"Cromwell"

Alec Guinness and Richard Harris star as king and commoner in the British Civil War of 1640-49. Director Ken Hughes succeeds in telescoping the wide reaches of the action into a manageable sequence of events centering on the two principals. The lavish historical spectacle, the issues it raises and the competence of its performances make interesting viewing, especially for those studying its history in school. Spanish titles option. The Catholic News Service classification is A-I – general patronage. The Motion Picture Association rating is G – general audiences. All ages admitted. (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray)

"The Great White Hope"

Fictionalized but hardly sanitized story based on the life of prizefighter and onetime heavyweight champion of the world, Jack Johnson, here named Jack Jefferson. Set in the early decades of the century, the narrative traces the swift rise and sudden, prolonged fall of the giant black boxer, played with burning intensity by James Earl Jones. Directed by Martin Ritt, the movie is a stinging indictment of the racial attitudes of the time. A strong film both visually and verbally, it should be approached with clear eyes and an open mind. Spanish language and titles options. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG – parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment)

"The Molly Maguires"

Hard-hitting drama set in the Pennsylvania coal mining fields during the 1880s when the mine owners hire an undercover agent (Richard Harris) to ferret out the leaders (Sean Connery and Anthony Zerbe) of a secret band of miners known as the Molly Maguires who resort to terrorist tactics to force better pay and working conditions. Director Martin Ritt has made a thoughtful movie about the futility of using violence to redress injustices. More menace than bloodshed. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II – adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG – parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. (Paramount Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray)

"Ned Kelly"

Uneven but engrossing British production about an Irish outlaw gang led by Kelly whose exploits in 1870s Australia grew in legend after betrayal by one of their own led to their capture and execution by the Crown. Mick Jagger in the title role gives a successful portrayal as the embittered, hardened man-child outlaw. Tony Richardson's bold and sweeping direction, the beautifully muted color photography, and the bittersweet ballads about the now folk hero sung by Waylon Jennings (and composed by Shel Silverstein) are more than enough to recommend it. Some fairly graphic violence. Spanish language and titles options. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG – parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. (Olive Films; also available on Blu-ray)

"Patton"

George C. Scott's complex portrayal of Gen. George S. Patton conveys a paradoxical, multifaceted character whose love of the fray and intense will to win were grounded in a deep-seated hatred of war itself. Director Franklin Schaffner's powerful dramatization is neither a glorification of war nor an anti-war tract but pays homage to a career officer who, unfortunately, could only achieve his destiny in wartime. Violence and profanity within a realistic context. Spanish language and titles options. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II – adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG – parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray)

Mulderig is on the staff of Catholic News Service.