John Wycliffe: The Morning Star (1984)

The story of 14th century John Wycliffe, AKA "The Morning Star of the Reformation", who was the first to translate the Bible into English.

Director:

Tony Tew

Writer:

Douglas McIntosh (screenplay)

Stars:

Michael Bertenshaw, James Downie, Peter Howell

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Bertenshaw	...	John Purvey
James Downie	...	Boy
Peter Howell	...	Dr. John Wycliffe
Barrie Cookson	...	Dr. Nicholas Hereford
Jeremy Roberts	...	Throckmorton
Peter J. Cassell	...	Batka (as Peter Cassell)
Mel Churcher	...	Wycliffe's Niece
Noel Howlett	...	Archbishop Sudbury
Robert James	...	Bishop Courtenay
Malcolm Terris	...	Sheriff
Martin Matthews	...	Prisoner
Sebastian Abineri	...	Peasant Husband
Anna Lindup	...	Peasant Wife
Keith Buckley	...	John of Gaunt
Colin Russell	...	Squire Newberry

Storyline

John Wycliffe, the scholar and lay preacher of the 14th century who was later dubbed "The Morning Star of the Reformation", risked his life and freedom to criticize the Church for its abuses of power and its false teachings. The dramatized story of his life includes his battles with Church authorities, his relationship with the peasants and his realization that the Bible must be translated into English, so that the common man, as well as the learned, could read it.

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Plot Keywords:

14th century | church | bible | preacher | peasant | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Filming Locations:

Athelhampton House, Athelhampton, Dorset, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gateway Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

75 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Excellent Overview of Wycliff's Life

I cannot understand why Hollywood has not produced epic films about the lives of the English Reformers. In so many cases, you have a single man standing against the world, willing to take a stand against corruption. In the case of Wycliff, it did not cost him his life, but it came close several times. This lower-budget, but still outstanding portrayal of Wycliff is worth a careful watch to get acquainted with his life and work and his stand for Christ and the Bible, during an age of corruption. There are several poignant moments where Wycliff answers problems in the world around him with skillful application of Scripture. I watch this movie at least once a year, along with "God's Outlaw" (about William Tyndale) and introduce others to it often.