THE HOODLUM PRIEST
US, 1961, 100 minutes, Black and white.
Don Murray, Keir Dullea, Larry Gates, Logan Ramsey.
Directed by Irvin Kershner
The Hoodlum Priest is a strong drama with social conscience coming from the early '60s. It is based on the true story of Jesuit Father Charles Dismas Clark (Dismas after the good thief at the crucifixion promised Paradise). Don Murray co produced and stars with forcefulness and sincerity as Father Clark. Keir Dullea is introduced as a young man who comes out of prison, is helped by Father Clark but whose life takes a downward spiral. Larry Gates as a lawyer and Logan Ramsay as a cynical newspaperman give very good support.
Filmed in black and white on location, the film gives a very strong sense of atmosphere and locations. The film is quite believable - and is an interesting portrait of Catholic social conscience just before the calling of the Second Vatican Council. It is interesting in presenting a portrait of Jesuits at this particular period. It is also interesting in its social conscience and its concern about prisoners, ex convicts and their rehabilitation. The direction is by Irvin Kershner, an early film of a director who was to make a wide range of films from small dramas to such spectacles as The Empire Strikes Back and Robo Cop 2.
1.An entertaining social conscience film? The strength of its message?
2.Black and white photography, St Louis and the '50s, the range of locations in the city, schools, industry, prisons, offices? The world of crime? The musical score and background?
3.The film as a true story, Father Clark acting as technical adviser? Don Murray as producer and star? The sincere attitude of the film?
4.The opening credits, the emphasis on prison, Billy leaving, friendship with Peo, being taken to Father Clark and his reactions - and not suspecting he was a priest?
5.Don Murray's portrait of Father Clark: the background of Pennsylvania and the mines, his grandfather as a Molly Maguire and his execution, his motivation for joining the Jesuits, his dedication to his order and to God, teaching in school but not finding it satisfying, his relationship with the headmaster? His ability to help the various ex prisoners? Going to the bars, getting tickets for the woman working in the bar to meet her husband? The gambling? The atmosphere of violence, his support of those arrested at the courts? Going to the top lawyer and persuading him to help him? The winning of the case? McHale? and his hostility towards Father Clark? The interviews, the articles? His denunciation of him in court? The bonds that Father Clark created with the ex prisoners? His pastoral work in the prison? The decision to form the half-way house, engaging the support of the lawyer, persuading him? The party and the socialites, their listening to his speech, McHale's criticisms? The investigation, the attitude of the Jesuits, the Provincial going to the hearing? The lawyer and his plea? McHale? and his interruptions? Father Clark and his defence of himself, his motivation, sense of call? His being allowed to continue his work? The establishment of the home? His friendship with Billy, getting him the jobs (and the collage of refusals)? Billy and his troubles, his falling in love with the girl, their meeting? Being blamed for the robbery, being involved in the siege, the death of the owner of the market? His being caught, the siege? His shooting at the police? Father Clark going in, his psychology for persuading him to give up? Persuading him to leave? In prison, the execution and his having to assist? Helping Billy to die? Going back to the home, Peo and the drinking, his wanting to leave? Peo persuading him to stay? His anger and breaking the furniture at the centre? His future? Exploration of a strong character, sense of conviction, motivation?
6.The lawyer and his skills, arguing with Father Clark, persuaded to help in the court, his defence of Billy, his interest in the cause, defending Father Clark in the hearing, putting on the social to raise money, his taking a personal interest in the building?
7.McHale, his interest in the court case, his hostility towards Father Clark, the interviews, going to the party, present at the hearing, his denunciations?
8.Billy, the young man leaving jail, past criminal activity, teaming up with Peo, suspicious of Father Clark, getting the jobs, working, the attraction to the girl, the outings at the zoo, his becoming more human? Accused falsely? His anger, the build-up to the robbery, working with Peo, the violence? The shooting? The chase, the siege, his desperation, Father Clark persuading him to give up? The experience of prison, his fear, reaction to the chaplain, looking at Father Clark as he died?
9.The world of petty crime, violence in the city, Peo as typical of the criminals?
10.Those involved in helping Father Clark, the friends in the market giving people jobs, the socialites and raising money?
11.The picture of the Jesuits, their ministry, schools, allowing for an individual to go into prison chaplaincy, the authority of the Provincial?
12.A portrait of the Catholic church in the 1950s? Social work and conscience in the 1950s? Rehabilitation of prisoners - leading to later developments?
