 Biographical drama based on the early life of playwright Sean O Casey, depicting his rise from the 1910 Dublin slums to the celebrated openings of his early plays. Johnny Cassidy (Rod Taylor), an impoverished idealist whose ambitions are restricted by the demands of looking after his family, journeys through the social injustices of Dublin life - involving himself with the rowdy tramway-men strike, dawdling with prostitute Daisy Battles (Julie Christie), seeking a better life. He falls in love with bookshop assistant Nora (Maggie Smith) who encourages him toward a life of writing. Finding success at the Abbey Theatre, his unorthodox views estrange him from family, friends and his own past. Unable to cope, Nora deserts him and he heads off for England alone. Wonderful supporting cast includes Flora Robson, Michael Redgrave, Edith Evans, Jack MacGowran, and Sian Phillips. Halfway through the film, director John Ford fell ill and was replaced by cinematographer/director Jack Cardiff ("Sons and Lovers").