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When watching Gregory Peck, in his first starring role, I am reminded why the periods of the 30s, 40s, and 50s are known as the Golden Age!.. . Though dated, in one sense, due to the Western religious atmosphere, this film, faithfully (NO pun intended!) adapted from A.J. Cronin's best-selling novel, by Joseph Mankiewicz and Nunnally Johnson, is a re-telling of the Pharisee and Publican Parable, set in Europe and Asia, many centuries after its first rendition. It is the admonishing tale of two young men, who, though "called" to the same Roman Catholic priesthood, display the worst and the best tendencies in the human spirit. The "Pharisee," a/k/a Angus Mealey, played very ably by Vincent Price in his pre-horror-villain days, is the pride-filled, superficial and shallow friend of the "Publican," a/k/a Francis Chisholm, played in a well-deserved, Oscar-nominated role by Gregory Peck. Fr. Chisholm is the essence of humility, but also self-doubt. Not too many actors could pull off the humility well, but Mr. Peck demonstrated in his portrayal, the greatness that would be the hallmark of his career. While Fr. Chisholm encounters many difficulties in China, over the 40+ years of the story-line, he confronts and deals with them, in uplifting and inspiring ways, and, while religion, is an underpinning of the story, there are universal lessons, cross-culturally that make the story timeless. As we look back now, we have the luxury of hindsight, especially with regard to Western colonialism and the role that religion often played in it. Nevertheless, if you want a story that will leave you with hope, this is the one. The supporting cast, including Benson Fong, Philip Ahn, Thomas Mitchell, Edmund Gwenn, James Gleason, Anne Revere, Cedric Hardwicke, and Ruth Ford, could be the leading cast in any film. The film was directed by Producer, John Stahl, who got his start in silent films and worked on The Foxes of Harrow, Magnificent Obsession, and other solid films of the 30s and 40s. . When in doubt, and you need encouragement, let this film provide it to you!!Read full review
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This 1944 movie will melt your heart. The story of a Scottish boy (Roddie Mc Dowell)who loses both his parents in a drowning accident and his girlfriend while he is away at college, grown up Francis Chisholm (Gregory Peck) succumbs to Bishop Mc Nabb's (Edmund Gwenn's) wishes and becomes a Catholic priest. But because he has controversial feelings, Father Chisholm is sent to a remote mission in Pai Tan, China to build a church and school practically from scratch. When I say controversial, he is frowned upon because his best friend is an atheist (Thomas Mitchell--Scarlett's father in GWTW) and he insults a fat lady by telling her the gates of heaven are narrow. Once in China, he is joined by a group of Catholic nuns headed by Mother Maria Veronica (played by Joseph L. Mankiewicz's wife, Rosa Stradner). This movie is about the struggles that they have with the Chinese army and with poverty and with constant insurrections. Eventually, a Protestant group also builds a mission there and another childhood friend who has become a priest Monsignor Angus Mealy (Vincent Price) comes to visit with lots of criticisms. If you are looking for lots of action and suspense, you will not find it here. But you will find a faithful interpretation of a book by A. J. Cronin and a good story that will not embarrass you at any point. Additionally, Gregory Peck was nominated for Best Actor in this debut performance, and the movie also received three other nominations for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Music. To me the highlight of the movie is the ending when a sort of "This Is Your Life" is displayed by all the residents of the mission when Father Chisholm is called back to Scotland.Read full review
Excellent movie, I have loved this movie for years. I had an old copy, but my hearing has diminished over the years and I need subtitles which this copy has. Also, very reasonable price, especially since I checked other sites. the price could not be beat.
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Gregory Peck, Thomas Mitchell, and Vincent Price---magnificent!!!---and the nun---ice water flows through her veins!The people in China are beautiful. The actors--right on point!!!I l have loved this movie for 73 years!! Please keep selling movies like this(or perhaps they don't make movies like this any more!!!).MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
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This early Gregory Peck offering shows why he became a great star. It is a tale about a man who struggles with his call to the priesthood, mainly because his forthrightness often gets him in hot water. Thomas Mitchell and Edmund Gwenn round out the cast as well as an appearance by Vincent Price sans mustache! Gwenn is Peck's wise mentor, Mitchell his agnostic doctor best friend. Peck ends up as a missionary in pre-Mao China. A moving, great motion picture.
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