A Man Called Peter (1955)

Very Cool!!!

Absolutely Fantastic

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

I reserve 10 ratings for the level of Citizen Kane, of which there are perhaps 20 films of that category. But this is close. It is not a DYNAMIC film, camera movement is pretty calm and the shots are quite long. It is Todd's PERFORMANCE that captures the mind. That said too, my wife and I are Jewish and this is very much a Christian film - no bones about that and very much a 1955 period TwenCenFox film too. But the sermons as delivered by Todd and (presume)taken from Marshall are just outstanding. Todd also covers them in long, single takes which is hard for any actor to do. The words are what matter!!! When we were done, it just sticks with you in a profound way and without a spoiler, the end is very touching. As I wrote in FBook, have a cup of hot Tea, sit back and be prepared to think ... and I'll see you in the morning.

As a biographical film, the viewer is called upon to consider their faith, their relationship with Jesus, and whom they choose to worship. Peter Marshall denied his will to be a captain at Sea to follow the will of God. Within 10 years of following His lead, God groomed Peter to play a significant and important role in a prim New York society and eventually in the Senate. Hollywood produced this film with full sermons which were needed in 1955, a time when Hollywood was under investigation for communism. The message contained in this rare film remains relevant as our current Senate and the intentions of our countries leaders are called into question. Praise God for His wisdom by enabling the voice of Peter Marshall to live on.

Some of the reviewers here say it's a film made by Christians for Christians . This is entirely true . It follows the life of Scottish born preacher Peter Marshall who emigrates from Coatbridge to America and eventually becomes Chaplain of the US Senate . That's the story and in order to pad out the run time we're many , many sermons from Marshall . Apparently the screenplay is adapted from the biography written by Marshall's wife Catherine . Knowing this you become reminded of the quote from the avowed atheist George Orwell - and forgive me for paraphrasing - that " An ( Auto) biography is only worth reading if it contains something disgraceful " and unfortunately there's nothing disgraceful at all . In fact I doubt if I've never seen anything so inoffensive in the history of cinema which while it's not necessarily a criticism in itself means there's no dilemmas , no plot and no drama . This won't be the case when we get biopics on obnoxious little bigots like Phelps , Robertson and Falwell no matter how biased a picture is painted of them This goes to show that it's a waste of time making books and movies on nice guys . There were a couple of things that peaked my interest . I guess the reason I watched is down to there being an empathy for someone from Scotland even if we have totally contradictory views on religion . It's interesting to note that Marshall , a protestant lived in Coatbridge , a Scottish town with a (in)famous reputation for being devoutly Catholic . It's also interesting that the Scottish characters do not speak with a West of Scotland accent , more of wishy washy fake Highland one . Richard Todd was always good at playing nice guys so he's well cast as Peter Marshall . The stand out achievement of the film however is the cinematography by Harold Lipstein . which is gloriously rich and held my interest in a film where nothing really happens

This may be one of the most unique films ever made in Hollywood because it actually looks and sounds like a film made by Christians for Christians. Usually it's the opposite. Even back in the "Code" decades, this type of film was rare, where it shows a minister in a good light throughout the story.This is the story of Peter (played by Richard Todd) and Catherine (Jean Peters) Marshall. Marshall was a Scottish preacher who became famous both there and in the United States, rising to Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. Todd does an admirable acting job and Peters is convincing as his wholesome wife.As biased as I am for this kind of film, I am honest enough to point out any drawbacks to it, if I feel it is warranted. In this case, I thought that it was simply too slow here and there. Like a lot of movies, it would have been more effective having 15-20 minutes edited from it. Nonetheless, if you are looking for one of those rare films that portrays Christians in a positive light, please check this one out.