Mass Appeal (1984)

A popular Connecticut priest shields a seminary rebel from the wrath of a stern monsignor.

Director:

Glenn Jordan

Writers:

Bill C. Davis (play), Bill C. Davis (screenplay)

Stars:

Jack Lemmon, Zeljko Ivanek, Charles Durning

1 win.

Cast

Credited cast:
Jack Lemmon	...	Father Tim Farley
Zeljko Ivanek	...	Mark Dolson
Charles Durning	...	Monsignor Thomas Burke
Louise Latham	...	Margaret
Alice Hirson	...	Mrs. Hart
Helene Heigh	...	Mrs. Hart's mother
Sharee Gregory	...	Marion Hart
James Ray	...	Father De Nicola
Lois De Banzie	...	Mrs. Dolson
Talia Balsam	...	Liz Dolson
Jerry Hardin	...	Mr. Dolson
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
John C. Becher	...	Mr. Jennings
Allison Caine	...	Additional Voice
Christopher Carroll	...	Salvatore Fitzgerald
John Devlin	...	Choir Leader

Storyline

A popular Connecticut priest shields a seminary rebel from the wrath of a stern monsignor.

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Plot Keywords:

seminary | priest | gay interest | christian hypocracy | religion | 

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Taglines:

Somewhere between laughter and tears, they found something to believe in.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 December 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

Algo en que creer

Company Credits

Production Co:

David Foster Productions, Jalem Productions, Operation Cork

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This picture was the next film that actor Jack Lemmon appeared in after Costa-Gavras' _Missing_ for which Lemmon had won the Best Actor Award at Cannes.

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Quotes

Father Tim Farley: You're a lunatic! And Christ NEEDS lunatics. But the trouble with lunatics is, they don't know how to survive.

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Dune/Starman/Mass Appeal/Runaway (1984)

User Reviews

Pretty good, but it should have better used its "pulpit"...

"Mass Appeal" is enjoyable on several levels. It works as an examination of the depth of contemporary religious beliefs and their current role in our society, as an indictment of an inflexible system (the Catholic church), and as a comment on the travails of two very different men (ostensibly of the same "cloth") seeking spiritual happiness. Unfortunately, as a "mass appeal" film, not all of the issues are satisfactorily handled, but the film is entertaining nonetheless. Greg Cundiff's excellent review neatly summarizes some key plot issues and holes. For example, I found Ivanek's/Dolson's devotion and desire compelling, but what on earth would make him think that a parish of strangers would listen to his excoriations and then embrace him as their pastor? I agree with Cundiff that the lack of clarity surrounding this fundamental plot point does not help the film. I was also disappointed that Durning's character was unambiguously drawn as the heavy. A more balanced approach may have helped here. Farley's attempt at leading a discussion of the role of women priests is unusually framed, but ultimately leaves the viewer desiring a more compelling resolution to the issue.

Strongly on the plus side, Lemmon is an excellent choice for the lead (whi ch allows him to display his comic and dramatic talents equally). Farley's story is as compelling as Dolson's, and Lemmon squeezes every drop of drama from the script. His final "mass appeal" is quite affecting. Ivanek is intense as Dolson, but Charles Durning's role could be played by anyone. The film is nicely "shot" and has an exhilarating soundtrack at points.

A "7" out of "10."