A Man Called Peter

"A Man Called Peter" is the story of a man whose complete conviction and trust in God carries him to his 'calling' as a shepherd to a flock at an important Washington D.C. church and to the young woman who becomes his wife and mother of his son. Led to important posts as Chaplain of The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. also called The Church of Presidents once attended regularly by Abraham Lincoln, and later becoming the Chaplain of the Senate, the portrayal of Richard Todd as Dr. Peter Marshall is nothing short of COMPELLING with his voice and speech as beautiful and mesmerizing as one will ever hear with his Scottish brogue. Especially moving is the scene where he addresses the Naval Academy at Annapolis when one realizes that it took place the morning of Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941 as the Empire of Japan was simultaneously bombarding Pearl Harbor. Jean Peters is beautiful but also of the proper dramatic weight for the role of his wife. Billy Chapin was quite appropriate as their son, Peter John, who went on to preach, himself and who today runs Peter Marshall Ministries offering CD and cassette products of his father's dynamic sermons over 50 years ago. (Whatever happened to Billy Chapin?) Especially terrific is Jill Esmond in a comic role where her comedic timing and actions are first rate. The rest of the supporting cast headed by Les Tremayne and Marjorie Rambeau are fine. The Cinemascope and Technicolor direction adds drama and beauty to the film as does the score, especially in the scene at Annapolis with the men's choir voices raised harmonically for a beautiful hymn rendition. The film deserved its Oscar nomination in cinematography if not in other categories for which it was not nominated. I highly recommend the new widescreen edition of this film from 1955.

This film came out in the author, Catherine Marshall's lifetime, and we have her comments on it. She was overall very pleased. She considered that 20th Century Fox gave it a quality and credible handling. She thought Richard Todd did a fine job. She was, however, politely puzzled by the interpretation of herself by the actress, Jean Peters. Apparently, this was not a particularly welcome project for Ms. Peters, who gave no response to the usual functions and support of an actor for their picture, not attending the premier or anything of that nature. She resisted any friendly overtures from Mrs. Marshall while visiting the set during the filming, as the invited guest of the studio. All of this was opposite to the response of Mr. Todd, who was very gracious. Mrs. Marshall knew she had signed away her rights to affect the production, and did not attempt to interfere. Ms. Peters' portrayal was adequate as the young girl in love, but she was quite artificial in the marriage and ministry period. The boy who played the son was more alive and natural. She depicted Mrs. Marshall as either a simpering hanger-on or as sort of a weary worn, martyr type, who doggedly trudged through. If she read the book itself, she certainly missed the spark and proactive quality of the woman she was playing. Having read the book, along with others of Mrs. Marshall, I know that she was most enthusiastic and positive toward her life with Rev. Marshall and life in general. And, she was an active contributor. Her inner strength also won out as she faced her many personal challenges.

If you have the interest, you might enjoy reading Catherine Marshall's book by the same name. As for the film, TCM ran it as part of a feature of Richard Todd, and FMC used to run it rather regularly.

What a wonderful movie, what a great job Richard Todd did in this movie. I would like to thank him. My father knew Peter Marshall, he inspired his life. Been to the church many times.

Richard you are a wonderful man. I use to tell my parents that when I grew up I was going to marry you. I love all your movies but A Man Called Peter is the best. Thank you for giving it to us. Nothing can take the place of the old movies. Wish I could write to you, to say THANK YOU!

Myrna Wilson

You'd think 20th Century Fox would have better sense. In a time when Mel Gibson racks up $400 million for a Christian movie in Aramaic, this good film about a minister that they already own would be out on DVD in a double-disc set. The sermon scenes ("full of heart and fire" to quote a contemporary review) wouldn't offend Jon Stewart. Richard Todd earned an Oscar nomination for his warm portrayal of a beloved minister in Washington, DC. The VHS has been available for a long time, but this one really is too good to bury...

Peter Marshall was the Pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church during the forties. His sermons were so popular that they had to install loudspeakers to send them to the crowds waiting outside. He was chaplain of the US Senate. Marshall's rolling Scots burr and warm "friendship with God" are still appealing. His wife Catherine wrote the book on which the film is based, and several other books besides. Jean Peters gives an engaging performance as Catherine, making the film less a religious tract and more a portrait of a family you wish to know. It's a joy to spend time with these people. They are better ambassadors for Christianity than many you may have seen lately.

If there was someone at Fox with a marketing sense, they'd re-release this one with great fanfare - the timing couldn't be better.

Richard Todd and Jean Peters were the best choices for the roles of Peter Marshall and his wife, Catherine. Based on the best selling biographical novel (by Mrs. Marshall)the movie is both inspirational and well acted. The two main actors (Peters and Todd) have been very underrated by the Hollywood fanzines and - along with Marjorie Rambeau - they give Oscar deserved performances.

Why this film, which educates us in good morals and allows us to appreciate religious beliefs on a grand scale, has not been given more publicity is a puzzlement. It approaches audiences from an adult level and offers a piece of Americana that is rarely seen on the screen. I highly recommend this film. See it with the entire family and perhaps you too will be totally fullfilled - as my family was. I believe A Man Called Peter is the best film of its kind. A great, although hardly publicized movie!