A Man Called Peter (1955)

The rise of Peter Marshall, from modest Scottish upbringing, to New York seminary, time in Atlanta churches, his marriage, appointment as chaplain of the US Senate, and early death at 46. Based on real events.

Director:

Henry Koster

Writers:

Eleanore Griffin (screenplay), Catherine Marshall (book)

Stars:

Richard Todd, Jean Peters, Marjorie Rambeau

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Richard Todd	...	The Rev. Peter Marshall
Jean Peters	...	Catherine Wood Marshall
Marjorie Rambeau	...	Miss Laura Fowler
Jill Esmond	...	Mrs. Findlay
Les Tremayne	...	Sen. Willis K. Harvey
Robert Burton	...	Mr. Peyton
Gladys Hurlbut	...	Mrs. Peyton
Richard Garrick	...	Col. Evanston Whiting
Gloria Gordon	...	Barbara
Billy Chapin	...	Peter John Marshall
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Alexander Campbell	...	Church Elder (scenes deleted)
Jonathan Hole	...	Church Elder (scenes deleted)

Storyline

Based on the true story of a young Scottish lad, Peter Marshall, who dreams of only going to sea but finds out there is a different future for him when he receives a "calling" from God to be a minister. He leaves Scotland and goes to America where after a few small congregations he lands the position of pastor of the Church of the Presidents in Washington, D.C. and eventually he becomes Chaplain of the U.S. Senate.

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Plot Keywords:

u.s. senate | senate | chaplain | death | seminary | 

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Taglines:

The True Story of How One Man's Faith Uplifted a Nation

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Family | History

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

The names of the U.S. Senators portrayed in the film were fictitious, due to most of those Senators still being alive at the time of the film's production and release in 1955.

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Goofs

The bulk of the story takes place in the 1930's and the 1940's but all of the women's fashions and hairstyles are strictly 1955.

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Quotes

The Rev. Peter Marshall: Finding someone else that thinks like you do, always puts me in mind of two ships flashing their lights on a lonely sea. They may be putting into different ports, but for a moment they knew one another was there.

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Connections

Featured in Virgin Territory: The Making of 'The Virgin Queen' (2008)

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Soundtracks

A Man Called Peter
Music by Max Stein
Lyrics by Charles Tobias & Ken Stein

User Reviews

Wow, Here's A Rare Film

This may be one of the most unique films ever made in Hollywood because it actually looks and sounds like a film made by Christians for Christians. Usually it's the opposite. Even back in the "Code" decades, this type of film was rare, where it shows a minister in a good light throughout the story.

This is the story of Peter (played by Richard Todd) and Catherine (Jean Peters) Marshall. Marshall was a Scottish preacher who became famous both there and in the United States, rising to Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. Todd does an admirable acting job and Peters is convincing as his wholesome wife.

As biased as I am for this kind of film, I am honest enough to point out any drawbacks to it, if I feel it is warranted. In this case, I thought that it was simply too slow here and there. Like a lot of movies, it would have been more effective having 15-20 minutes edited from it.

Nonetheless, if you are looking for one of those rare films that portrays Christians in a positive light, please check this one out.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

April 1955 (USA)

Also Known As:

Au service des hommes

Filming Locations:

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.55 : 1