Fighting Prince of Donegal, The (1966)

[bunniefuu]

[Triumphant music]

*

[upbeat orchestral music]

*

[Soothing string music]

*

- Any news yet?

[Birds chirping]

- Mother!

[Birds chirping]

- Listen to them cryin'.

It's part of the legend.

"The birds will gather

in their hundreds

"when Hugh succeeds Hugh

as prince of donegal

and Ireland shall be free."

[Dog barking]

[Birds chirping]

[Dog barking]

[Dog barking]

- My husband is dead.

- All: God rest his soul.

- My son

is the O'Donnell now.

Hugh has succeeded Hugh.

- The hour has struck,

lady ineen.

Do we strike too?

- Do we fight for Ireland?

[Men arguing loudly]

- No.

We o'donnells can do nothing

by ourselves.

No single clan

is strong enough.

Only if all the clans unite--

the mcsweeneys, the maguires,

the o'neills, o'Connors--

everyone of US--

can we stand up to the English.

- And fight?

- No! Bargain from strength.

- Bargain? For what?

- To be left alone and free!

Not occupied

by English troops!

To protect our coastline

with our own men.

- I say face the English

with an army!

Fight them

before they occupy US!

Show them!

- How will that help Ireland?

By laying waste our lands?

- The legend, Hugh, the legend

that Ireland shall be free!

- If I can make

all the clans unite...

With an army behind me,

the English will listen.

They want no w*r with US,

nor we with them.

- I say fight!

- Fight them!

- Fight! Fight! Fight!

[Men shouting]

- I say no.

We will fight only if they

will not make a treaty.

If they fight US--

all of US, every clan united.

Until then, go home...

And wait for the word.

I'll go to the clan

mcsweeney first.

I'll start at dawn.

- But travel alone, Hugh.

The English have spies

and informers everywhere.

I'll spread the word

that you're visiting mcsweeney

to see Kathleen.

Perhaps the thought

is father to the wish.

And remember, Hugh...

You've inherited

more than a crown.

This is the moment

all Ireland has waited for.

[Bagpipes playing]

[Crowds celebrating]

- Hugh!

That is a young O'Donnell!

- The O'Donnell himself,

mcsweeney.

My father is dead.

- No. No.

That terrible fighting man.

God rest his soul.

- So you know why I'm here.

- Yes. I know.

Come, lad. Silence!

Silence, all of you!

[Castle quiets]

You know who this is.

You knew him here as a boy.

Now know him as the prince

of donegal!

The old prince is dead.

[People moaning]

Wait! The prophecy

has come true!

Hugh has succeeded Hugh!

[People cheering]

- Hugh.

- Kathleen.

- Hugh, your father.

I am sorry.

- Oh, it had to be.

It's been such a long time.

- I'm sorry, O'Donnell.

- What are you doing here,

Henry O'Neill, anyway?

I thought you were wooing

one of the o'Connor beauties

these days.

- Ah, so I was.

However, I failed there

and my heart is broken.

- Again?

- But it's mending fast.

And with Kathleen's help--

- no, find yourself a place

at another table, Henry lad.

Hugh sits with me tonight.

[Laughter]

Quiet! All of you!

Close your mouths.

Open your ears and listen.

You all know the legend

so you know

why the O'Donnell's here.

The time has come

for all of US to fight!

[People cheering]

- [Banging on table]

Quiet! Quiet!

Fight...

For the o'donnells?

- For all of US!

For Ireland!

[People cheering]

- Quiet! Quiet!

- Under the orders

of an O'Donnell

because of an old wives' tale?

[Laughter]

- For a belief!

For a belief.

A faith. A necessity.

You mcsweeneys, the maguires,

the o'Connors,

even the o'neills.

[Laughter]

Then all the rest.

- If the English march north,

we o'neills

can defend ourselves.

[Cheers]

Are you all dreaming?

Legend against

the English g*ns?

- Wait!

Give me your daggers.

- Go on, lad.

- Some of you think each clan

by itself

can stop the English

coming north to occupy US.

Each clan strike a single blow

like this!

- Ah!

- Hey!

- What good will that do?

But like this, and like this,

and this, and this!

[Cheers]

But one direction,

with all of US together,

we can stay free!

- Now do you see?

- Dub thee O'Neill.

[Laughter]

- All right, O'Donnell,

you want to rally Ireland,

show your strength and try

a brawl with an O'Neill!

[Cheers]

- The pipes!

- Father.

- Yeah, girl,

don't spoil the fight.

[Bagpipes play]

[People shouting]

*

- There you go!

Henry!

[Laughter]

- All right, O'Donnell,

I'm with you.

[Cheers]

- Oh, father!

- "Father, father."

Faith, girl.

The liquor has no more effect

on me than water on a dam.

[Laughter]

Every mcsweeney

who's for the O'Donnell,

drink with me.

O'Donnell!

- All: O'Donnell!

- And I'll drink to you.

To our alliance.

To every man who's not afraid

to die for freedom.

To die for Ireland.

- All: Ireland.

- [Whispers] Ireland.

- O'Donnell!

- All: O'Donnell!

[People cheering]

- Oh, isn't she beautiful?

- Yes, she is.

I've thought about you.

Often.

- Are there no girls

in donegal?

You stayed away so long.

- And remembered every minute

of the times

I've spent here with you.

I thought about you.

The way you look.

The way you smile.

The way your eyes shine.

Did you ever think of me?

- Sometimes. Yes.

I wondered if you'd be changed

when I saw you again.

You are changed.

Your speech tonight

when you threw those daggers,

you were as I'd never

seen you before.

- I saw myself then

and I saw more than that.

I saw what a hard task

I have before me.

- You broke its back tonight.

- No, no, no. Only partly.

It'll be the same everywhere

with all the other clans.

We Irish just aren't used

to alliances.

But I know it's the only way

for US to win.

I know it. I've got to make them

believe I'm right.

Do you believe I'm right?

- I hope you're right, Hugh.

- You're so lovely.

Do you know, when you first

came in,

my heart turned over?

- Oh, no.

- Yes.

I've missed you.

I didn't realize how much.

Kathleen...

Wouldn't you know it.

- We're dancing, Kathleen.

Will you come?

- Yes. We will.

- Stay here

and keep an eye on that English

merchantman out there.

It needs watching.

- It will be best, I think,

if we start for Tyrone

and the o'neills' country

tonight before the moon's up.

There's eyes spying

for the English even here.

And after last night,

plenty of tongues to wag.

- Must you go so soon?

- Yes, we must.

There's no time to lose.

- Mm.

- [Grunts roughly]

- An officer from the ship

in the bay, my lord.

- Oh, good day to you

and welcome.

- James Powell,

your honor.

First mate aboard

the merchantman excelsior.

We're trading along the coast

with goods.

You may care to sample

if it pleases you.

- What kind of goods,

master Powell?

- Well, we have blades

from Toledo.

We have silks, woolens,

wine, and Brandy.

All of the very best.

This is just a sample

of what we have.

If you'll allow me.

- Allow you. Uh, by all means,

master Powell.

- This silk is beautiful.

- Toledo steel?

- Uh, your good health.

Oh, nectar it is.

Here. Try some of this, Hugh.

- My captain sent me

to tell you

he would be glad to have you

dine aboard this evening.

There you can decide which wine

you like best.

- Um...

- You too, my lord.

We have other swords

for you to see.

- Can I come along too?

- Uh, your ladyship,

a vessel is a man's world

as they say.

By if you tell their honors,

I'm sure--

- this is a wine

to warm a man's heart.

- Then try the Brandy,

my lord.

- Oh, that I will.

- You'll dine aboard

with US tonight.

It will be our pleasure.

- Oh, sure.

If it's all as good as this...

- I'm afraid, sir, tonight,

we won't be able--

- of course we will.

Tell your captain

we'll be glad to come.

At what hour?

- At sunset.

I'll have a longboat

at the shore.

- At sunset,

we'll be there.

- It will be our pleasure.

Believe me.

I'll leave these goods

with you.

Your servant.

- Until sunset,

master Powell.

- Why did you tell him

we'll go?

You know we can't.

- What's a few hours?

It's not often we get a chance

to taste a wine like this

and free hospitality

from these English rogues.

- We have to leave tonight.

- Now don't you worry, lad.

We'll only stay aboard

an hour or so.

Sure it'll warm US

for the journey.

- Then you go.

I'll stay here.

- Someone will have to go

with him,

see him safely back,

[whispers] Else he'll not leave

for Tyrone tonight.

Someone.

- I wasn't invited.

You go.

I'll take care

of things here.

- Hugh, please. Go.

- All right.

- Oh, it--oh, that's...

[Knock at door]

- The lord mcsweeney, captain,

and a guest, master Hugh.

- Welcome aboard.

- Fine snug quarters

you have here, captain.

- Like you to give

an opinion

on our cargo as well,

your honor.

- Oh, that I will, captain,

with the greatest of pleasure.

Your good health, captain.

[Knock at door]

- One moment.

My other officers,

Mr. Johnson, Mr. Rush.

Help yourselves, gentlemen.

I would like to propose

a toast.

- Oh, as many as you wish.

- This is a wine

from Bordeaux.

A little young

for some tastes.

- Yes, yes,

but very good, I'm sure.

- A little rough as yet.

But it'll improve with keeping.

Bouquet is there.

I think you'll agree.

- I care little about these

refinements, captain.

All I know about wine

is if I like the taste of it.

So let's have your toast

and drink up, eh?

- Gentlemen, I give you

the health

of all those loyal to the queen

of england.

And death to every rebel

in Ireland.

- Sir!

- Now!

[g*nsh*t]

- [Grunting]

You treacherous dogs,

what trick is this?

- That's simple enough.

My orders are to take

the O'Donnell into custody.

You served your purpose

and I thank you.

Put the mcsweeney ashore.

- Take your hands off me!

Take your hands!

Take your hands off me!

- Stay where you are,

my prince of donegal.

You're to be a guest

of the queen.

Mr. Powell,

make ready to sail.

- Sir.

- I don't see why,

your excellency,

we don't march north

and occupy it.

Keep these Irish clans

separate by force.

- No. We shall achieve that

by peaceful means,

captain Leeds.

Those are my orders.

[Rings bell]

Bring in the prisoner.

Master O'Donnell,

welcome to Dublin castle.

I have the honor

to be your host.

Allow me to introduce myself.

I am her majesty's servant,

viceroy of Ireland.

This is captain Leeds,

my Garrison commander.

- And I am the prince of donegal

and nobody's servant.

- Wait outside.

I must apologize

for the manner

in which you were

brought here

and for the necessity

of keeping you here.

The reasons have already

been explained to you

aboard ship, I believe.

- Yes. And I hope my friends

refuse to be intimidated by you.

- You traitorous young--

- Leeds!

Your friends in the north

will be told, master O'Donnell,

that the first sign

of an armed alliance

against my authority,

you will hang.

I'm sure they would not wish

your death any more than I do.

You will be kept here

only so long

as the present state

of emergency with Spain exists.

I promise you

you'll be fairly treated

if you will give me your word

that you will not try to escape.

- No, sir.

I will not promise that.

- No matter.

Escape is impossible

in any case.

Captain Leeds here

will make fairly sure of that.

[Rings bell]

We shall meet from time to time,

I'm sure.

Take the prince of donegal

to his quarters.

- Prince of donegal,

indeed.

I'd put him in a dungeon,

the insolent young pup.

- Just guard him well,

captain.

That's all you have to do.

- Your excellency.

- Face front!

Now, who's it going

to be today?

You!

And you.

Right, fall out!

[Prisoners cheering]

- Enjoy your fresh air.

- Who are these people?

- Men from wicklow and cork.

Fought the English when they

came to occupy their towns.

- And yourself?

- I'm Sean O'Toole.

You're red Hugh of donegal.

I heard they brought you here.

News travels fast in this place.

[Prisoners cheering]

[Prisoners quiet]

- Well, well, well...

The prince of donegal.

Let's see how well you fight.

[Kicks quarterstaff]

- When I fight, captain,

it will not be

with a quarterstaff.

- Pick it up.

"Pick it up," I said.

You, pick that up.

Defend yourself, O'Donnell.

[Prisoners cheering]

Aha ha. That's better.

Come on.

[Kicks quarterstaff]

- Pick it up.

- Ah, you...

[Groans]

- [Grunts]

- [Chuckling]

Ah ah!

[Prisoners cheering]

Ah.

- Give in or I'll break

your arm.

- Guards! Guards!

Put him in irons.

Confine him to his cell

from now on.

[Prisoners laughing]

- Come on, my lord.

[Laughter continues]

[Thunder rumbles]

[Scratching]

[Scratching continues]

[Thunder rumbles]

[Scratching continues]

[Scratching continues]

- Hello.

- How did you get these out?

- I worked at it for weeks

to talk to a friend

in your cell.

By the time I got through,

they had him hanged.

- What did you use?

They won't let me even have

a knife.

- Keep your voice down.

Part of the steel

from my leg brace.

- Do you mean you...

Where does this chimney

lead to?

- The battlements.

- If I'm caught with this,

I'll involve you.

- I'll chance that.

[Door unlocks]

- Good evening to you.

Unlock the prisoner's

shackles.

Don't make your stay here

more unpleasant than it need be,

master O'Donnell.

You have a head

on your shoulders.

Use it.

The speeches of her majesty.

I hope you've been improving

your mind while you're here.

You have two things in common

with her, you know.

- Yes?

- Stubborn pride is one.

No bad thing of itself.

- And the other?

- She was herself

a political prisoner

in the tower of London

when she was not much younger

than you are now.

She has great sympathy

for you.

- She has a strange way

of showing it.

- She said to me at the time

of ordering your arrest,

"why must history

always be written in blood?

"It need not be.

I would not wish

this young man's death."

- [Quickly]

Couldn't the queen...

Have made a treaty with US

not to occupy the north

rather than arrest me?

- Actions do better than words

in politics, master O'Donnell.

- I'll remember that.

- And remember too...

I'm obliged to support

my officers...

Even when they act unwisely.

It would be bad

for discipline

if one of them

were to lose face.

So you must remain

in solitary confinement

for one more week.

[Knocks at door]

Try to make the best

of your time.

- Oh, I will try.

[Door unlocks]

[Latch opens]

[Latch locks]

[Thunder rumbles]

- [Shivers]

[Laughter]

[Thunder rumbles]

[Metal bar resounds]

- You can be grateful

for the storm

with the noise you're making.

[Thunder rumbles]

- I almost...

[Bar rattling]

Almost have it free.

Yes.

[Thunder rumbles]

[Loud metallic bang]

- What are you doing now?

- If I can get another one

of these free,

you'll be able

to crawl through.

We can both get out

by the chimney.

- Don't be a fool.

It took me weeks

to loosen the blocks

that are out now.

Go on, Hugh, get away.

Hugh, it's impossible.

- [Exhales]

[Metal bounces off floor]

[Thunder rumbles]

- When you're clear,

head south

for the wicklow mountains.

My uncle O'Toole

will help you.

- Who'll help you?

- You will.

Raise your standard

and fight for Ireland.

That's the only way

you'll get me free.

Go now.

- Right.

- Hugh. Can you give me back

my steel?

I cannot walk without it.

- Oh. [Laughs]

Sorry.

- Good luck.

[Thunder rumbles]

[Footsteps approaching]

[Feet sliding]

- Who's there?

- [Mimics accent] I'm taking

some ale to the guardhouse.

- Ah. Tell 'em to save some

for me.

[Guards laughing]

- Where's your dice then?

I don't know where they've gone.

It's your turn.

- No, it's not. It's yours.

- All right then.

I'll play.

[Laughter]

[Cheering]

- Hey. Hey.

- What's that?

- Come with me.

- Go ahead.

- Come on.

- Hit it!

[Wind blowing]

[Wind blowing]

[Bell ringing]

[Gate slams shut]

[Bell ringing]

[Dogs barking]

[Oars splashing]

[Keg rumbles]

- Here he is, boys.

Red Hugh O'Donnell himself.

We've been all day and night

looking for you, lad.

- Who are you?

- Phelim O'Toole.

- You knew

I was in these parts?

- There are eyes

in every valley, boy,

even if you didn't see them.

And some of them spying

for the English.

You are none too far ahead

of their patrols.

- Will you help me

to get back to donegal?

- Heh. Ah, sure.

Sure that I will.

Come on.

Look down there.

- Look, they're on both sides

of US!

- They've seen US.

Run for it!

- No, it's too late.

Give up!

- Go!

- Phelim O'Toole

at your honor's service.

Handing over

an escaped prisoner.

- You were heading south

away from Dublin.

- Toward glencree.

I was gonna

hand him over there.

I hope there's a reward

for him.

- Your reward is

that I don't call you a liar.

I knew we should have

kept you in irons, O'Donnell.

After this, I promise you

we will.

Tie him up and put him

on a horse.

- I'll k*ll you first.

- Take him!

- You traitor!

Oh!

- Take him away.

And you, O'Toole,

get back to your castle

and stay there.

Be grateful I'm not taking you

to Dublin too.

- I am, captain. I am.

Believe me,

I'll not forget this.

- [Sighs]

- Hugh.

- You too?

- Found out how you got away.

- You're lucky the viceroy

didn't hang you for it.

And he might still do that.

[Laughs]

[Door closes]

- How far did you get?

- To the edge of your country.

I was with the O'Toole himself

when I was trapped.

Next time...

- Next time?

How can there be a next time

from a place like this?

- I don't know.

But there will be.

There must be.

- I had to let them

take him.

So I rode north

as fast as I could.

The word I get

from Dublin castle

is that Hugh might be removed

to London to the tower.

- Unless that is a bluff.

- The queen does not bluff.

She's a politician, yes.

But she's a realist.

She'd hang her grandmother

if she was a threat

to the crown.

- But if we asked her

for a treaty,

offer terms,

bargain with them

for my son's freedom

while there's still time.

- Swallow our pride

and go cap in hand to Dublin

like a crowd of beggars?

- Yes. I'm prepared

to do just that!

The viceroy, they say,

is a reasonable man

for an englishman.

And even if he rejects

the treaty,

Hugh could be no worse off

than he is now

even in their

bloodstained tower.

- Hugh might be, mcsweeney.

He might arrest you too.

- Well, I'll risk that.

- I'll go with you.

- Take me too.

Please, father.

- You, girl? Have you lost

your senses?

- Please. They might let me

see him. Please.

If they don't sign the treaty,

I won't see him for years.

Maybe never if they take him

to the tower.

- No.

- Yes, mcsweeney.

Hugh would want to see her.

That I know.

And with you and Henry there,

what harm could come to her?

Take her, mcsweeney.

- Hmm?

- Oh, fates,

if we could get the men

to band together

like the women,

Ireland's freedom

would be easy.

Oh.

- If I may say so,

captain,

it's been the viceroy's

policy to--

- I don't care

about the viceroy's policy.

He's not here and I am.

[Knocking at door]

Yes?

- A deputation from the north

in the anteroom, captain.

The mcsweeney and the son

of the O'Neill

asking to see

his excellency.

- I will see them.

Send them in.

- Yes, sir.

- I'm captain Leeds,

deputizing for the viceroy.

He is in London.

- I am the mcsweeney.

Henry, son of the O'Neill.

My daughter, Kathleen.

- And what do you want?

- I'm here to speak

for the northern clans,

my own, the o'neills,

o'Connors, and O'Donnell,

to offer a treaty.

- A treaty. Hmm.

With you?

- If you will forward the terms

we proposed to his excellency.

- I have the authority

to act for him.

What is this treaty,

mcsweeney?

- If we guarantee

to defend our coast

against invasion from Spain,

place an agreed number

of men-at-arms

at the queen's disposal

under her orders

and officered by ourselves...

- Wait a moment.

- At no cost to the queen,

whose representatives

may inspect our positions

at any time,

if in return,

she will Grant--

- give me that.

Wait in the anteroom.

I will study it.

- Can we not discuss our--

- I said I will study it,

mcsweeney.

- Captain Leeds,

may I ask a favor from you?

- A favor?

- Your permission to visit

the prince of donegal.

- That is not possible.

- I beg you captain

to make it possible.

I beg you. Please.

- I'm afraid not.

- Please.

- What harm can there be

in the letting the young lady

see him, captain?

- If not for his sake,

then for mine.

- My orders are--

- come, sir, what harm?

There's not a man in the castle

who would not praise you for it.

- Oh, very well.

He may see you.

For a few minutes only.

But under guard.

If you are present,

you are respons...

And the lady

must be searched.

- I'll agree to anything you say

just so long as I can see him.

- I said wait in the anteroom,

mcsweeney.

I will send for you

when I need you.

[Door rebounds off wall]

- When they first told me

you were here,

I couldn't believe it.

I still can't believe it.

- Oh, Hugh.

I thought, and prayed,

and hoped they'd let you go.

I've been frightened

for you.

- [Laughs]

We have so little time.

Not now. Don't talk

about that now.

Let me look at you.

Touch you.

I dreamed about this

so often.

- I too.

I love you.

- Truly?

- Truly.

I didn't know before

when you...

Well, laugh and--

and make fun.

I didn't know it was possible

to feel like this.

- Oh, I love you too.

I always have. Hold me.

How did you come here?

- With my father

and Henry O'Neill.

- Wait, what?

- They came to bargain for you

with the English.

- And put their heads

into a noose?

- No, they brought a treaty.

- The English won't bargain!

- Don't even say it.

They have to.

Oh, Hugh, I couldn't go back

without you now.

I couldn't.

- Whatever happens,

promise to wait for me.

I won't be in here forever.

They can't keep me forever.

They can't.

And when I'm free,

oh, Kathleen, when I'm free...

Don't cry.

Don't cry.

- No. I won't cry.

I won't.

- I'm sorry.

Time's up, O'Donnell.

You must go back

to your cell.

- Don't let him see

your tears.

Remember everything.

I will.

- May I?

- Yes, of course.

Lady Kathleen.

- The answer is no.

- Without discussion?

- You seriously think

that in return

for these promises of yours,

the prince of donegal

would be released?

- In exchange for his freedom,

we offer you an army.

- Under your own command.

And what guarantee

that the hothead O'Donnell

won't unite you all

and fight US?

- Our word, captain.

- Your word.

[Chuckles] Your word.

I have been here long enough,

mcsweeney,

to know how much reliance to put

on the word of you Irish.

- When does

the viceroy return

so we may discuss this

with a gentleman?

- Which I am not?

- Which clearly you are not.

- Wait, boy.

- Get out of here

before I lose my temper.

- As well as your manners?

- Henry.

- Go home, mcsweeney.

Tell your friends

the answer's no.

- Not until

we've been allowed--

- I said get out of h--

guard, arrest that man.

- Captain Leeds!

- Arrest him!

- You can't do this!

- Keep out of this, mcsweeney,

or I'll take you too.

- Next time we'll meet,

I'll teach you a lesson

in manners!

- Henry, what happened?

- Well, we came to bargain

for your freedom.

And the discussion led

to hard words

between the charming

captain Leeds and myself.

So I joined you here.

- Joining me in a dungeon

is hardly going to help

to gain our freedom.

- Well, two heads

are better than one

to plan an escape

and three better than two.

- You're lucky yours is still

on your shoulders!

Of all the irresponsible,

stupid--

- but why? You didn't get

very far trying to get away

by yourself, did you?

Now with me here to help you,

they don't stand a chance.

[Mouse squeaking]

- Ha.

[Mouse squeaking]

- Caught him. Ha.

Now don't worry. There.

[Door unlocks and opens]

Oh, you'd think they'd be glad

to have a friend to join them,

wouldn't you?

- How can you tell

when a mouse is glad?

[Laughs]

You ought to train them

to run races.

- Can't train mice.

- Yes, you can.

I have.

When I was a boy

on my father's farm,

I used to catch them

in the barn.

I had six of them.

I used to teach them

all kinds of things.

- What?

- Well, to jump over sticks.

And to come one by one

to eat from my hand.

- Where was this?

- In england.

- In england?

Well, you sound Irish to me.

- My mother was Irish.

- This last one looks cleverer

than the first two.

I'm gonna call him O'Neill.

- You're new, aren't you?

What's your name?

- Martin.

The only way to train them

is by rewarding them

with bits of food.

- What, the food here?

That's no reward

even to mice.

- It's better than what we get,

master.

Be grateful for it.

- Oh, we are. We are.

But would the mice be?

- [Laughs]

- They'll probably get out

of there.

- Not without being helped,

they won't.

Makes me feel like a jailor.

- I suppose that's a feeling

you get used to,

isn't it, Martin?

- Your mother must be proud

to have a son a jailor

to Irish prisoners.

- And sell his pride

for a shilling or two.

- Times are hard.

- Uh, how much

is a jailor's pay, Martin?

- Little enough.

Even less than a soldier's.

- And he's as much a prisoner

as the men he guards.

- That's true.

- What do you mean?

- You're a prisoner.

You'll still be here

long after we've gone.

Are you happy under the yolk,

Martin?

- Leave me alone.

I have my duty to do.

- What about your duty

to yourself?

What would you do

if you had money to choose?

- Fancies and daydreams

aren't for the likes of me.

- Why not?

Any man can dream.

What would you do?

- Come on. Tell US.

- Yes, tell US, Martin.

Why not?

- Well...I'd buy a farm.

Like my father

and his father before him.

- Is your father

still living?

- No. He died of the plague

years ago.

- And your mother,

where's she?

- She's a servant

in London.

- In London.

She must hate that.

- She has to live.

- But what kind of a life?

Poor soul.

- When did you last see her,

Martin?

- Two years ago.

- If you had money enough

to buy the farm,

you'd have her with you,

wouldn't you?

- That I would.

Ah, don't talk about it.

- Martin.

- What?

- There's a way

for you to escape your bondage

and be a hero

to all Ireland.

- What way?

- Help US.

When I get my freedom,

I'll give you yours

and your farm.

- You're asking me to risk

my life.

There are high stakes.

No. No.

- Something on account.

- Come on, Martin,

what are you doing?

Hurry up, will you?

- These...

Are real?

- Yes.

And I have more.

- If I was caught...

I'll...I'll have to think

it over.

- Come on, Martin!

Haven't got all day to wait

for you.

[Door locking]

- I've arranged a place

where--where you can change

your clothes.

And a horse is waiting

outside the city walls.

If we get that far.

- Don't worry.

We'll get that far.

- When will my next payment be?

- When we're clear

and in the mountains.

- No. No. I'm not going

that far with you.

- But you can't stay here.

If we escape,

they'll hang you.

- I didn't mean

to stay here.

I'll move down the coast

and get a ship.

If I stayed with you,

your countrymen would k*ll me.

- Oh, it's not true,

Martin.

You've got to trust me

as I trust you.

[Footsteps approaching]

- Look out.

- Quick, the file!

[Door unlocks]

- Good evening.

Forgive me for neglecting you

for so long.

Any complaints?

- Wouldn't it be uncivil

to criticize your hospitality,

captain?

- Stand on your feet

when I come in, O'Donnell.

- Uh, sorry. You make me

too nervous, captain.

- I've had a dispatch

from england.

You're to be removed

from here

and taken

to the tower of London.

- When?

- The day after tomorrow.

I'll be glad to see the back

of you, O'Donnell.

Open up!

[Door locking]

- Tower.

Once they get me there,

that's...

That's--that's the end

of everything.

Martin.

It's tomorrow night

or not at all.

- I don't know, master.

But...I'll tr--I'll try.

- He's not coming.

I tell you, the little rat's

not coming.

- Yes, he is.

- It's too late.

He must've given US away.

- I don't believe it.

He'll come.

He has to.

[Door opens]

- Here. Take these.

You might need them.

Hurry. Now come on.

Follow me.

- Away you go.

[Water flowing]

- This trap leads

to the storm drain.

[Water flowing]

- Oh, it's cold!

- O'Neill, shut up.

- Sean.

- After you. Go on. Quickly.

- Tie the rope end

to the cover

and let yourself down!

- I'm not going.

- Sean, come on!

- I'd only be a hindrance

to you.

Go without me.

- I'll make you.

- Go without me.

Good luck.

- Come on, masters,

we're wasting time!

- [Coughing]

- This must be where it goes

under the castle wall.

- It's either drown or hang.

I'll go first.

- [Panting]

No, I can't swim!

I'd soon--I'd sooner handle

a horse underwater.

- But you didn't have to.

[Door opening]

[Door closes]

- You try to drown me--

- shh. Quiet. What now?

- Follow me.

- How did they escape?

Answer me!

I warn you, O'Toole,

we have the means here

to make you answer.

- It must've been

by magic, captain.

Maybe the little people

came and got them out.

- That's enough.

If they are not recaptured,

my friend,

I'll hang you.

Take him away.

Warn the guards

at every gate.

Send patrols out.

Scour the city!

These prisoners

must not get away!

If they do, the queen

will have our heads for it.

See to it!

- Have you any idea at all

where you're going?

- Yes.

But all these patrols...

- We're just going around

in circles.

- Come on. This way.

This way.

Half the Garrison will be--

- shh.

[Soldiers marching]

- Half the Garrison will be

in the streets by now.

Here, masters.

Put these on.

Quickly.

- What?

- They're the best

I could find.

But it's your only chance.

- You've spent a lot of time

chasing everything in skirts.

Now you'll learn

how it feels.

- Now listen,

when you leave here,

turn left then right

into cross street.

- Cross.

- The city wall's

at the far end.

I'll go on ahead

and leave the rope hanging.

I'll meet you on the other side.

And I won't wait long.

- Oh, wait.

All right, let's go.

[Laughs]

- [Laughs]

- Come on.

- And the next one.

Next one. Get down, I said!

[Men's shoes splashing]

- You two, hold!

Ah.

- Ah!

- Ah!

- Ah!

- Go on.

You go up first.

- Hold there. You!

Get back to the wall.

Come along.

Round the guardhouse.

- All right.

Be careful.

It's my leg.

- [Grunts]

Aah!

[Guard crashes to ground]

[Soldiers chattering]

- My reward now, sir.

My reward.

- When we are clear.

- No, I told you,

I'm not going with you.

I'm heading for the coast.

Good luck, masters.

- Right, if he escaped,

I'm not gambling on the search

patrols finding them.

We've lost our hostage

so we'll take another.

Donegal castle itself

before the O'Donnell

can reach it.

- Attack the north?

Without orders from england?

- There's no time to wait

for that.

I'm taking donegal.

- And taking the law

into your own hands?

Now with me, Leeds.

- Nor with me.

- You'll do as I order.

- The viceroy's orders...

- I don't care

about the viceroy's orders.

With the castle in our hands,

gentlemen,

O'Donnell will have

to surrender.

That's all that matters.

And there's no time to waste.

We march north now.

h* h*, but a Mark!

At last there's an excuse

to fight these Irish.

[Goats bleating]

- How do you feel?

- My leg throbs.

Fact that I can feel it

is a good sign.

Do you suppose our people know

that we're free?

- [Scoffs] Free?

We're about as free as foxes

gone to earth in a hunt.

- Why don't you go on

by yourself.

You're the one that has

to get through.

- And tell your father

and Kathleen

that I left you?

- Kathleen.

No, I wouldn't want you

to reach Kathleen before I do.

I'm going to win that girl,

Hugh O'Donnell.

- You want to bet?

- Certainly.

[Twig snaps]

- [Gasping]

- If you put down

that dagger,

you'll be much safer

at our cottage than here,

master O'Donnell.

[Women laugh]

- [Groans]

Oh, you have such

a healing touch.

- You lie quiet now.

It is a mercy we found you

before that wound

had gone bad in you.

- I'll be grateful to you

for the rest of my life.

I'll always remember you,

bridgette.

- Moira, not bridgette.

That's my younger sister.

- Moira.

Oh, that's a beautiful name.

As lovely as yourself.

Oh, my head aches, moira.

- Now, you stop that

and lie quiet.

[Door opens]

- How is he now?

- And what do you want?

- He's dying.

Can't you see?

- Yes, I can see.

- I'll, uh, I'll send in

some food, your honor.

- Thank you.

- [Giggles]

- Can't you behave?

How does the leg feel now?

- Oh, it's better.

Sore, but better.

Where are the horses?

- I've hidden them.

It worries me US being here.

It puts these people in danger.

[Door opens]

- There's food for you

in the kitchen, your honor.

- Thank you.

- Stay...here...

To feed me.

I-I-I feel weak.

Too weak to sit up,

bridgette.

- I'm niav.

Bridgette is my other sister.

- Niav.

Oh, that's a beautiful name

for such a lovely girl.

If you'd just like to sit here

beside me...

Oh, you have

such a healing touch.

- Now, you drink this broth.

- And your hand is so cool.

- Niav.

We're waiting supper

for you.

- Yes, mother,

but his--his honor here--

- if he's too weak

to feed himself, I'll do it.

- [Snickers]

- I think I can manage, ma'am.

- I'm sure you can.

[Spoon bounces off floor]

- You can rest here

for awhile.

I doubt the soldiers

will come searching

this far from the road.

- No, no. We--we must get on

as soon as it's light.

We don't want to put you

in more danger.

You've done quite enough

for US already.

- 'Tis for Ireland,

is it not?

- [Whispers] I brought you

some bread if you'd like it.

- Why, thank you, bridgette.

- How do you know my name?

- A girl as pretty as you

would have to be called

bridgette.

- Bridgette.

- It was a kindly thought

she had.

- I'm sure it was.

- Come on, boy.

[Clicks tongue] Come on.

[Clicks tongue] Choh choh

choh choh choh.

Choh choh choh choh choh.

[Dog barking]

Mother! Mother!

- Mercy on US.

What's this?

- Have you seen any strangers

hereabouts, old woman?

- Strangers?

- Yes. Two of them.

We found their horses tethered

just over the hill.

So they can't be far away.

- Sure I know nothing

of horses, your honor.

- I'm talking about men.

- We have sorrow in this house

this day, your honor.

- Yes,

you may be having more.

Two of you, look out

in the back.

You two search this place.

- Don't go into that room,

your honor, sir.

- Why?

What are you hiding?

- Hiding, sir?

Sure I wouldn't dream of hiding

anything on a nobel man

like yourself, sir.

- Quite so.

Well, you just stand there.

- [Crying]

- Honor the dead,

your worship.

My old mother.

She just passed away

of a contagion.

- [Exhales] Oh.

- [Coughs]

- Shh. Shh.

[Shoe scrapes floor]

- Have pity on our grieving.

- [Exhales]

- All right.

I'm, uh, I'm sorry

for your trouble, old woman.

Mount up!

Get back to the road.

[People yelling, screaming]

- What treachery is this?

- Your son has escaped

from Dublin.

That is why we're here.

- Hugh's free?

- I'm holding donegal

and you, madam,

until he surrenders

to me.

- He will never surrender.

- Not when I have you

and the lady Kathleen

taken to Dublin jail?

- So we're fighting

Irish women now, are we?

- That's up to the O'Donnell.

- If Hugh is free,

he is not alone by now.

The clans will rally to him.

- That will not help you.

Let him think on that.

- Look.

- O'Connor!

- Hey, Hugh O'Donnell!

- O'Connor.

- O'Donnell.

We've been searching

the length and breadth

of Ireland for you.

The English have taken

donegal castle.

- They've taken it?

- Aye. The mcsweeney's

have gathered the clans.

- The o'neills,

the maguires.

- My people, yours,

all of US waiting for you.

- The English have donegal.

This is the main gate

to the castle.

We place our cannons

east and west--here and here--

to fire at sunrise

when the English raise

their flag.

Our main force

will take up position here

in the gully

under cover of darkness

and charge

when the gate is open.

- Opened by whom,

the blessed angels themselves?

- By me. I'll be inside

the castle.

- How?

- At the foot

of the north wall here

is a bricked up tunnel

leading to the old dungeons.

Henry and I will take

a raiding party,

and set a mine there,

and blow it

when the canons fire.

This should draw most

of the Garrison to the walls

while we get in.

- To be trapped

in the dungeons,

it's a wild risk

you're taking.

- My father taught me

that victory goes to him

who takes the greatest risk.

- Now remember, Hugh,

my Kathleen and your mother

are held hostage there.

- That's the greatest risk

of all.

Well...

Now is the hour

we put the prophecy to test.

Many here will die.

But we fight for Ireland.

For freedom.

Every one of US.

And now before we go,

pray with me

the battle prayer.

Oh, lord god,

when thou givest thy servants

to endeavor

any great matter,

Grant US also to know

that it is not the beginning,

but the continuing

of the same

until it be

thoroughly finished,

which yieldeth

the true glory.

- Amen.

- All: Amen.

[Sword clinks loudly]

[Footsteps approaching]

- Get up.

Man the ramparts!

You, you, musketeers,

cannoneers to the courtyard!

You, get to the tower.

Secure the prisoners.

Come on. Follow me.

- It must be Hugh.

- Ah!

- Oh!

- Aah!

- [Banging on door]

[Cannon fire]

- Captain Leeds!

The women prisoners.

They've locked themselves

in the tower.

- Well, break down the door,

you fool!

Get to them!

[Cannon fire]

- Come on, break it down.

- Cover the gate.

[Cannon fire]

[Soldiers marching]

[Hugh thuds against wood]

- Ugh!

- Aah!

[Soldier crashes to ground]

[Axe crashes to ground]

- Captain,

it's the O'Donnell!

- Get him! Stop him!

[Cannon fire]

Get him!

- Ugh.

[Cannon fire]

- Ah!

- Forward!

[Bagpipes play]

*

charge!

[Irishmen yelling]

*

[g*nf*re continues]

- Ready!

Halt! Take your aim.

- Leeds!

[Sword blades clashing]

[Irishmen cheering]

- [Grunts]

[Irishmen cheering]

- Go on. Go on. k*ll me.

k*ll US all!

And the queen will send an army

to avenge US!

- Get up.

Your soldiers can go back

to Dublin

and say that

if we're attacked again,

the queen will have a w*r

on her hands.

But you stay here, Leeds.

- Stay?

- Until Sean O'Toole's returned

to US alive.

Two can play

the hostage game.

[Scattered laughter]

[Irishmen laughing]

[Scattered laughter]

[Irishmen laughing]

[Bagpipes play,

celebrants clapping]

*

- The best thing

about fighting

is the terrible thirst

it gives a man!

*

Now, quiet!

[Bagpipe music stops]

Everybody with me now!

The old song!

[Celebrants cheer]

* proudly the note

of the trumpet is sounding *

- men: * loudly the w*r-cries

arise on the Gale *

* fleetly the steed

by loch suilig is bounding *

* to join the thick squadrons

in saimear's green vale *

* on every mountaineer,

strangers to flight and fear *

* rush to the standards

of dauntless red Hugh *

* connacht and gallowglass

throng from each mountain pass *

- now what's your name,

my pretty?

- Moire.

- Moire.

That's a name like a song.

* princely O'Neill to our aid

is advancing *

* with many a chieftain

- they're at it again!

- [Laughs]

- I've had enough of fighting

for the day.

Haven't you?

Come on. Come with me.

- * the borders brave

from the banks of the band *

* many a heart shall quail

under its coats of mail *

* deeply the merciless foemen

shall rule *

* when on his ear shall ring,

borne on the breeze's wing *

* tyrconnell's dread w*r-cry

O'Donnell abu! *

[singing continues]