A Man Called Peter

Richard Todd and Jean Peters were the best choices for the roles of Peter Marshall and his wife, Catherine. Based on the best selling biographical novel (by Mrs. Marshall)the movie is both inspirational and well acted. The two main actors (Peters and Todd) have been very underrated by the Hollywood fanzines and - along with Marjorie Rambeau - they give Oscar deserved performances.

Why this film, which educates us in good morals and allows us to appreciate religious beliefs on a grand scale, has not been given more publicity is a puzzlement. It approaches audiences from an adult level and offers a piece of Americana that is rarely seen on the screen. I highly recommend this film. See it with the entire family and perhaps you too will be totally fullfilled - as my family was. I believe A Man Called Peter is the best film of its kind. A great, although hardly publicized movie!

This film came out in the author, Catherine Marshall's lifetime, and we have her comments on it. She was overall very pleased. She considered that 20th Century Fox gave it a quality and credible handling. She thought Richard Todd did a fine job. She was, however, politely puzzled by the interpretation of herself by the actress, Jean Peters. Apparently, this was not a particularly welcome project for Ms. Peters, who gave no response to the usual functions and support of an actor for their picture, not attending the premier or anything of that nature. She resisted any friendly overtures from Mrs. Marshall while visiting the set during the filming, as the invited guest of the studio. All of this was opposite to the response of Mr. Todd, who was very gracious. Mrs. Marshall knew she had signed away her rights to affect the production, and did not attempt to interfere. Ms. Peters' portrayal was adequate as the young girl in love, but she was quite artificial in the marriage and ministry period. The boy who played the son was more alive and natural. She depicted Mrs. Marshall as either a simpering hanger-on or as sort of a weary worn, martyr type, who doggedly trudged through. If she read the book itself, she certainly missed the spark and proactive quality of the woman she was playing. Having read the book, along with others of Mrs. Marshall, I know that she was most enthusiastic and positive toward her life with Rev. Marshall and life in general. And, she was an active contributor. Her inner strength also won out as she faced her many personal challenges.

If you have the interest, you might enjoy reading Catherine Marshall's book by the same name. As for the film, TCM ran it as part of a feature of Richard Todd, and FMC used to run it rather regularly.

I liked this movie when I first saw it in 1955. I have seen it again recently and I appreciate the movie much more than I did earlier. Compared to today's movies, it is a premium movie.

Richard Todd did a superb job of playing the part of Rev. Peter Marshall. His acting was better than any I have seen in many years. I doubt any current actor could have delivered his lines as well as Todd did. He was absolutely eloquent. Jean Peters did a capable job of playing her role.

He made you feel like you were listening to the real Peter Marshall!

I can`t say enough about this movie. Peter Marshall knew the Lord I think like few people ever do, and Todd brought this to the screen. If you get a chance to see this movie don`t pass it up. It is well worth your time.

I have seen this film a few times, the first when I was about 15 yrs old. I admit that my interest was initially stimulated by the fact that I am a native of Coatbridge where Peter Marshall came from. I live just up the road in Airdrie which is only a couple of miles away. My dad remembers when the film was made as it was a 'big thing' then in the old town. In fact my old school is only a few yards behind where the camera was situated in the street during the opening scenes: Muiryhall Street. Sadly there is no official memorial to Peter Marshall in his home town and very few people here would know about him today. Coatbridge has lost all the old iron and steel works which gave it her nickname: the Iron Burgh. Peter would not recognise the old place today although it desperately needs someone of his vision and faith in this cynical and secular age. Coatbridge has a population of around 46,000 and is 12 miles east of Glasgow. Most of the people are nominally Roman Catholic; 60% of the population due to immigration from Ireland in the late 19 c and early 20 c, including my own antecedents. I am not certain if there are any of Peter's family still around though there must surely be. If the film was true in essence then it is absolutely clear that Coatbridge and Scotland's loss was certainly Washington's and the USA's gain.