Recently I watched a favorite movie of mine. ‘A Man Called Peter’stars Richard Todd as Peter Marshall and Jean Peters as Catherine Wood, who later became his wife. The movie was adapted from the book of the same name written by Catherine Marshall.
The movie starts in Scotland with a young boy struggling to go to sea. But God had other plans for Peter Marshall as he found put when God saved him from falling into an abandoned quarry. At that time Peter Marshall vowed to live his life for God.
Peter did end up crossing the seas as God’s call on his life led this man from his beloved Scotland to America. His enthusiasm not only for God but for music, fun and sport, etc -in other words for life, is one of the things that comes across in this film.
From being the pastor initially of a small church where he meets Catherine, he becomes pastor in a large established church- the church of the Presidents – filled with tradition. His enthusiasm and his vibrant preaching bring people flocking to the church. Among them is a senator Harvey who becomes a close friend.
However not everyone is enamored by his zest for life and the way the church is used.. The canteen he starts during the war is one such area that causes friction.
Life does not always run smoothly as Catherine is diagnosed with tuberculosis. This brings a crisis of faith for Catherine and Peter. As he says in one of his sermons, ‘The great things by which we really live are learned not by logic but by life.’
This ‘emigrant,’ as he is called by one who did not always agree with his plans, went on to become Chaplain of the United States Senate.
Richard Todd’s portrayal of Peter Marshall, is so convincing that when I read Peter Marshall’s sermons, in ‘Mr. Jones Meet the Master’ and ‘John Doe, Disciple,’ it is Richard Todd’s voice I hear.
‘A Man Called Peter’ is a story of a red blooded man who lived out his faith and enjoyed life.
Thanks Tristi for allowing me to guest blog this movie.Tristi has already reviewed another of my favorite movies. If you missed any of Tristi’s reviews this week, here’s a glimpse
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