the policeman who was "on vacation", portrayed as a caring "overseer", often in the background, watching the children as they made their way on their journey and making sure they were OK, but being careful not to "help" them. Michael was a major character in the book. He was also kind to the children, as were some other characters, such as Nickser (who was called Mickser in the movie). The movie version of Nickser was just another person determined to turn the children in to the authorities. In the movie, the Michael character was "just a policeman" and was just as bent on capturing the children as anyone else. The movie contained almost no characters that were kind to the children (the rabbi, being an exception, though again the entire synagogue and parade scenes made no sense and were not from the book, either).

Several scenes from the movie were very good at capturing an almost exact replication of the book, such as when Finn and Derval blended into the family with all the children so they could get free transportation and again at the end when the children arrived at their grandmother's house. Actually, the scene of the grandmother's house from higher up on the hill (when the kids first see it) is just as I pictured it when reading the book.

I began wondering about who from today's actors could be cast in the various roles if a remake were made. In thinking about that, I didn't take the actor's country of origin into account (as good actors can do an accent if they work at it), but rather who I saw fitting the physical and personality descriptions of the characters as they were given in the book. I didn't come up with suggestions for all of them, but here are a few:

Finn: (Couldn't come up with anyone for this)

Derval: The Fanning sisters came to mind, but they are both too old now.

Uncle Toby: Mark Addy

Granny O'Flaherty: I think Fionnula Flanagan would be perfect.

Judge: Michael Caine

Nickser: Colm Meaney

Powder: Stephen Rea

Michael: Paddy Considine, James Nesbitt, David Tennant, George Clooney

Of course, if they did remake the movie, I would want it to follow the book and not some made-up plot lines to cater to a particular actor.

Someone asked about the time-frame in which this story is supposed to be set. The movie makes it appear to be 1960's (though filmed in 1971). The book gave no date indication. It was generic enough that you could imagine it happening in various times. I personally had it set (in my mind) in the 1940's or 1950's. Because there is little indication of technological devices (the book does mention a boat and Nicker's van), and much travel seemed to be on foot or pack animal, it is easy to imagine it happening in various time periods. I think this gives it an insulating effect, making it "timeless" in a sense.

It was fun to finally see the movie - it was just different than the book with which I was familiar.

delightful family adventure

[thomandybish · 9 May 2001]

This British-made film cast from the Disney mold has a brother(Jack Wild) and younger sister fleeing their loutish stepfather in England to find their grandmother in Ireland. Along the journey they are assisted by a motley assortment of colorful characters, and are pursued by a menacing relative(an uncle, if I remember)who believes their appearance will deprive him of an inheiritance. The uncle, played by Ron Moody, affects a series of disguises to trick the kids, but always gets the shaft. A beautiful soundtrack score enhances the film. Not readily available, so catch it if you can on television.

Typical 1970s Children's Movie

[jcravens42 · 6/10 · 17 March 2021]

I didn't grow up with this movie. As can be seen by the reviews here, many people did, and have very fond memories of it. This is a typical 1970s children's movie, made on the cheap, with bright colors, over-acting, greedy adult villains, cartoon-like bits, hippies, children in peril, really bad wigs and silly dialogue. I can see how children now would still love this, with the sweet and incredibly charming Jack Wild (my first crush - I would have lost my mind had I seen this as a kid - although his wig is horrible) and the adorable girl that plays his little sister and the happy ending. As for me, an adult, seeing it the first time: it's nice to see the Irish countryside in the 1970s. I've seen some reviewers say it's full of offensive stereotypes - it is a CHILDREN'S MOVIE and the characters are bigger than life and completely unrealistic, just like most kids' movies NOW. But the reality is that the only way you'll really like this movie now is if you grew up with it - which I didn't. One moment I did really love: the parade, with the song you don't have to be Irish to be Irish, which celebrates the diversity of immigrants who have contributed to the culture of the isle for a long while - it was refreshing to see in 2021. And it was nice to see Dorothy McGuire having fun.

Quite a curio...

[Hornsmith · 7/10 · 7 November 2018]

Just caught this on TV, the Talking Pictures channel. It has critics, and certainly is corny is places, but has some good performances. As for the curious thing... tiny spoiler ahead, no great surprise.

A boy and his younger sister go on the run through the country, pursued by a villain intent on the large sum he believes they are worth. They are rescued by their grandmother. A bit of a stretch, but that is the basic synopsis of the 1955 classic, 'The Night Of The Hunter'. Replace Lilian Gish (admittedly not actually their grandma) with the equally marvellous Dorothy McGuire. The brief hiatus from the hunt (in TNOTH) is the magical river trip backed by the night music, referencing the haunting children's song; here we have a nice cameo from Dana, singing by the campfire. If it is an actual homage to the Laughton/Mitchum classic, I wouldn't blame them.

Warm-hearted Irish fable

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 21 March 2020]

FLIGHT OF THE DOVES is a warm-hearted Irish fable based on a popular novel. Things get off to a cracking and - personally, I found - shocking start, as we witness the plight of a brother and sister at the hands of their brutish stepfather. They're soon on the run, fleeing across a gorgeous Ireland full of rural charm and character, pursued by incompetent policeman and a sinister Ron Moody. There's a strong OLIVER! vibe here, with Artful Dodger Jack Wild still playing below his years and saddled beneath a ginger fright wig and Moody reprising his Fagin role. However, there's a lot of colour, a lot of action, a lot of song and a lot of comedy, and it all builds to a satisfying climax. It might be a bit twee for some viewers, but I enjoyed it.

Instantly forgettable

[malcolmgsw · 4/10 · 22 December 2018]

It is difficult to believe that so much talent was poured into such an amateurish forgettable film.Willie Rushton was a comedy actor,he was not as this film clearly illustrates a dramatic actor.Ron Moody acts as if he is a panto villain.So far as Jack Wild is concerned you wouldn't have thought he had acted before.As has been mentioned by other reviewers this is only watchable by young children.

Not only for kids

[shiralee · 10/10 · 15 June 2000]

I first saw this film when I was about 5 or 6 on tv,and it stuck in my mind.Sadly I never got to see it again until 3 years ago when sky tv showed it.It was just as good as I had remembered it.What I really like about it is its not a silly kids film, it is sensible yet still has a little comedy element to it.It is about two orphans who run away from their cruel step dad.They run away to Ireland to try to find their grandma.Also coming after them is their uncle Hawk who wants to kill them, so that there grandfathers inheritance will pass to him.

I can't praise this film enough, the acting is superb and the soundtrack is also brilliant.It really is an underated cinema gem in my opinion.It has to be one of my all time film favourites.Please see if you can.

Irish kids adventure

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 14 April 2024]

Finn Dove and his sister Derval are orphans who escape from their abusive guardian Tobias Cromwell. They runaway to Ireland to find their grandmother. Unbeknownst to them, they are heirs to a large sum. Cromwell is a failed actor who uses various disguises to track down the kids.

This is like a 70's Disney kids movie with an Irish spin. It is fun to see the Irish locations. The kiddie adventures are somewhat fun although it is concerning that some adults are fine with a couple of wee ones wondering around on their own. The movie should stay more on the kids. There really isn't much need to follow Cromwell so closely. The adventures do get rather dark from time to time. Maybe it's too dark but that happens back in the day.

Borderline racist

[gsmitheidw-41158 · 2/10 · 19 March 2018]

To most Irish people under the age of 50 this film is cringey at best. It represents an Ireland of the imagination and modern paddywhackery. It's clearly a kids film and I realise that is the benchmark for the crappy acting. I saw it as a child but to re-watch it as an Irish adult it seems borderline racist - the terrible accents and how it makes the Irish look archaic and simple. Particularly it makes a mockery of the Gardai (Irish police force). Maybe the book it's based on is good, but there's little to recommend in this film. I'll give it 2 stars cause of some nostalgia and images of Ireland in the 1970s, but otherwise - avoid.

Brilliantly acted

[dbrinkley-1 · 10/10 · 16 May 2006]

A very well acted film by actors Ron Moody and Jack Wild who worked well together in the movie Oliver. Ron Moody is brilliantly funny and sometimes frightening with his disguises and different characters. Jack Wild is wonderful as the compassionate loving older brother who loves his younger sister enough to run away to Ireland so she can be truly loved by someone: their grandmother who is nicely portrayed by Dorthy McGuire. The adventures they encounter on their way to Ireland are wonderful as is the scenery of Ireland. This film was shot entirely in Ireland and the music soundtrack is as lovely as Ireland. A nice family film with a happy ending. Beats what is out there today.

Cringe worthy in parts

[trevorwomble · 5/10 · 16 March 2019]

This could have been a 70s children's classic like The Railway Children or Willy Wonka if it had treated its subject and audience with a little more intelligence.

The simple plot has all the hallmarks of a great kids adventure film but it is let down by some awful acting, clunky dialogue and a horrible twee view of the Irish as poor, dim and alcoholic. Of course in the era it was made there may have been a few people about like that but nearly everyone the children meet, apart from their grandmother, comes across as a buffoon who likes a drink which stretches credibility and in 2019 looks positively archaic and I suspect was pushing credibility in 1971 too.

Despite some half decent actors in the film there is still some truly dreadful acting and mugging for the camera too. The big musical number in the St Patrick's day parade is cringe worthy now and whilst it may have been novel to film on location in Ireland with a big name American director and a primary cast of mostly English actors (Ron Moodys attempt at an Irish accent seems to be hugely inconsistent throughout the whole film), this feels like its been made as an attempt to sell the scenery and feel of Ireland to international audiences on behalf of the Irish tourist board.

I suppose its easy now to look at this film nearly half a century later and mock its stereotypes and ham fisted direction as well as its plot holes and poor acting, but there is also a certain nostalgia to be had from looking at the shops, fashions, cars and rural views of that era. Even in the early 90s Ireland had a different vibe to what it has today and whilst the film is not what I would call a classic children's film for all the above reasons, it has a strange charm for showing a relatively unspoilt and nostalgic view of the country before it started to modernise and in that respect this film is a snapshot of a simpler time that helps to redeem most of its flaws.

Wow - memory lane

[shark-43 · 13 April 2000]

I thought I was the only kid who saw this, let alone remembered it. I love the score of this film and tried to search for the music for years. As a kid, I was blown away by OLIVER, so when 3 of the cast members made another film together, well, I was there, THAT and the fact that my 12 year old sister had a crush on Jack Wild. Wow. I should try and rent the movie again.

Bore

[alfredpr-69611 · 1/10 · 7 May 2020]

This movie is pure simmering garbage. So much material for funny antics but it is just squandered with unfunny chases. This movie sprawls with scenes after scene of the children running from adults; give this premise to the Americans of that time and this movie would have been uproarious. This movie had nothing going.

A beautiful time capsule of a different age, too!

[markanthonycraig · 10/10 · 29 November 2006]

As a 43 year old watching this film after over 30 years, it brought a tear to my eye. The beautiful music by Roy Budd (which is available on CD in Britain) reminds one of a totally different era that is part of my childhood. Watching the film and seeing the ancient cars on the roads, the clothes on the ordinary people in the background, the hairstyles and fashions ...... the sweet innocence of the little girl is something that's gone forever, but captured in this charming little film made in 1970 on location in Ireland. It makes me sad to realise that it is an age which I look back with fondness whilst remembering my own childhood. But what will my own kids have to remember? Despite my best efforts, they live in a world of wall to wall television filled with violence and sexual innuendo masquerading as comedy, computer cyberspace, street gangs and stress caused by modern life and expectations of them to perform and excel. As kids in the 1960's and 1970's we had none of that - life was so much simpler and immensely more enjoyable.

It is brilliant that this film is available on DVD for us to watch today. It deserves to be in the same league as those other classic British films made for family viewing at that period in British cinema history: "Oliver!", "The Railway Children", "The Amazing Mr Blunden", "Black Beauty" (1970 version!).

The film features British character actor Ron Moody who excelled at the multi-disguises villain with a soft heart, a type of role he would play again 10 years later on the HTV series "Into the Labyrinth". What a shame that Jack Wild (Finn) died earlier in 2006 of throat cancer. And whatever happened to the delightful Helen Raye (Derval)? She never acted in anything again, but she should have done as she was as good in this role as Georgie Henley is in the current Narnia film. Even Irish songstress Dana appears in the film (the same year she won the Eurovision Song Contest) as a gypsy girl to sing a hauntingly beautiful ballad in Gaelic and English.

My 9 year old daughter fell in love with this film when I showed it to her the other day. She still has that innocence, which I hold onto for as long as possible with her before she descends into the terrible tantrum-filled teen years that her brothers have already entered (and even they watched it and didn't moan!).

A great film for kids to watch, and a wonderful wallow in nostalgia for those of us over 40 years of age!!!

Probably not a great film for young kids and adults will probably find it rough to watch as well.

[planktonrules · 3/10 · 1 April 2021]

I had high hopes for "Flight of the Doves" because it reunites Jack Wild (The Artful Dodger) and Ron Moody (Fagan) from the smash hit Oscar-winning musical, "Oliver!". However, the magic that existed in this earlier film isn't in "Flight of the Doves" and the film is a bit dopey.

The story is about a pair of British kids (including Wild) who are being raised by an uncle who neglects them horribly. The pair have had enough and decide to run away to their grandmother who lives in Ireland (Dorothy McGuire). But when the uncle learns of an inheritance, he chases after them and feigns interest in them. He also enlists the aid of a master of disguises (Moody) to assist in the effort.

There is so much I did not enjoy about the film....and it's not because I am so picky but because the film alienates adults because it's pretty dopey. It also has an ending that is sappy and only makes sense if you are a young child...and this is exactly the audience for the film.....young and undemanding kids. But the film shows children in peril, so the younger kids might not enjoy it either. For adults, 2 out of 10. For kids old enough to enjoy it and not be traumatized by it, 5 out of 10.

childhood memories

[natetrishandriley · 9/10 · 22 January 2006]

i, like some other reviewers just cant seem to get this movie out of my head. i woke up and googled it and to my surprise there it was. it has been at least 30 years since i have seen it(only once) and if i close my eyes i can still see the trailer from the movie theater in which 2001 a space odyssey was playing. i have nothing but fond memories of the movie and can still see jack wild (and wasn't mark lester in the movie also?) running around castles on the shores of ireland evading there step dad. i remember jack wilds character biting his step dad on his wrist to get away. did i remember that correctly? i am going on line to see if it is available so i can buy it for my daughter.

Pleasant and amusing diversion - but too naive for modern tastes

[philip-davies31 · 5/10 · 14 July 2020]

Director Ralph Nelson must have welcomed this project as blessed relief from the horrors of his 'Soldier Blue' of the previous year. Following that film - still heavily censored in versions for the US market to avoid showing the appalling genocide of the Native Americans at the notorious Sand Creek massacre of 1864 - we have this gentle, charming, colourful and funny children's film - tuneful, too, with even a young Dana making a winsome appearance. And it's all set in the Irish Republic of a simpler time.

I say gentle, although the brutish stepfather has to be pretty nasty to motivate the flight of his unfortunate charges; and there is also something really sinister lurking behind Ron Moody's brilliantly ridiculous disguises as the wicked Uncle, dead set on murdering the runaway brother and his little sister, who want to live with their kindly Irish Gran, but who will be the heirs of a fortune their Uncle covets for himself, and will inherit if these children can be removed from the succession. However, although he is put to great trouble and many amusing mishaps in his relentless wicked pursuit of these innocents, he just can't do the dirty deed in the end, so he's a big softy really.

The technical side receives the full Hollywood treatment and the film, while not as polished as big-bucks Disney productions, is quite enjoyable. But be warned: It's considered too naive for modern tastes!

An adventure

[USagain · 15 September 1999]

I saw this movie about 25 years ago, and the title has stuck with me all these years. The movie must have impressed me deeply. I remember two children fleeing, attempting to get to a relative some distance away. I was around 9 when I saw the movie, so I can only say it would probably appeal to a younger audience.

Wot Scouse accents?

[Midgegirl · 4/10 · 23 June 2019]

Everone else has covered the good, the bad and the charming about this film, but I felt compelled to add Willie Rushton's awful so-called Scouse accent to the mix. I spent the first 15 minutes assuming it was a shockingly bad Brummie accent, so I was a tad surprised to learn they were allegedly in Liverpool. He was clearly trying to be topical by modelling it on one or more of The Beatles, and got the part because he was a big name in comedy circles at the time, but that didn't stop me wincing painfully every time he opened his mouth. Did people learn nothing from Dick Van Dyke?

A Charming Irish Tale

[dflynch215 · 10/10 · 21 August 2019]

On a recent cloudy, damp afternoon what a pleasure it was to watch Flight of the Doves. This beautifully crafted cinematic effort caused me to reflect on a time of poetic, inspiring filmmaking. The frenetically edited films of today seem to attempt to break decibel levels and inflame the senses. Ralph Nelson's refined direction and Harry Waxman's enchanting cinematography bring an endearing familial adventure to the screen. Galway never looked better. The cast is splendid!

a childhood classic

[peteraanthony · 10/10 · 24 October 2004]

One of my favourites - a fantastic adventure across Ireland - does anyone agree?

Apparently I have to write at least 10 lines - no problem really I can remember huge chunks of the movie. Is it true Jack Wild has cancer ? also there were a few abusive emails flying around under the Flight of the Doves section - not what I expected as I tried to capture some childhood memories - what a cruel world - well anyway Il get over it.

If I remember one quote from the movie from Ron Moody as he was driving along with the kids dressed as a lady_ " I love Ireland the land of Shaw, Yeats , Robbie Burns... Hope I've made my quota - OK back to a lonely bachelor life in London..

Overlooked gem

[pixlink · 9/10 · 2 March 2006]

I saw this movie in the cinema when I was about 10 years old and Ron Moody coming after the Doves with a cargo hook in his hand still haunts me. I am not that surprised the DVD is rated 18! but it was once a kid's movie.

It has many good performances by well known English and Irish actors. The singer Dana both acts in the film and contributes a song to the soundtrack.

I recall that the actor Matt Dillon once said in an interview that it was his favourite movie.

I am surprised it isn't shown more often.Maybe it'll be seen again to show how good an actor Jack Wild was besides Oliver.

Terrible Adaptation

[kevinm-43583 · 5 June 2018]

The book on which this film was supposed to be based is a beloved story from my childhood. I purchased this film thinking it would bring the book to life. Not at all the case. This film is a poorly acted, non-sensical, unfunny, cringe-worthy adaptation that captures nothing of the charm and beauty of the original story. That the screenwriter and director inexplicably decided to take the story in the direction of a dumb comedy/bad musical is one of the great head-scratchers of all time. What a waste. My wish is that someday someone remakes this film and sticks to the original tone and personality of the book. That's a film I'd want to watch. This one is going in the trash.