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The Missionary (1982) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
6.1/10   951 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 11% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Michael Palin (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Missionary on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
2 November 1982 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
He gave his body to save their souls. more
Plot:
In 1905, after 10 years of missionary work in Africa, the Rev. Charles Fortesque is recalled to England... more | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
User Comments:
An classic film, with an outstanding cast and clever comedy more (16 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Michael Palin ... The Reverend Charles Fortescue

Maggie Smith ... Lady Isabel Ames
Trevor Howard ... Lord Henry Ames
Denholm Elliott ... The Bishop
Michael Hordern ... Slatterthwaite / Narrator
Graham Crowden ... The Reverend Fitzbanks
David Suchet ... Corbett
Phoebe Nicholls ... Deborah Fitzbanks
Tricia George ... Ada
Valerie Whittington ... Emmeline
Roland Culver ... Lord Fermleigh
Rosamund Greenwood ... Lady Fermleigh

Timothy Spall ... Parswell
Neil Innes ... Singer in Gin Palace
John Barrett ... Old Man outside Hotel
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Additional Details

Runtime:
USA:90 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Company:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
First film of Sophie Thompson. more
Quotes:
Reverend Fortescue: I shall be looking after women... Women who are in... moral trouble.
Deborah Fitzbanks: Liars?
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Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
Put On Your Ta-Ta Little Girlie more

FAQ

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6 out of 7 people found the following comment useful.
An classic film, with an outstanding cast and clever comedy, 11 January 2006
9/10
Author: Gill Baker from United Kingdom

You don't have to be a fan of Monty Python in general, or Michael Palin in particular, to enjoy "The Missionary". It's gently British humour conceals a razor sharp satirical edge, and there is something new to spot with every fresh viewing.

With Maggie Smith in the lead role, making the whole thing look as effortless as ever, it's easy to miss the outstanding performances from such icons as Michael Hordern and Tim Spall, the latter looking like a parody of himself as a servant of, shall we say, basic stock.

Phoebe Nichols delights and charms as the appalling Deborah and Denholm Elliott oozes charm as an outrageously un-Christian bishop. The characters are classics of comedy yet they still surprise. A satisfying dollop of bad taste completes the mixture. Unmissable.

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