I Heard the Owl Call My Name

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.

This is one of those films that stays with you for many years. I saw it about 20 years ago and remember the powerful effect of this story of a minister who is sent to a west coast native Canadian village. He learns that he has much to learn from his hosts. Quiet, touching and inspirational tale.

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

I found this movie to be a compelling account of cultural understanding, religious conviction, and historical enlightenment. Jagger portrays an Anglican priest whose days (unknown to himself) are numbered. He is sent by his Bishop to a tribe of Canadian Indians. On this mission, the priest is naive and uncertain of the value of the Indian culture, but soon develops a deep and meaningful understanding of the culture and heritage of those to whom he is sent.

Jagger develops a close relationship with members of the tribe which results in that deep appreciation for their values and traditions.

I would recommend this movie to viewers of all ages and persuasions - truly inspiring!

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...