Broken Vows (TV 1987)

A ghetto priest has doubts about his calling and when he gives the last rites to a murder victim, he decides to help the man's girlfriend find his killers.

Director:

Jud Taylor

Writers:

Dorothy Salisbury Davis (novel), Ivan Davis

Stars:

Tommy Lee Jones, Annette O'Toole, M. Emmet Walsh

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tommy Lee Jones	...	Pater Joseph McMahon
Annette O'Toole	...	Nana Marie 'Nim' Fitzpatrick
M. Emmet Walsh	...	Detective Mulligan
Milo O'Shea	...	Monsignor Casey
David Groh	...	Michael Drumm
Madeleine Sherwood	...	Mrs. Chase
Jean De Baer	...	Gene Drumm
David Strathairn	...	Stuart Chase
Frances Fisher	...	Maureen Phelan
Peter Crombie	...	Dan Phelan
Anthony LaGuerre	...	Carlos
Sylvia Short	...	Miss Lalor
Richard Dumont	...	Father Purdy
Andrew Nichols	...	Boy in Confession
Joseph Drblik	...	Conductor

Storyline

When Father Joseph Hennessey visits the home of one of his parishioners to offer last rights,he becomes embroiled in a plot which ultimately shakes his faith to its very foundation. Intrigued by the dying man's mention of "Nim," and fascinated by the man's saintly demeanor, Father Joseph's curiosity is redoubled when a beautiful young woman enters his church to question the young priest about the deceased man. Father Joseph and the woman, whom he discovers to be the "Nim" in question, embark upon an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man's death. They discover that the man was clearly murdered, that he was a celebrated artist, that he had several aliases, and that his work was particularly revered by two shady gallery owners. However, more shocking than any of the revelations is the discovery that the young woman and Father Joseph are falling in love. Father Joseph's commitment to his church has always been unflagging. He is now thrown into a crisis of faith, ...

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Plot Keywords:

vow of celibacy | murder | catholic mass | gay character | self doubt | 

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Romance | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 January 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Almas perdidas

Filming Locations:

Montréal, Québec, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Brademan Self Productions, RHI Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

A softer, more sensitive Tommy Lee Jones

The roll of a rather naïve young priest, with plenty of shy, sex appeal gives Tommy lee Jones an opportunity to flex his acting chops in this made for TV film.

When he comes upon a dying young man, a man who professes his devotion to the church, rather than name his killer, Father Joseph McMahon (Jones) takes upon himself a quest to learn more about the man, and the circumstances surrounding his murder.

This quest opens the priest to a whole new world outside the sheltered existence of his parish. When he meets the slain man's girlfriend (Annette O'Toole), they begin an emotional intertwine.

Fine fare with above average performances and a good cast including David Strathairn, a striking Frances Fisher, M. Emmet Walsh, and Milo O'Shea.

Good, solid, emotional drama.