A Man Called Peter

I liked this movie when I first saw it in 1955. I have seen it again recently and I appreciate the movie much more than I did earlier. Compared to today's movies, it is a premium movie.

Richard Todd did a superb job of playing the part of Rev. Peter Marshall. His acting was better than any I have seen in many years. I doubt any current actor could have delivered his lines as well as Todd did. He was absolutely eloquent. Jean Peters did a capable job of playing her role.

"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.

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.

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

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.