In 1921 Dublin, rebel leader Dennis Riordan avoids arrest because the English do not have his description. When Lord Athleigh comes to Dublin to find a peaceful solution to “the troubles,” he and his daughter Helen are saved from assassination by Riordan, who rebukes his men for not giving them a chance. At the police station, Riordan gives his own name, but is let go because they think he is joking. The next day, Helen takes an injured Irish boy home. The mother, Cathleen O’Brien, mistrusts her because her husband was killed by the English, but she soon recognizes Helen’s kindness. Riordan also goes to Cathleen’s, then offers to escort Helen home. She fails to realize the significance of his name, and they begin to fall in love. He wants to meet her the next day at a livestock market, but when she learns that her father’s health is suffering due to concern over the rebel “Dennis Riordan,” she reveals their meeting. The next day Riordan narrowly escapes capture, but refuses to believe that Helen is to blame. His friend O’Rourke is sure, however, and chastises him for agreeing to meet her again. Helen remorsefully confesses her guilt and they realize how strong yet hopeless their love is. Helen has been followed by soldiers who try to capture Riordan again, but he escapes, then vows to O’Rourke that he will never see Helen again. She does the same when her father takes her home to England. Lord Athleigh believes that war is inevitable, but is convinced by Helen to arrange for a peace conference and truce. Riordan and his men go to England, but their talks are stalemated until Helen secretly visits Riordan and convinces him that compromise is preferable to war. After a treaty is signed, Riordan returns to Ireland, but Helen soon follows when she learns that he will be killed by Irish radicals. After giving a speech in Dublin, Riordan is badly wounded by O’Rourke, but tells Helen that with peace they can now find happiness. More on Wikipedia or Mubi
Watch Beloved Enemy (1936)
