a brilliant portrait of a traitor ( victor mclaglen in oscar win performance ) who be hound by his own conscience . mclaglen play an ira rouge who betray his leader to collect a reward during ireland sinn fein rebellion . the scene show fight and mob action be very realistic and focus on the desperation within individual . the lack of hope for a good future seem to be a fate bad than death . director john ford superbly create an murky and tense atmosphere and enhance by the foggy and grimy depiction of the irish landscape . max steiner dramatic music score add to the cinematic delight . oscar winner also for best screenplay and nominate for best picture . this be one of hollywood classic .