Have you noticed how many Catholic movies there are? The whole notion got me to thinking about the scarcity of movies favorably treating Presbyterian and Reformed Christians.
I have made a list of such. Let me know if you think of others.
1. A Man Called Peter. This 1955 movie, based on the book with the same title, tells the story of the Scottish Presbyterian pastor who served in a pastorate in Washington, D.C. and served as the Senate chaplain. His is largely remembered today because of his wife, Catherine Marshall, who was a successful author, and his son, Peter Marshall, Jr., who has been involved in researching the Christian roots of American history. This is one of those "heart-warming" films of the past.
2. Cromwell. Starring Richard Harris as the great Puritan military leader and Lord Protector, this movie is a really well done bit of historical drama. Lots of facts and accuracy are sacrificed, but the main contours of the story of the Puritan Revolution and the English Civil War are powerful presented. Alec Guinness put in an outstanding performance in this movie as King Charles I, the counter-part to Cromwell.
3. Chariots of Fire. This movie which featured the faith and running skills of the Flying Scotsman, Eric Liddell, is perhaps the best film presentation of the Calvinistic worldview as exemplified in personal Christianity. Much of the greatness is through the contrast the movie makes between the Liddell the Calvinist and Sabbatarian and another runner whose motivation is self-centered.
4. Lady Jane. This is a sad and beautiful movie that tells the story of Lady Jane Grey, the girl who for a period of nine days was the Queen of England after the death of the Protestant young, sickly King Edward VI (son of Henry VIII). Lady Jane was dedicated to the Reformed faith for spiritual reasons; her family, however, was in favor of the political side of the Reformed faith as a means of their gaining power.
5. The Hiding Place. This has long been a favorite movie in Christian circles. Corrie Ten Boom's family were Dutch Reformed Christians. The movie is a testimony to their faith and particularly a powerful picture of Corrie's struggle with Providence as she witnessed the horrors of a concentration camp and the death of her sisters. This movie shows why, providentially, fleas and lice live and move and have their being from God.
6. Gods and Generals. This movie is a bit long, but it powerfully portrays the faith of General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. The General was one of history's best military geniuses and he was a staunch Presbyterian Calvinist and deacon. His abiding faith in his dying days after he was wounded during his most successful battle is perhaps the most moving part of this film.
7. Luther. Both the 1955 and 2003 versions of Luther's life are outstanding. Both aptly portray Luther's personal struggles and the greater issues that brought about the Reformation.
With so many good people from history who were of the Reformed faith, it is ashamed that I cannot come up with more than 7 (or 8 if you count Luther twice) movies.
Any other nominations?
3 comments:
I was thinking the other day a new, more modern(but central story accurate) movie about Cromwell needs to be made. Possible title:
"King Killer: Warts and All"
and really paint him "warts and all", make sure all the climatic stuff gets in there, like his Rump speech, etc.
Maybe style it kinda like Tudors on Showtime as done, basically market to a mass audience but keep the central worldview in tact...
A River Runs Through It, about a Presbyterian minister's family in Montana, captures the Reformed ethos very well.
Yes to Jonathan about a more realistic extended story of Cromwell. There are lots of men out of Christian history whose lives contain challenges and complexities.
Kevin, I was moved by "A River Runs Through It," but thought that the minister was pretty pitiful. The same author who wrote that story also wrote one called "The Ranger, the Cook, and a Hole in the Sky." A movie was made from that story and the young man who is the main character explained his strong-mindedness by saying, "I'm a Presbyterian." I liked both of the movie versions of Norman Maclean's stories better than I like his stories. I thought he had strayed far from his Presbyterian roots.
Thanks to both for the comments.
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