The Keys of the Kingdom

This is an interesting story about a priest Father Francis Chisholm(Gregory Peck), who went to China to establish a parish. He never wanted to get money easily, for him was much more important to get more people really devoted to catholicism than to get funds from any people, and for this he made all efforts serving even as a doctor in the community. Another important aspect shown although not deep, was the difference among the priests. Some are humble like the hero of the film but others are arrogant and look more for the wealth of the church instead of looking for the wealth of poor people. Catholicism have lost many areas because of the lack of sacrifice of many of its priests otherwise it would reign nearly everywhere in the world. Priests like Father Chisholm would have been the salvation.

What a wonderful story of a man, despite much adversity, contributes himself to the Chinese community he loves so much. It is amazing how Peck makes it so effortless (even in his only second film)in portraying a young man to one in his twilight years. He personifies morality and quiet integrity in this film, reminiscent to the role that he would play nearly twenty years later in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.

The supporting cast which performs more than ably is led by Cedric Hardwicke playing a monsignor who was initially critical of the Peck character but emerges having respect for him after reading his memoirs (which form the narration for the film. Others include Thomas Mitchell as the irreverent self-proclaimed atheist who does much to provide the witty humour for the film, Edmund Gwenn as Peck's plucky mentor at the seminary who uses the term "ecclesiastical mechanic" to describe priests who are inflexible and bureaucratic, and Rose Stradner as the Mother Superior who falls in love with Peck (you only get a hint of this).

One of the highlights is the film's efforts in portraying the Chinese in a sensitive manner in terms of the customs shown and dialects used. This is very unlike films of its era which tended to portray Asians in a more stereotypical fashion.

I didn´t expect much of this film, as it is not much mentioned nowadays. Although it is a very simple movie, it evocates eternal values, such as honor, friendship and respect for other people's own values, that truly makes you feel very well after seeing it. It shows, also, how every religion should be guided and thought to someone, and not how it is usually done.

Only a movie from the 40's, like this one, dated like it is, to remind us some values that we are forced to forget everyday in this "global" world of merges, fusions, profits and unemployment. It is a lesson of humanity, decency and of how a man can stick to his opinions and really make the difference.

A good adaptation of AJ Cronin's famous book by a melodrama expert John Stahl,and a great actor,Gregory Peck,as good as ever.A fine appearance by Roddy McDowall as Francis as a boy.

Good scenes: the priest whose idea of Christianity comes up against a retrograde hierarchy,Francis's parent's death,the nuns arriving at the mission.But my favorite scene will remain the death of Francis 's friend, a man who does not believe in God,what the holier-than-thou would call a heathen person,but one good fellow who gave his life to help the priest.This is one of those absorbing tales which were very long but where you never got bored.

This outstanding film was made in 1944. It's a real treasure in that it gave us a superb performance by Gregory Peck, a plain priest, seeking to do the work of the Lord, after he has experienced great personal tragedies in his young life. This film accounted for Peck's first Oscar nomination and it truly is a triumphant one.

Doing the Lord's work by going to China would be Peck's destiny-thanks to the wise bishop played by Edmund Gwenn. The film well depicts the church hierarchy and how many important officials have unfortunately forgotten their purpose in life.

For a change, Vincent Price, high in the church hierarchy, represents the above comment. However, it was good seeing him in a part where he isn't representing evil.

In a supporting role, Joseph L. Mankiewicz's wife in real life is phenomenal. A crusty nun with self-imposed values, she is just wonderful as she comes to view the worthiness of the Peck character.

This film truly serves as an inspiration to all those seeking spiritual salvation as well as a life of true fulfillment and commitment.

Thomas Mitchell shines as Peck's atheist doctor friend. Peck showed his true value as Mitchell was dying, never trying to impose his religious values on him.