A terrorist group known as the Molly Maguires has been sabotaging a coal mine in Pennsylvania where they in fact work. Detective McParlan as McKenna must infiltrate the group led by John Kehoe. Throughout the film McParlan's allegiances are tested. Will he side with the Maguires and become a true member, or keep his mission in mind and bring an end to the group?

Most of this film was shot in Eckley, Pennsylvania. Paramount Pictures saved the town from being destroyed; Eckley was slated to be demolished for strip mining, but after the movie was filmed, the town's land was donated to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; the town is now a museum. Several structures built for the movie still survive in Eckley.

Miss Mary Raines:
You heard what the Father said. There's no future for what you joined except hell.


Detective James McParlan:
Well I'm a miner now. I'll be traveling in that direction anyway, just out of habit.

traditional
Performed by Samantha Eggar and Richard Harris