I Heard the Owl Call My Name

This film was first shown in the United States as a special as part of the CBS television network's "GE Theater" series in December of 1973. It was so profoundly moving and a beautiful and faithful adaptation of Margaret Craven's acclaimed novel, I'm amazed that it did not receive even one Emmy nomination for quality television programming. The remarkable British stage and film actor Tom Courtenay ("Doctor Zhivago") stars as Father Mark Brian, a young Anglican priest sent by his superior (the late Dean Jagger, in a fine performance) to minister to the inhabitants of a remote native American village in British Columbia, where the movie was filmed on location utilizing local residents. What he learns during his short time there (about his charges and about himself) makes for an unforgettable viewing experience. Native American actors Paul Stanley and Marianne Jones give wonderfully understated performances, and Courtenay has never been better. The use of the hymn "Amazing Grace" adds poignance to the music score. Daryl Duke directed for Tomorrow Entertainment, Inc. Highly recommended.

Please! There are no "native Americans" in Canada! -unless they're visiting from the United States... In Canada the term is "natives" or "indigenous," or if you insist, "native Canadian." Good movie, by the way...

Just a note to reviewer "BishopJOgles" - Dean Jagger played the Bishop. Tom Courtenay was the young priest.

I have just re-read the book which has been sitting on my shelf for years. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The movie is a faithful attempt to convey how well the young vicar( played by Tom Courtenay) was suited to the task of living amongst the Canadian Indians because he was sensitive to the way they lived their daily lives, while still modelling servanthood as required by his religion. It shows how right Jesus was when he said we needed to be servants to help others. The book was written in 1967 so I wonder what has has happened to the area in which the book was set and to the Indian tribes whose young people were going to schools outside the area.

I LOVE the movies. I see at least 1 per week and have all my life. When I really like a movie I often see it nine times. Most fade into the area of memory where you can only remember the plot if you see it again and know that something about it is familiar, indicating you have already seen it - you still can't remember what happens. This movie has stayed fresh in my memory bank for over 30 years. It is beautifully written, acted, directed and certainly worth seeing again and again. Simply a wonderful film. I remember Tom Couretenay's portrayal of the young priest vividly; his quiet and respectful performance was perfect for the role.