gavin6942 The rise of Peter Marshall, from modest Scottish upbringing, to New York seminary, time in Atlanta churches, his marriage, appointment as chaplain of the US Senate, and early death at 46. Based on real events. I did not know who Peter Marshall was. For the most part, I still don't. But I am a sucker for historical films, and if they tell the story of an American I knew little about, I find them all the more interesting. So many people were important in our nation's history but most are overshadowed. This film allows a lesser-known man his time in the sun.While this is a film about Peter, worth noting is that Catherine Marshall developed a career as a writer, publishing more than 220 books. These included many editions of her late husband's sermons, several of her own inspirational books, and the best-selling novel Christy, inspired by her mother's accounts of her early teaching years in Appalachia. Indeed, had Catherine not written a biography of her husband, he would be forgotten today.

misctidsandbits 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.

blanche-2 Richard Todd is "A Man Called Peter," a 1955 film directed by Henry Koster and also starring Jean Peters. It's the story of minister Peter Marshall, who twice served as Chaplain to the U.S. Senate and was known for his sermons.I imagine some of these events took a little longer than is shown in the film, although it can't have been much longer because Todd died in 1949, at the age of 47. The film starts in the 1920a. He sure crammed in a lot. "A Man Called Peter" tries to hit the high points, showing his childhood in Scotland and love of the sea, a dramatic calling to the ministry, his first church in Georgia, meeting his wife Catherine (Peters), and the ministry in his church in Washington, D.C., which led to his fame. I'm not sure how much dramatic license was taken, but Marshall's story plays out very effectively.Jean Peters does a lovely job as Catherine, who also narrates the film. The linchpin, of course, is Richard Todd as Marshall, and he's absolutely wonderful, certainly worthy of greater Hollywood stardom than he had. He should have been right up there with Richard Burton. He gives a powerful, utterly believable performance, never putting on airs as a holy man but giving us a real human being. Sadly, Marshall's son, who also became a minister, died just this year at age 68 (if indeed he was born on the day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor), and Marshall's wife Catherine passed away in 1983. The film is based on her book of the same name.I saw this film when I was in grammar school, I guess, so it was 50 years ago or more, and the only scene I remembered was the very last one. I don't know if I appreciated its spiritual message as much as I do now. This is a film not for people of any particular religion, but for people who consider themselves spiritual. I will only say that Henry Koster overdid it a little on the establishing shots, though I'm sure that since the film is in color, he wanted to show the lovely scenery. This isn't the kind of film that's being made any longer. There are films made with spiritual messages, but they're not done like this. "A Man Called Peter" is an old-fashioned Hollywood family movie, but its message is timeless.

blue-7 Over a life time of viewing thousands of films, there have been certain ones that have not only entertained, but also touched and enriched my life -- "A Man Called Peter" is one of those very special films. Now, fifty years after its original theatrical release, 20th Century Fox has released it on DVD in the full beauty of the wide screen CinemaScope format that it needs to be seen in as it has only been available until now on VHS in a Pan & Scan version.I was but sixteen years old when I first heard of the film during the 1955 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, when then President David O. McKay stood at the podium and gave an unprecedented invitation: "All Stake Presidents, Bishops, and their wives are invited to attend a special preview showing of the new motion picture, "A Man Called Peter," the deeply spiritual story of Dr. Peter Marshall ... it is well worth seeing, and has a message of spirituality most timely for the nation at this time."I have lost count as to how many times I have seen and heard the sermons delivered in the film by actor Richard Todd (as Dr. Marshall) over a fifty year period -- but it would number into the hundreds! And they never grow old. Now, on the DVD, Fox has included as an EXTRA, one of the few surviving recorded sermons of the actual Dr. Marshall -- a wonderful 26 minute Easter sermon delivered in 1942. After hearing Todd's marvelous renderings it is quite thrilling to hear Dr. Marshall's actual voice. While the sermon is being given there are a several photographs of Dr. Marshall at the time of the speech before moving into a series of color stills mainly from the film. While these are very interesting, and welcome, they can be a little distracting to the marvelous sermon being rendered. You may wish to listen and watch separately.Sadly, a lot of DVD dealers have chosen not to carry this title in stock, making it available as an online order item. Don't let this one pass you by. Have your dealer order it in for you or order it yourself. And if you know others who would be moved by this special film, take the time to let them know about it.As for me, my birthday and Christmas shopping has just been made a lot easier -- this is a film that I am delighted to share with others! And a great big thanks to the folks at Fox for making this available!