The Gun and the Pulpit

Marjoe Gortner is a guy pretty much forgotten today. Back when he was a young boy, his parents toured the country with him...billing him as the world's youngest preacher! He was preaching sermons and marrying folks when he was 4! Years later, he wrote a book in which he admitted that the healings and other charismatic things he did in God's name was all a lot of hogwash--blowing the lid off this industry. Soon after this, Marjoe starred in a documentary about all this ("Marjoe"). And, because of the film's success, he soon went Hollywood and appeared in a variety of TV shows and movies. But this new life was rather short-lived and he has since faded into obscurity. "The Gun and the Pulpit" is one of those projects he worked on for Hollywood during this period.

When the film begins, Ernest Parson (Gortner) is about to be hung. Whether or not he deserved this, you never know...but he is able to escape and the posse is in hot pursuit. Later, he finds a dead preacher out in the wilderness. He assumes the man's identity and heads to the super-crappy town in Arizona which called this preacher to preach. Since the folks don't know him, he figures, he can at least hide out there a while. But two problems arise--a nasty guy, Ross (David Huddleston) is running roughshod over the town and Ernie does NOT like this at all and one of the locals recognizes him! What's next....especially after the preacher shoots one of Ross' gunman dead right in the middle of a church service!? What follows is much like films like "High Noon" where you have a do-gooder who stands up for what's right...and a craven town which has to be shamed into even considering standing up for themselves.

This is a decent film with a very convoluted Biblical message to say the least! It is entertaining and different--which is nice as most westerns have a certain sameness about them. There are a few clichés (such as the shootout in the town square) but otherwise worth seeing.

I have been involved in Fundamentalist/Evangelical worship all of my life and I find myself in agreement of what Marjoe did years ago although when it happened I felt different. Every time a fake preacher is exposed it makes it more difficult for those who are sincere in their work and it also causes those who are looking for spiritual guidance to feel they have been lied to. I know preachers who are sincere about their mission and service to the Lord and nothing makes them sicker than these fakes who are in it for the money and to show off. I know at least one who is very clear that he has no respect for these fakes and I know well enough not to get him started about these frauds. Marjoe blew the whistle on this racket and God bless him for it. I wish he would have continued his acting career because I liked a lot of his work and I hope his has found the faith that is genuine and able to put the fake stuff behind him. Those who are in it for the money or to show off will answer to the Lord one day. I also hope those who were turned off by these fakes will give faith another chance and find someone who is sincere to guide them into finding the faith they were looking for. God bless you Mr. Gortner and best wishes to you. I hope you have found the true faith that many were looking for before you exposed the fakers.

i saw this funny western only once when it came on TV when i was a mear eleven years old,but i was in love with the vivacious pamela sue martin who i'd seen in 'the posideon adventure' two years before and of course because of her i loved it then very much. as for now i'd say it was kinda corny in an 'alias smith and jones' kind of way,but harmless and fun just the same and of course who can deny a film with marjoe gortner its due. i wish it was on video so i could leer at the gorgeous ms. martin once again,but it is rare to find a 70's TV movie on video,let alone DVD. but for old time sake,i give it five stars. i hope this nostalgic rant helps somebody.

In order to elude authorities, western outlaw Marjoe Gortner (as Ernie Parsons) assumes the identity of a traveling preacher. Mr. Gortner takes up residence in parson-needy Castle Walk, Arizona; there, at a funeral, he and sexy teenager Pamela Sue Martin (as Sally Underwood) are mutually attracted. Soon, Gortner's shady past threatens his budding relationship with young Ms. Martin. Sidekick Slim Pickens (as Billy One-Eye) and mother Estelle Parsons (as Sadie Underwood) lend their support.

Even in this slightly above average television production, Gortner has star quality to burn. Taken as a screen test, "The Gun and the Pulpit " miraculously elevates the former evangelist to convincing western hero. Pamela Sue Martin is excellent as Gortner's barely legal leading lady; her glances are more sensual than a strip tease. Director Daniel Petrie handles the assignment admirably. Gortner's star quality was evident since the riveting documentary "Marjoe" (1972), which revealed his evangelical movement to be a money-grubbing scam. In hindsight, it seems Marjoe Gortner was too hot for Hollywood to handle.

****** The Gun and the Pulpit (4/3/74) Daniel Petrie ~ Marjoe Gortner, Pamela Sue Martin, Slim Pickens, Estelle Parsons

I've seen this movie about 4 times, under various circumstances, including a night in the hospital when I couldn't sleep. I have always liked Marjo Gortner in his limited career, and this movie was a lot of fun. It reminds me of the old TV westerns like "Maverick" in its humour and characterizations. I can't believe it's not had 5 votes yet.