Cover Design by Danny Beck - see his website for art portfolio and résumé -  Editor: June Parker Beck
O F F I C I A L   W E B S I T E
Maureen O'Hara Magazine is a copyright presentation.
Photos and text in any area of this website may not be copied in full or in part. 


The Only Website on the Internet endorsed by Ms. O'Hara "Herself."

Copyright: 2010 - Do not copy
Photographer  Gerard McCarthy

The image of Maureen O'Hara began in Hollywood in 1939 in the classic film "Hunchback of Notre Dame" and now embodies a career that has spanned over 60 years.  Maureen's dynamic Irish beauty and persona of womanly strength has made her a role model for women and produced a legacy of all-time classic films.   Maureen O'Hara is still beautiful and enjoying her retirement.   More importantly, she is representative of all fine actors of her era.   I have always joked that to keep up with this energetic lady you need plenty of frequent flyer miles and twice the stamina.  Maureen O'Hara indeed remains a much needed heroine of "all" times - a gifted performer "then and now." A woman for all seasons - truly a Woman of the Century!

Maureen O'Hara - Early in her career was known as
 "The Queen of Technicolor"
so proclaimed by the Inventor of the Technicolor Process, Herbert Kalmus


      
  Click above for official Technicolor Website





Maureen O'Hara on Ireland TV Aug. 16th
View Tape on Nationwide - RTE.ie Player

  An interview with Maureen O'Hara was aired in Ireland on August 16th, the eve of Ms. O'Hara' 90th birthday.
  Check your local listings.  RTE-2 TV in Ireland recommends using the "catch up" video template which is  located
    at www.rte.ie/player .  So if you want to watch it now, go to that RTE Player site.  It has now been moved to page 3.
As each day passes from the original airing, the Interview will move back in line, so just search for her photo.
 Nationwide is produced in by RTÉ in their Cork office and you can e-mail any queries to the program at nationwide@rte.ie.
The link to the program webpage is 
www.rte.ie/news/nationwide


Maureen O'Hara celebrates her 90th Birthday, August 17, 2010
For more birthday related photos, please visit the "Links" page.




- My latest article published in Irish America Magazine -
"The Many Faces of Maureen O'Hara"
Click logo above to read article on line
You can also purchase this Aug./Sept. issue of Irish America Magazine on the news stands.



   
   



Please Note:
This is not a fan club, but merely a resource of information about Ms. O'Hara after over 16 years of research
and consultation with Ms. O'Hara, herself.
As editor and webmaster of "Maureen O'Hara Magazine"  I am happy to answer any questions you
 have regarding the information published on this site. 
Questions from Studios, Networks, Writers, Magazines, etc.
 must be directed to Ms. O'Hara's agent.  Please email me  at momagazine@gmail.com for that information.


Editor/Designer

June Parker Beck

- P L E A S E    N O T E  -
For journalists only:  If you plan to write an article about Ms. O'Hara
please contact me and I will give you the link to a page where I have consolidated links to
authorized articles and essays with accurate information as well as audio links to recordings of "herself"
on other interviews.   Email me at momagazine@gmail.com

Please click on box below for guidelines
in obtaining an autograph



Click Banner Above to Learn More About the Maureen O'Hara Legacy Center



Loopline Films from Dublin came to America last summer to film a portion of their
documentary on
The Quiet Man entitled "Dreaming The Quiet Man"

Left to right - Patrick Jordan (Cameraman), Sé Merry Doyle (Director), Vanessa Gildea (producer),
 
(Click photo banner above to reach Loopline Film website)
I was privileged to be interviewed and had a chance to meet this charming and talented group on June 29th, 2009 in L.A.
I'll keep you posted on their progress and hopefully have more pictures to share as they move ahead with their project.
This is actually a rather historial event because to my knowledge the only two detailed books ever written on "The Quiet Man"
came out of Ireland and Scotland and documentaries out of the U.S.  This more detailed exploration promises to be
definitive and unique - from both sides of the "pond." 


Meeting young Charles FitzSimons for the first time in Los Angeles during Loopline Film documentary
interviews on June 29th, 2009,  As many of you know, Charlie is the oldest son of Maureen's brother, the late Charles FitzSimons.
Although Charlie and I have corresponded and talked on the phone for years, this is the first occasion we had to meet.
We both enjoyed the absolutely delightful Loopline film crew and looking forward to the release of their documentary on
"The Quiet Man."  Loopline producer, Vanessa Gildea, promises to keep us posted on their progress.

Below is a spectacular photo of young Charles daughter, Amanda taken while vacationing



Another FitzSimons - the original "Maureen" O'Hara Namesake (left)

   
Daughter of Charles FitzSimons, Maureen O'Hara's niece, and sister to young Charles FitzSimons.
I was privileged to meet not only young Maureen last year, but also brother Andrew, and their mother, Connie (far right).




NEW - Collector's Item
John Wayne Enterprises & The John Wayne Cancer Foundation
are now marketing a John Wayne Monopoly Game.  Check it out!

Please click above to purchase at Amazon





Topics: Name Preference; Lucille Ball, "Sentimental Journey," Gaelic Language,
"McLintock" stunts, Costumes, Howard Hughes, Vocal Techn
ique, "McLintock Ending,"
Comments on her own website,
Thanks for gift from fans, Duke, Opera, "Rio Grande" stunts.




- Great Articles in Irish Newspapers -




"Tipperary rolls out red carpet for American VIPs"
Click logo or photo above for complete story


Earl Hamner

I received a lovely email (below) from Earl Hamner, writer of "Spencer's Mountain."  Mr. Hamner is best known for his work in the 1970s and 1980s on the long-running series "The WAltons," for which he provided voiceover narration.  He also contributed eight episodes in the early 1960s to the CBS science fiction series "The Twilight Zone."


Dear June Parker Beck,

      I learned of  you and  your work with Maureen O'Hara through my friend, David Mauer, in Charlottesville.  It was most gratifying to receive news of Miss O'Hara and I hope you will convey my fond greetings to her.  I thought her  performance as Olivia Spencer in the film was so endearing and it was especially important to me because the character was inspired by mother.  Incidentally she too admired how she was portrayed.  Maureen somehow combined the lustiness and vitality of a country woman with the  softer maternal love for her children  and a dignity of person -  in other words a well rounded, credible and memorable performance.

          We saw the film when it premiered at Radio City Music Hall and the whole Hamner clan came up to New York from Virginia.  That theater has probably never seen such a rowdy, more appreciative audience before or     since.  We normally reserved Virginians cheered, laughed and cried. What a memorable occasion it was and what a proud moment for me since most of my novel which was the basis for the film was autobiographical.

        I don;'t know if she is aware that I was good friends with her late brother, Charles Fitzsimmons.  I wrote several scripts for Charles when he was producing television and I still remember what a pleasure it was to work with him, his warm open smile and the richness of his speech so laced with that lovely Irish accent.

      And of course I never miss a repeat of "Spencer's Mountain" or "The Quiet Man" or "How Green Was My Valley" when they are repeated here in Los Angeles on our classics station.  Classics they are and they will entertain and uplift audiences forever.

        Please give her my love and best wishes for the new year.

                Earl Hammer

To visit Earl Hamner's Official website click here.



Treat yourself to a virtual trip to the panoramic "Ashford Castle" 5-star hotel in the Village of Cong
where many scenes from "The Quiet Man" were shot.  This is a website you won't soon forget. (click logo below)




Click above to see Maureen O'Hara's Movies playing on TV


The letter below is one that is very special to Maureen because it's from a co-worker.
 His words mean a great deal to her.  Thank-you Mr. Pierson, for sharing it with us.


Dear Maureen, I hope this letter gets to you. I don’t know if you remember me but I will never forget you. I was the 1st assistant camera on both Christmas Box and Cab to Canada. Never before or since has an actress had such a great effect on my career in the motion picture business. I have now been in the film business for almost 30 years and truly the highlight of my career was working with you. To me you personify what Movie making is all about. Your professionalism, decor on set,  treatment of all those around you is the finest example of the way Actors,  Actresses  and all crew should treat their approach to work.  Your beauty and grace has touched my life. This type of genuine beauty
is rare in today’s world. I remember the times that I was able to meet with you in your trailer, to talk about your career as an actress, has etched an indelible memory in my mind. You made me feel a part of the history of movie making. I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to work alongside one of the Greats of Hollywood.

I wanted to say thank you for the Christmas cards that you sent to me and my family. In my entire career there has been only one other actor that has sent cards to the crew. I can’t wait to buy your autobiography I just saw on your web site that you published it in 2004. I’m only 5 years behind, I always have been a little slow, Ha Ha. Thank you again for having been so kind to me when we worked together. You will always be in my heart and prayers.   Butch Pierson



RTE Radio 1 - Ireland
(This is an exclusive Maureen O'Hara link - DO NOT COPY)
Listen to a recent radio interview (Dec. 29, 2009) of Maureen O'Hara on the Tubridy Show
Note:  This is the audio streaming of their regular show with news and other conversations.
Maureen's Interview  will appear within  these other topics.  If you use Real Player you can move the button
on the console more towards the middle in search of Maureen's interview should you not have the time to hear it all.  Enjoy!


-- The Tubridy Show -
A Sparkling, entertaining informative conversation about a changing
Ireland and the world beyond its shores.

NOTE: All photos and text on this website are property of Maureen O'Hara Magazine
Some are copyright by TV Networks - Do not copy  images from any page I have designed
without extending the courtesy of first checking with me at momagazine@gmail.com



SPEND SOME TIME WITH US AND

STOP - LOOK AND "LISTEN"
Use tabs above for specific areas - but scrollling down you'll find even more

  Maureen O'Hara's recorded comments on her website
(click on photo below)





Enter the Studio Days of Maureen O'Hara - Photos, Films,  Excerpts from Old Fan Club Journals, Essays, Movie Pics, Maureen's testimony before congress for the Duke Wayne commemorative medal, BIOGRAPHY/FILMOGRAPHY and many other special features.  Hear audio files of our exclusive current Interview with Ms. O'Hara presenting questions from fans in our message forum.  
Scroll down for Favorite Films, Special Events, Family, All about Maureen and John Wayne,
 audio files of Maureen answering questions from fans and Guest Book
(plus other categories of interest)






- A few of Maureen's many singing appearances on TV in the 60's and 70's -

Features on Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne

Maureen & Duke    Take another look at the on screen chemistry of Maureen and Duke 

"Give me a man like Duke Wayne!"(From the archives: A narrative magazine article  from the 1950's by Maureen on one of her favorite subjects - Duke Wayne)

                            "What Makes John Wayne Hollywood's Favorite Lover?"      Another later article/ interview with Maureen about Duke - probably early 1970's





My son recently converted my video montage to an MP4 which, after a slight delay, has been published on YouTube
I designed this montage over ten years ago with two VCR's and a lot of patience.  No sophisticated editing equipment for
me at that time. It is designed to depict the fabulous chemistry of Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne. 

The background music is that of Roberta Flack.  To purchase the album "The Best of Roberta Flack" check Amazon

                 




Maureen publishes her memoirs "Tis Herself" in 2004
as told to John Nicoletti, writer
(photo above taken during promotion at Macys in NYC)
You can still order paperback copies on Amazon - click above photo for link




Harry Carey, Jr. (aka "Dobe") has been a respected friend of Maureen O'Hara for many years.
He appeared in "Rio Grande," "The Long Gray Line," and "Big Jake."  You will enjoy his site which also
gives you an opportunity to purchase his book "In the Company of Heroes." Special thanks to his wife,
Marilyn Carey who keeps us posted of events and happenings with them.




Great New Book - a Must Read for Classic Film Buffs
(click on photo cover below to read Amazon reviews)


Jeanine Basinger, Professor of Film Studies at Wesleyan University, has authored several books on cinema.  I have (and LOVE) "A Woman's View - How Hollywood Spoke to Women 1930-1960, published in 1993 in which she expounds on Maureen's ability to create an equality to her male co-stars without losing her femininity.    In Jeanine's latest book, "The Star Machine," I was delighted to see she again has a very accurate take on Maureen O'Hara.  Following are her comments from an email to me:
 
"I was thrilled to hear from you, because from childhood onward, I have loved Maureen O’Hara.  I am pleased you’ve liked what I’ve written because I think she is both totally fabulous and underestimated…not that she’s hurting for loyal fans or appreciation…but she should have even MORE than she has.  She is a fine actress, a stunningly beautiful woman (one of the most so in film history), a versatile performer, and a real icon.  As I say in my new book, many of the “legends” never appeared in as many films that are taught in colleges now as O’Hara did.  To my students, she is better known (and more loved) than Davis, Crawford, Garbo or many others.  I believe that history is turning her into the legend she really is, and making a super star out of her!  Just being in the John Ford movies…playing opposite Wayne as much as she did…or appearing in the annual showings of MIRACLE ON 34th STREET alone guarantees her legend.  And there’s more.  I have to stop here because I have to go to class, and I would go on and on.     Please tell Ms. O’Hara that I send all my regards, my deepest appreciation, and my admiration and respect for her life, both professionally and personally - Jeanine Basinger




NOTE: All photos and text on this website are property of Maureen O'Hara Magazine
Some are copyright by TV Networks - Do not copy  images from any page I have designed
without extending the courtesy of first checking with me at momagazine@gmail.com


- Remembering -


Maureen's Appearances on Larry King Live
Transcripts
October 28, 2000   -   January 2, 2003



Maureen O'Hara Makes Immigration History
January 25, 1946
Maureen reminisces about her historic citizenship


Special Comments from Devoted Fans
We receive so many wonderful emails from fans all over the world.  Now and again I receive one
that I feel is very special and it goes into my "favorite" letters area. 

Hello from Canada: I have been watching Miss O'Hara's 90th birthday interview on Irish television and reading about this wonderful lady on your excellent website. I am totally amazed at how wonderful Miss O'Hara looks in her retirement and was surprised to learn that autographs are available and that you talk to her weekly.

 I am NOT requesting an autograph or really anything else other than to ask if you would, in a conversation with Miss O'Hara, please add my name to the list of those around the world who love her and wish her so many, many more wonderful years. 
She is truly an amazing woman. Would you please tell her that a gent, living now in New Brunswick, but originally frtom Nova Scotia....and with Irish heritage wants her to know how much he has always admired her, but never more than now. What a beautiful and amazing lady......God love you, Maureen...as do we.  Regards - Bob Miller
 


"Looking at the pix here, I can only conclude that such beauty is unearthly. Maureen must be an alien sent to us to show our potential.  Simply scary!" "When I first laid eyes on Maureen in "The Parent Trap" I really wasn't that affected - I just went into a trance that has lasted 37 years (so far).  I assume that we children must have done something very special for God to have rewarded us with her.  And even HE must have gazed at his own work in wonder!"
"Maureen O'Hara could have been my grandmother.  I don't care.  I still am in love with her.  IMHO, the sexiest shot in motion picture history is her first scene in 'The Quiet Man' when she looks over her shoulder at John Wayne. I have to wear a bib whenever I see that film. A long time fan, I'm delighted to find this beautiful site; it's great to see this profound role model celebrated appropriately, eloquently.!"

 

"Maureen....thanks for a life well lived.  Thanks for every tear you made me cry, for every laugh you've made me laugh.  You are simply wonderful!!! God Bless You." "Never have I had the privilege of casting my eyes on an eternal beauty such as Maureen O'Hara.  Graceful, passionate and elegant.  How privileged indeed!"

I came across this email from a fan in 1999 - It carries such wonderful sentiments, I wanted to share it with you

"This may sound corny to some people but I will make it short.  I left home when I was 16 and joined the Marines because of problems at home.  At the time I never had a real mother or father so I picked myself one.  I never told anyone until now and it has been over 40 years.

I never got a chance like this to tell the man who I picked as a father that I sure did thank him for being a good role model for a young boy and the many years of seeing him on the screen.  Every time I was in a tight spot or was about to do something wrong, I looked to my adopted parents and asked myself if they would not like that or I would say a prayer to them to help me.  The man was John Wayne.

Now I have a chance to tell the lady who I picked as my mother how much I love her (if I may use the word) but I do.  I want to thank you for all the hours of enjoyment I have gotten from your films and all the joy of looking at your picture and thinking maybe my mother might have been a person like you.  If only I had the words to tell you how I feel and how much I thank you.  Thank you."


Please note:  The website page you are on is the "cover" page. As you scroll down there are many links to pages I have designed pertaining to various areas of Ms. O'Hara's life and career.  They have been 10 years in the making and Ms. O'Hara has contributed information to these pages.  Enjoy!



 2004/2005 Brings Special Honors for Maureen O'Hara

 

 





No registration required

(To make an entry)
Guest Book
Remember - Do not pose a question for Ms. O'Hara in the guest book.
If you have any specific questions send them to me at momagazine@gmail.com

 Please note that Guest Book entries are not only published as a web page for all to see, but they are also  printed out and sent to Ms. O'Hara. Although she reads each and every one and deeply appreciates your kind thoughts, there are just too many questions to respond. 

Click Here to "View" Guest Book Postings




Our friend, Bryan Varnum is a gifted artist and focuses much of his talent on paintings
 scenes from the movie "The Quiet Man."  Bryan is having problems with his website server
and is temporarily unable to publish a link at this time.  However, if you are interested in seeing
any more of his work, please email him at bvarnam@atmc.net.






Click on Photo above to view Biography and Awards
Biography-Filmography-List of Honors & Awards
Maureen O'Hara Over the Years - Off-Screen


My favorite O'Hara films
(I have designed and edited all web page links except that of the Smithsonian Air Museum)
Miracle on 34th Street (re-designed)
The Parent Trap
Check out "Hooked on Houses" by Julia
as she displays photos of exteriors and scenes
from "The Parent Trap" and tells litttle known facts
about the house in this film.
The Quiet Man

The Summer of "The Quiet Man"
(A special behind-the-scenes story)

McLintock
Rio Grande
The Red Pony
Hunchback of Notre Dame
Spencer's Mountain
Wings of Eagles
Only the Lonely
Sentimental Journey
Big Jake
Sitting Pretty
The Long Gray Line
The Deadly Companions
Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation
 The Christmas Box - 1995
Made for TV Movie
Cab to Canada - 1998
Made for TV Movie
The Last Dance - 2000
Made for TV Movie
How Green Was My Valley - 1941

Maureen O'Hara, a wonderful lyric soprano, appeared on may TV shows during the 50's, 60's and 70's - both singing and acting.  Maureen received rave reviews for her dramatic performance in "Mrs. Miniver" in 1960, a David Suskind Production.  If anyone out there knows of an existing copy of that TV Play...please let me know because Ms. O'Hara is longing to see it again.





Highlights andHappenings in Ms. O'Hara's Life and Career
 - Click on underlined word (s) -


SPECIAL FEATURES BELOW
It is my hope that you will eventually read all the features listed below.  Much research
and input from Ms. O'Hara is involved.
   The Amazing FitzSimons Family - Read about and see rare photos of Maureen's classmates at
       the Ena Mary Burke School of Elocution in the 1940's - with diary excerpts and photos of her brother,
       Charles FitzSimons and sister, Margot.




Special Tribute to Charles FitzSimons

  Interview with Charles FitzSimons 1993

Behind the scenes of the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade 1999
Maureen O'Hara's testimony before Congress May 21, 1979 for petition to cast a
  commemorative medal honoring John Wayne. 
Maureen O'Hara is honored by the British Film Institute 1993 with a coveted Fellowship
       along with Clint Eastwood.  (Read her acceptance speech)
"Panache  You've either Got it or you Don't " - A delightful article by the late Angela Fox Dunn,
         Hollywood Journalist.
Maureen is selected as Grand Marshal of the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade 1999
A Blast from the Past - Letters and comments from fans during the 1960's


The High Cost of a Hollywood Kiss - Maureen O'Hara and Tyrone Power (see how "unromantic"
       and "expensive" kissing for the camera was in the Studio Days.
Maureen O'Hara Blair's appearance at the New England Air Museum for the dedication of her
       late husband, Brig. General Charles Blair's, restored VS-44-X seaplane - "Queen of the Skies." Nov. 19, 1998.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

The "real" Maureen O'Hara - Photos from the archives taken over the years of Maureen being herself.

  Information on Maureen's brother, Jimmy FitzSimons (James Lilburn)
(click on photo below to link to page)

Special Tribute to Maureen's late husband, Charles Blair.

The above photos are copyright of the publication "Stars and Stripes" and are not to be copied or published
the express permission of "Stars and Stripes" in writing.
 

Letter from a fan:
"Dear. Ms. O'hara - I worked with Pan Am in the late 60's, based out of JFK. I will never forget
the first time I saw you coming into the crew lounge with Captain Blair. You were so extraordinarily beautiful, Captain Blair's smile said it all. As he introduced you, we were too mesmerized to speak. You were gracious and kind and I will forever remember you."
. Come with me to revisit my trip to Ireland in 1999.  Great photos of "Quiet Man" film sites and  other great moments in my journey.  Ireland Journal       Ireland Trip
The magic of Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne - One of the greatest on-screen teams in Hollywood
         History.
"The Golden Girls" - My essay on the parallel of Katharine Hepburn and Maureen O'Hara.
Photos from the National Air Museum of the Smithsonian taken by Joan Stringham and featuring
       the P.51c flown by Blair on his record breaking flight of the first pilot to solo over the North Pole.
    Special Recognition To A Very Special Maureen O'Hara Fan Meet Bill Greehy


My first meeting with Maureen in 1995 (photo signed in 1997) at the Burbank Airport.
Son Danny on the left, myself, Maureen, and Maureen's brother, Charles FitzSimons.




One of the first and finest Duke Wayne websites on the Internet.
Quoting its webmaster: "There are many John Wayne sites today to choose from - all with one goal - to keep the
memory alive.  I hope that you enjoy my little contribution and visit all of the various sites.  If we have done our job right, you will finish knowing a lot more than you knew before and hopefully have an understanding of why John Wayne became such an American Icon.."...Jerry Hirsch





Special Comments from Special Fans
"Looking at the pix here, I can only conclude that such beauty is unearthly. Maureen must be an alien, sent here to show us our potential. Simply Scary."


"When I first laid eyes on Maureen in "The Parent Trap," I really wasn't that affected - I just went into a trance that has lasted 37 years (so far). I assume that we children must have done something very special for God to have rewarded us with her. And even HE must have gazed at his own work in wonder!"


"A long-time fan, I'm delighted to find this beautiful site; it's great to see this profound role model celebrated appropriately, eloquently.!"


"Maureen O'Hara could have been my grandmother.  I don't care.  I still am in love with her. IMHO, the sexiest shot in motion picture history is her first scene in THE QUIET MAN when she looks over her shoulder at John Wayne.  I have to wear a bib whenever I see that film."


"Never have I had the privilege of casting my eyes on an eternal beauty such as Maureen O'Hara. Graceful, passionate, and elegant. How privileged indeed!"


"....Maureen, thanks for a life well lived...Thanks for every tear you made me cry, for every laugh you've made me laugh.   You are simply wonderful!!!! God Bless You.


I watched a televised Arts and Entertainment biography of Maureen a couple of nights ago. Although I have never written a "fan letter" before, I decided that age 44 was not too old to start, so here I am.  As I watched the Biography special I felt such respect for Maureen's strong sense of values and empathized as she dealt with some difficult losses.  I think that Maureen represents the best of us humans - strong, principled, bright, and caring. The fact that she was and is still absolutely beautiful is yet another gift. If Ireland had a Queen, it would be Maureen O'Hara. Thank you for entertaining us and being a wonderful role model at the same
time.

Check out the "Letters Hall of Fame" for other special comments from
Maureen's fans.  I consider all letters "special" because any fan who takes the time to write falls into that category.


Some of My Family Photos - then....and now



Meet my daughter, Jennifer's youngest, "Lil' Phil" on his 1st Birthday


My grandchildren, Lil ' Phil, Briana, Rachel, and Ryan






Danny is my #4 son, and the artist in the family.  Danny is expert in cartoon character design and works for Blizzard (computer game designer)


Remembering my sister Sue Carol Parker Conner,
sister Doris Ann Parker Young
and my Mother, Ann Marie Parker
Note - the tinting in the photo above was actually done by the Kodak lab - in the 1940's -
My sister Sue - (right) is holding a tiny sparrow




momagazine@gmail.com








   
 

 
 
 
 
t>