In Dublin circa 1911, John Cassidy (Rod Taylor), an impoverished idealist, whose ambitions are restricted by the demands of looking after his family, journeys through the social injustices of Dublin life, involving himself with the rowdy tramway-men strike, dawdling with prostitute Daisy Battles (Julie Christie), and seeking a better life. He falls in love with bookshop assistant Nora (Dame Maggie Smith) who encourages him toward a life of writing. Finding success at the Abbey Theatre, his unorthodox views estrange him from family, friends, and his own past.
Rod Taylor
as John Cassidy
Julie Christie
as Daisy Battles
Maggie Smith
as Nora
Michael Redgrave
as W.B. Yeats
Edith Evans
as Lady Gregory
Flora Robson
as Mrs. Cassidy
Jack MacGowran
as Archie
Siân Phillips
as Ella
T. P. McKenna
as Tom
Julie Ross
as Sara
Robin Sumner
as Michael
Philip O'Flynn
as Mick Mullen
