Greg Peck AND a Timeless Story and Fable
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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