This film was produced in 1955, not long after Peter Marshall's death. Keep in mind that this was before Civil Rights although by 1955 standards, it was very pro-black. This is reflective in the number of black speaking roles and generally positive presentation of our black countrymen. Yet, by 21st century standards it would be woefully insulting and the stuff of ridicule. If you can overlook this aspect, the rest of the story is a wonderful testament to a man's faith and dedication to God on a personal level. Catherine's experience with TB is very touching and I'm sure everyone can relate to the confusion and frustration of being in an inexplicably difficult circumstance when God seems indifferent to our desires. Yet like in Catherine's case, it was God's desire that was being overlooked and not Catherine's. When she yielded and put God truly ahead of herself, she was freed.
When Peter Marshall died, she struggled with this for quite some time, I understand. It wasn't until she read the transcript of his sermon given at Anapolis in which Peter described death as "going to sleep here and waking up in the morning in Heaven" that she found peace in the manner by which Peter was taken from her. His last words to her were "I'll see you in the morning" and he died in the night at the hospital. Knowing this piece of her testimony helped me understand why the last phrase in the film by Catherine is "I'll see you in the morning."
There is a fine sermon given by Peter Marshall and presented on this DVD. It's a very short sermon, actually. I enjoyed his creative storyteller style of communication. I gave copies of this DVD to several single friends of mine. There's something here for everyone and it's impact is timeless because it's a true story.
PETER ON DVD A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE!
The wait for the CinemaScope version of "A Man Called Peter" on DVD is over! I can now retire my VHS "Pan&Scan" copy. The DVD transfer is beautiful -- but it is the script, the marvelous performances of Richard Todd and Jean Peters that bring to life the inspiring sermons of Dr. Peter Marshall. Amazingly, 25% of the films 119 minutes consists of excerpts from his sermons. It was a daring step for a studio take. (Notice the included Trailor which goes out of its way not to show any preaching being done from the pulpit.) Todd's delivery can only be discribed as "inspired." Speaking of sermons, there is a wonderful bonus included on this DVD -- a rare audio Easter sermon with the voice of the actual Peter Marshall, that was recorded in 1944. Running almost 26 minutes, it is wonderful to be able to hear him speak. It was recordings such as this, that played a major part in Samuel G. Engel, the film's Producer, taking the daring step of using the sermons as the film's hightlight. This is a DVD not to be missed -- and you just may want to pick up a few extra copies for gifts to special people in your life. Thanks to Fox for making this one available!
Inspiring
I buy all types of movies. Years ago I watched this one and was very impressed with all aspects, the acting, the actors/actresses, the setting and realism. It is based on a true story about things dreams are made of. It shows how religious belief can be in it's purest form. If you've never viewed it, it's a must see, over and over again.
Carol Reed (The Third Man) directed this 1965 portrait of the relationship between Michelangelo (Charlton Heston) and Pope Julius II (Rex Harrison), who commissioned the artist to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Based on a novel by Irving Stone, the script plods along, juggling the dynamics between the two men along with a somewhat perfunctory love story and distracting battle sequences. Reed seems more attuned to the nuances and great pains of the artistic process, as seen in sequences of Michelangelo working. But the overall focus of the film is unfortunately fuzzy. --Tom KeoghMore Info about this DVD Actor(s): Charlton Heston - Rex Harrison Director(s): Carol Reed DVD Release Date: Released the 22 February 2005 Usually ships in 24 hours
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Gregory Peck plays a young New York executive who defies the wisdom of the corporate class by deciding his family is more important than the offer of a new job. Lots of melodrama, guilt, and a revelation about a wartime affair (told in flashback), but this well-oiled, good-looking 1956 film still holds up pretty well. Based on a novel by Sloan Wilson, the script and direction are by Nunnally Johnson (The Three Faces of Eve). --Tom KeoghMore Info about this DVD Actor(s): Gregory Peck - Jennifer Jones - Fredric March Director(s): Nunnally Johnson DVD Release Date: Released the 09 August 2005 Usually ships in 24 hours
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