Young Cassidy

In 1911 during a period of growing protest against British rule in Dublin, young John Cassidy (Rod Taylor) is a laborer by day and a pamphleteer by night. Cassidy is a member of both the Irish Transport and General Workers Union and the Irish Citizens Army, which is trained for uprisings against the British. When his words incite riots, Cassidy realizes that he can do more for his people with the pen than with the sword. During one such riot, Cassidy rescues Daisy Battles (Julie Christie), a fiery music hall dancer, and they soon become lovers. Their affair is short-lived, however, and Cassidy becomes involved with Nora (Maggie Smith), a bookshop clerk who encourages his writing while also falling in love with him. In time the strength and influence of his prose reaches a broader audience, as Cassidy becomes a prominent playwright.