A Man Called Peter

A Man Called Peter

Year: 1955

Runtime: 119 mins

Language: English

Director: Henry Koster

FamilyDramaFaith and religionReligious faith sin and forgivenessFaith and spiritual journeys

Based on the true story of Peter Marshall, a young Scottish seafarer who receives a divine call to ministry, he emigrates to America, serves modest congregations, and ultimately becomes pastor of Washington’s Church of the Presidents and later Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, inspiring a nation with his faith.

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Timeline & Setting – A Man Called Peter (1955)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Man Called Peter (1955). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s–1940s

Set in the late 1930s through the early 1940s, the film traces America as it moves from prewar life to wartime upheaval. The birth of Peter John on December 7, 1941 ties a personal milestone to the national moment of Pearl Harbor. The era’s social and political shifts shape Peter's calling, his public role, and the endurance of his family through illness and loss.

Location

Coatbridge, Scotland, Covington, Georgia, Washington, D.C., Cape Cod, Annapolis

The story begins in Coatbridge, Scotland, where Peter Marshall’s love of the sea foreshadows a life devoted to ministry. It then moves through Covington, Georgia, to Washington, D.C., reflecting a preacher who climbs from rural roots to a national platform. The journeys to Cape Cod and Annapolis anchor the film in recognizable American landscapes, grounding faith and family against a backdrop of public life.

🗺️ Transatlantic Journey 🏡 Small-Town America 🌊 Coastal Settings

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:27

Main Characters – A Man Called Peter (1955)

Meet the key characters of A Man Called Peter (1955), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Peter Marshall (Richard Todd)

A devoted minister who rises from humble beginnings in Scotland to national prominence through inclusive sermons. His life centers on faith, family, and public service, as he shepherds diverse congregations and accepts demanding roles. Illness and tragedy test his resolve, underscoring the sacrifices involved in a life of ministry.

🙏 Faith 🗣️ Oratory 🏛️ Public life

Catherine Wood Marshall (Jean Peters)

Catherine is a steadfast partner who supports her husband's calling while managing personal trials. She helps in public events, faces tuberculosis, and gradually regains strength, showing resilience and devotion. Her love and care anchor the family through mounting public demands and loss.

💖 Love 🩺 Health 🤝 Partnership

Peter John Marshall (Billy Chapin)

The couple's son, born on December 7, 1941, who grows up amid his father's rising public role. The child embodies family continuity and the human cost of a preacher's public life. The Cape Cod memories and the boat scene highlight a tender connection between father and son.

👶 Family 🌊 Ocean 🕊️ Loss

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:27

Major Themes – A Man Called Peter (1955)

Explore the central themes of A Man Called Peter (1955), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🙏 Faith

Peter's life centers on a steadfast faith that guides his decisions and shapes his ministry. His sermons aim to reach people from all walks of life, emphasizing compassion and hope. Faith functions as a force for inclusion, resilience, and solace in times of crisis and personal tragedy.

🫶 Love

Catherine's devotion anchors the marriage, supporting his calling while facing her own health battles. Their partnership grows through shared faith, mutual respect, and steadfast support during public demands. The film treats love as a personal bond that sustains family and ministry alike.

🏛️ Duty

Peter's career moves from a rural pastor to the Chaplain of the United States Senate highlight a commitment to service beyond the pulpit. His work bridges private devotion and public responsibility, shaping how faith informs national life. The theme of duty is tested by illness, loss, and the responsibilities of leadership.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:27

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Unlock the Full Story of A Man Called Peter

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A Man Called Peter Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Man Called Peter, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Man Called Peter Summary

A Man Called Peter Timeline

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A Man Called Peter Timeline

More About A Man Called Peter

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