A Man Called Peter (1955)

79% of users liked it
(1,505 ratings)

A Man Called Peter is the story of Scottish-born Presbyterian minister and world-renowned author Peter Marshall, here played by Richard Todd. In his youth, Marshall moves to Washington DC, where he becomes pastor of the Church of the Presidents. His wisdom and conviction enables Marshall to… More A Man Called Peter is the story of Scottish-born Presbyterian minister and world-renowned author Peter Marshall, here played by Richard Todd. In his youth, Marshall moves to Washington DC, where he becomes pastor of the Church of the Presidents. His wisdom and conviction enables Marshall to communicate with men of all faiths. In private life, the pastor is given moral support by his loyal wife Catherine Marshall (Jean Peters). At the time of his comparatively early death, Marshall has become chaplain of the US Senate. Interestingly enough, while Marshall and his family are identified by name, the peripheral political characters are given fictional monickers--and sometimes, as in the case of the President played by William Forrest, no names at all. Director Henry Koster expertly avoids filming Marshall's sermons in a static, declamatory fashion. As Catherine Marshall, Jean Peters does wonders with a comparatively limited role; her best scene is her last, when she overcomes her lifelong fear of the ocean for the sake of her son (Billy Chapin). A Man Called Peter was certainly not conceived out of any box-office considerations, but it still paid its way. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 59 min.
Directed By: Henry Koster
Written By: Eleanore Griffin, Catherine Marshall
Genres: Drama, Faith & Spirituality, Kids & Family, Classics

In Theaters: Mar 31, 1955 Wide
On DVD: Sep 6, 2005

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Though decently acted by Tichard Todd and Jean Peters, this biopic of the famous Scottish clergyman and Senate chaplain is directed by Henry Koster in earnest, pious way.

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Reverent, sometimes corny bio of Peter Marshall is saved by a strong central performance from Richard Todd. The film also has high production values and a good supporting cast including Jean Peters' swan song before marrying Howard Hughes and retiring from acting for over two… More
Reverent, sometimes corny bio of Peter Marshall is saved by a strong central performance from Richard Todd. The film also has high production values and a good supporting cast including Jean Peters' swan song before marrying Howard Hughes and retiring from acting for over two decades and then emerging to only do a very few appearances on TV.

Cast

            Richard Todd as Peter Marshall

            Jean Peters as Catherine Marshall

            Marjorie Rambeau as Mrs. Fowler

            Jill Esmond as Mrs. Findlay

            Les Tremayne as Senator Harvey

            Gladys Hurlbut as Mrs. Peyton

            Richard Garrick as Col. Whiting

            Gloria Gordon as Barbara Tremaine

            Billy Chapin as Peter John Marshall

            Sally Corner as Mrs. Whiting

            Voltaire Perkins as Senator Wiley

            Marietta Canty as Emma

            Edward Earle as Sen. Prescott

            Peter J. Votrian as Peter Marshall Ages 7 to 14

            Janet Stewart as Nancy

            Ann B. Davis as Ruby Coleman

            Sam McDaniel as Maitre d'

            Betty Caulfield as Jane Whitney

            Oliver Hartwell as Janitor

            Doris Lloyd as Miss Hopkins

            William Forrest as President

            Barbara Morrison as Miss Standish

            Carlyle Mitchell as Dr. Black

            Amanda Randolph as Willie

            Ricky Kelman as Peter Age 5 1/2

            Emmett Lynn as Mr. Briscoe

            William Walker as Butler

            Charles Evans as President of Senate

            Alexander Campbell as Elder

            Jonathan Hole as Elder

            Larry Kent as Chaplain

            Roy E. Glenn Jr. as Holden

            Ruth Clifford as Nurse

            Ben Wright as Mr. Findlay

            Florence MacAfee as Mrs. Ferguson

            Christopher C. Cook as Bon Hunter

            Winston Severn as David Weed

            Maudie Prickett as Mrs. Pike

            Robert Burton as Mr. Peyton

            Dorothy Neumann as Miss Crilly

            Steffi Sidney as Rowdy at Youth Rally
See full cast