Over a life time of viewing thousands of films, there have been certain ones that have not only entertained, but also touched and enriched my life -- "A Man Called Peter" is one of those very special films. Now, fifty years after its original theatrical release, 20th Century Fox has released it on DVD in the full beauty of the wide screen CinemaScope format that it needs to be seen in as it has only been available until now on VHS in a Pan & Scan version.
I was but sixteen years old when I first heard of the film during the 1955 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, when then President David O. McKay stood at the podium and gave an unprecedented invitation: "All Stake Presidents, Bishops, and their wives are invited to attend a special preview showing of the new motion picture, "A Man Called Peter," the deeply spiritual story of Dr. Peter Marshall ... it is well worth seeing, and has a message of spirituality most timely for the nation at this time."
I have lost count as to how many times I have seen and heard the sermons delivered in the film by actor Richard Todd (as Dr. Marshall) over a fifty year period -- but it would number into the hundreds! And they never grow old.
Now, on the DVD, Fox has included as an EXTRA, one of the few surviving recorded sermons of the actual Dr. Marshall -- a wonderful 26 minute Easter sermon delivered in 1942. After hearing Todd's marvelous renderings it is quite thrilling to hear Dr. Marshall's actual voice. While the sermon is being given there are a several photographs of Dr. Marshall at the time of the speech before moving into a series of color stills mainly from the film. While these are very interesting, and welcome, they can be a little distracting to the marvelous sermon being rendered. You may wish to listen and watch separately.
Sadly, a lot of DVD dealers have chosen not to carry this title in stock, making it available as an online order item. Don't let this one pass you by. Have your dealer order it in for you or order it yourself. And if you know others who would be moved by this special film, take the time to let them know about it.
As for me, my birthday and Christmas shopping has just been made a lot easier -- this is a film that I am delighted to share with others! And a great big thanks to the folks at Fox for making this available!
I was but sixteen years old when I first heard of the film during the 1955 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, when then President David O. McKay stood at the podium and gave an unprecedented invitation: "All Stake Presidents, Bishops, and their wives are invited to attend a special preview showing of the new motion picture, "A Man Called Peter," the deeply spiritual story of Dr. Peter Marshall ... it is well worth seeing, and has a message of spirituality most timely for the nation at this time."
I have lost count as to how many times I have seen and heard the sermons delivered in the film by actor Richard Todd (as Dr. Marshall) over a fifty year period -- but it would number into the hundreds! And they never grow old.
Now, on the DVD, Fox has included as an EXTRA, one of the few surviving recorded sermons of the actual Dr. Marshall -- a wonderful 26 minute Easter sermon delivered in 1942. After hearing Todd's marvelous renderings it is quite thrilling to hear Dr. Marshall's actual voice. While the sermon is being given there are a several photographs of Dr. Marshall at the time of the speech before moving into a series of color stills mainly from the film. While these are very interesting, and welcome, they can be a little distracting to the marvelous sermon being rendered. You may wish to listen and watch separately.
Sadly, a lot of DVD dealers have chosen not to carry this title in stock, making it available as an online order item. Don't let this one pass you by. Have your dealer order it in for you or order it yourself. And if you know others who would be moved by this special film, take the time to let them know about it.
As for me, my birthday and Christmas shopping has just been made a lot easier -- this is a film that I am delighted to share with others! And a great big thanks to the folks at Fox for making this available!