John Ford's modestly budgeted “art film” defied most of Hollywood's conventions and carried off four Academy Awards; it stands today as a landmark in the history of film. Set against the Sinn Fein Rebellion in Dublin in 1922, the entire story (based on Liam O'Flaherty's novel) takes place in a period of 12 hours. Ford's conception relies almost entirely on visual effects--here he is given to symbolism as never before--contrasting with sparse and realistic dialogue. Victor McLaglen gives the performance of a lifetime as the slow-witted Gypo Nolan, who betrays his friend Frankie to the police as a revolutionary in exchange for 20 quid with which he plans to take his prostitute girlfriend to America. The film chronicles Gypo's blind treachery, his celebration on the proceeds, his inner torment, and his trial and execution.