Maureen O'Hara: The Biography

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The young Maureen FitzSimons on the cusp of stardom. An early studio still shows her in “sultry siren” mode. This image wouldn’t last long. A dramatic scene from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. A hirsute Tyrone Power looks somewhat like Rhett Butler as he cradles “Scarlet” O’Hara in his arms in a posed publicity still from The Black Swan. (Courtesy Sales Production) She appeared opposite a rougher-than-usual Tyrone Power in The Black Swan. Staving off Power’s romantic advances in The Black Swan. Looking every inch the happily married woman—though this was far from the case. O’Hara groomed to perfection against a luxurious backdrop. She may not have done “leg art,” but this shot of her plunging neckline more than satisfied hotblooded males. At home with her beloved dogs. Posed studio still with Joel McCrea from Buffalo Bill in 1944. A smoldering O’Hara shows off those famous green eyes, with her hair uncharacteristically parted in the middle. A relaxed pose that didn’t match her fiery screen persona. Another stunning mid1940s portrait. O’Hara gazes adoringly at Henry Fonda, one of her favorite costars, in The Immortal Sergeant. (Courtesy Sales Production) A fairly typical 1940s pose emphasizing her stubborn demeanor and strong character. (Courtesy Sales Production) (Below) In heated discussion with Anthony Quinn and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. in Sinbad the Sailor in 1947. Displaying a more triumphant mood with Fairbanks. In Miracle on 34th Street (1947) O’Hara starred opposite the young Natalie Wood. O’Hara’s Celtic mood on a 1949 magazine cover. (Courtesy Sales Production) The “come hither” look usually promised more than it delivered. (Courtesy Sales Production) Poster from Flame of Araby, one of her “Maureen Sahara” outings. (Courtesy Sales Production) Poster from Kangaroo, one of her less felicitous assignments. (Courtesy Sales Production) The scowling firebrand. (Above) With John Wayne in her favorite and most famous movie, The Quiet Man. (Below) The wedding scene from The Quiet Man. O’Hara’s classic “don’t mess with me” expression that became her trademark. She could also show great charm. Distaff knight-errant opposite Errol Flynn in Against All Flags in 1952. Squaring up to Flynn with typical arrogance in Against All Flags. (Courtesy Sales Production) Although she seems to be feeling the heat of Jeff Chandler’s ardor, in reality she likened the experience to “acting with a broomstick.” (Courtesy Sales Production) The (anti)climactic would-be nude scene from the ill-fated Lady Godiva. An earlier shot from Lady Godiva. Wrapping up for the Irish weather in the late 1950s. O’Hara made a transition from comely maiden to trendy mother for The Parent Trap. With her good friend Brian Keith in The Parent Trap. In a dramatic scene with Keith from The Parent Trap. Sparring with the Duke in one of their late “spoof” westerns, McLintock! O’Hara made a controversial return to movies in 1991 to star in Only the Lonely after a twenty-year hiatus. ...