Watch Alfred Hitchcock's: Juno and The Paycock

Alfred Hitchcock's "Juno and The Paycock" is a gripping drama set in the slums of Dublin in the early 1920s, against the backdrop of the Irish War of Independence. The movie is based on a play by Sean O'Casey and stars Sidney Morgan as Juno Boyle, the matriarch of a poor Dublin family struggling to survive in the midst of political upheaval.

The movie opens with Juno's husband, Captain Jack Boyle, played by Barry Fitzgerald, returning home from a pub after a long night of drinking. Jack is a lazy and shiftless man, who spends most of his time avoiding work and chasing after women. Juno is the opposite of her husband, she is hardworking and responsible, and is the glue that holds the family together.

Despite their financial struggles, the Boyle family is initially happy, with their son Johnny, played by John Laurie, being hailed as a hero for his role in a recent republican rebellion. However, things take a turn for the worse when Johnny is arrested and put on trial, accused of murder. The family's fortunes take another hit when they receive news that a distant relative has left them a sizeable inheritance. However, their hopes of a better life are dashed when they learn that the inheritance is only a myth, and that they have been taken in by a cruel hoax.

As the family struggles to cope with these setbacks, Juno emerges as the strong and steady presence that holds them together. She works tirelessly to keep the family fed and housed, even taking in a pregnant neighbor who has been abandoned by her husband. Her husband, on the other hand, sinks deeper into despair, drowning his sorrows in alcohol and blaming everyone but himself for the family's problems.

The movie shines a light on the plight of working-class families in the early 20th century, as they cope with poverty, political unrest, and the difficult choices that come with them. The characters are all flawed and human, with their own strengths and weaknesses, making the story feel real and relatable.

The performances are top-notch, with Sidney Morgan delivering a standout performance as Juno. She captures the character's warmth and resilience, while also showing her vulnerability and pain. Barry Fitzgerald is also excellent as Captain Jack, portraying the character's flaws and selfishness in a way that is both believable and sympathetic. John Laurie is also notable as Johnny, imbuing the character with a sense of tragic heroism.

The movie is beautifully shot, with Hitchcock demonstrating his mastery of framing and composition. The scenes of the Boyle family's cramped and cluttered home are particularly well-executed, conveying a sense of claustrophobia and desperation.

Overall, Alfred Hitchcock's "Juno and The Paycock" is a powerful and moving drama that explores universal themes of family, love, and loss. It is a must-see for fans of classic cinema and a reminder of the timeless appeal of great storytelling.

Alfred Hitchcock's: Juno and The Paycock is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 94 hours.