Eddie Byrne plays two parts on opposing sides of IRA/British conflict. Irish audiences would recognize the actor behind the beard and assume a sub-plot.
Before James Mason got this lead role, it was offered to Stewart Granger who turned it down.
First British film to win the BAFTA award for Best British Film after the event was established in 1948. (see also The Best Years of Our Lives).
Is referenced to several times in the Harold Pinter play, "Old Times"(1971).
James Mason called this his best performance of his career, and his favourite Carol Reed film.
The first film of 'Joesph Tomelty'.
The framed print hanging on the wall in Father Tom's foyer, just off the vestry is entitled Ecce Homo by Rembrandt van Rijn. Father Tom must have been quite an art lover. Above his fireplace hung a print of The Angel's Head from the (London, National Gallery) Virgin of the Rocks, painted 1506-08, by Leonardo da Vinci, not to be confused with (Louvre) Virgin of the Rocks, painted 1482-03, also by Leonardo da Vinci.