A Man Called Peter (1955)

Richard Todd delivers a thoroughly winning performance as Peter Marshall, the Scottish-born minister who became Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. While still a boy, Peter wants only to go to sea. But as a young man he experiences a profound awakening which leaves him with the unwavering conviction that he has been called upon to do the Lord's work. He completes his religious training in the United States, where he presides over several congregations. A compelling speaker who believes religion should be fun, Marshall inspires young people to renew their interest in the church, and his ministries prosper. Eventually, he becomes pastor of the prestigious Church of the Presidents, in Washington D.C. and is asked to serve as spiritual guide for the Senate. Co-starring Jean Peters as Marshall's devoted wife, Catherine, "A Man Called Peter" is the deeply moving tale of "a man and his close friendship with God"

A Wonderful Story

This is one of those movies that will warm your heart and truly make you feel good. Ernest Hemingway once said that all true stories end in death, and this is a true story. But that aside, and even though the title character, Peter Marshall, meets his death, it is not at all sad, it is the story of how a man lived and the wonder he brought into his life and the joy of all those he touched. The performances of Richard Todd and Jean Peters are riveting and powerful. I don't believe that any other actor could have portrayed this character any better. This film shows an era in Hollywood that was remarkable, and the actors relied on talent, not effects. This movie is a must see for all ages, definitely a family picture. It is an inspiration. June 8, 2008

A Man Called Peter

Watched the movie in my youth and remembered it being a wonderfully moving experience so just wanted to see if it had the same effect and it did, again enjoyed it and am pleased to now have it in my DVD collection. May 19, 2008

EXCELLENT

i FIRST SAW THIS MOVIE IN 1955 - UNABLE TO BUY IT IN AUSTRALIA I HEARD I COULD BUY IT FROM AMAZON - IT IS A WONDERFUL THOUGHT-PROVOKING MOVIE THAT I BELIEVE HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME. May 14, 2008

A Man Called Peter

Wonderful movie I loved watching it I got it for my granfmother, It was the movie my grandfather took her to the night he asked her to marry. December 2, 2007

Wholesome & inspiring biography

Hollywood doesn't make many movies like this anymore! Richard Todd powerfully portrays the Rev. Peter Marshall in this biographical film that follows Marshall from his humble beginnings as a sea-loving laddie in Scotland to his years of service in America, first as a pastor and then as Senate chaplain.

The film features several of his sermons, including one delivered to the U.S. Naval Academy on December 7, 1941, just before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Todd delivers these eloquent messages with zeal and potency. He also shows that Marshall was more than just a good preacher. Long before "seeker-sensitive" became the buzz-word of the day, Marshall wasn't afraid to defy traditions (such as ditching the clerical collar) and try different methods of outreach. Still, his ringing message never wavered, an example that the "felt needs" crowd of today could learn from!

Parents looking for wholesome and character-building entertainment for their family have a gold mine in this story. Issues like humility, yielding to God, patience through trials, godly courtship (illustrated by Marshall's relationship with his wife-to-be Catherine, wonderfully played by Jean Peters), and laying aside sinful habits are woven throughout. There's more Christian content in this Hollywood production than in most "Christian" films! The only minor criticism I would lodge is that the Gospel is never presented as explicitly as I would like.

Although it's an older film and may feel a bit dated (Marshall and his wife are shown sleeping in separate beds!), "A Man Called Peter" is nonetheless an inspiring portrait of a man of faith and character. Highly recommended. September 11, 2007

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