Au service des hommes

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.

He made you feel like you were listening to the real Peter Marshall!

I can`t say enough about this movie. Peter Marshall knew the Lord I think like few people ever do, and Todd brought this to the screen. If you get a chance to see this movie don`t pass it up. It is well worth your time.

I have seen this film a few times, the first when I was about 15 yrs old. I admit that my interest was initially stimulated by the fact that I am a native of Coatbridge where Peter Marshall came from. I live just up the road in Airdrie which is only a couple of miles away. My dad remembers when the film was made as it was a 'big thing' then in the old town. In fact my old school is only a few yards behind where the camera was situated in the street during the opening scenes: Muiryhall Street. Sadly there is no official memorial to Peter Marshall in his home town and very few people here would know about him today. Coatbridge has lost all the old iron and steel works which gave it her nickname: the Iron Burgh. Peter would not recognise the old place today although it desperately needs someone of his vision and faith in this cynical and secular age. Coatbridge has a population of around 46,000 and is 12 miles east of Glasgow. Most of the people are nominally Roman Catholic; 60% of the population due to immigration from Ireland in the late 19 c and early 20 c, including my own antecedents. I am not certain if there are any of Peter's family still around though there must surely be. If the film was true in essence then it is absolutely clear that Coatbridge and Scotland's loss was certainly Washington's and the USA's gain.

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.

"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.