A Man Called Peter

A Man Called Peter

Year: 1955

Runtime: 119 mins

Language: English

Director: Henry Koster

FamilyDrama

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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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Bittersweet Biopics like A Man Called Peter

True stories of impactful lives that end on a poignant yet hopeful note.For viewers who enjoyed A Man Called Peter, this list features movies like it—true stories and biographical dramas that are both inspirational and emotionally resonant. These films balance uplifting journeys with poignant endings, focusing on the profound legacies of their subjects.

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Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow a linear, chronological arc, charting the subject's rise to prominence through dedication and talent. The central conflict often involves overcoming societal obstacles or personal challenges, with the climax being their great achievement. The ending, however, introduces a bittersweet element, such as the subject's untimely death, framing their legacy within a context of both celebration and loss.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared structure as inspirational biographies that acknowledge the weight of mortality. They create a specific emotional mix: the satisfaction of seeing a positive impact on the world, combined with the reflective sadness of a life cut short, resulting in a profoundly moving yet hopeful experience.

Faith Journey Dramas similar to A Man Called Peter

Character-driven stories about individuals answering a spiritual calling.If you liked the spiritual journey in A Man Called Peter, explore these similar movies about faith and calling. These character-driven dramas focus on individuals discovering their purpose, offering steady, thoughtful narratives about belief, inspiration, and personal transformation.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a protagonist who receives or grows into a sense of divine or profound purpose. The plot is less about external action and more about internal growth, charting their path from uncertainty to conviction. Conflicts are often spiritual or emotional—battling doubt, gaining the trust of a community, or reconciling faith with personal tragedy—building towards a conclusion that affirms the value of their journey.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their core focus on a spiritual or purposeful quest. They share a steady, earnest tone that avoids sensationalism, prioritizing emotional and devotional depth over complex plotting. The viewing experience is characterized by reflection and inspiration, rather than high tension or suspense.

Unlock the Full Story of A Man Called Peter

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Man Called Peter in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Man Called Peter is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

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

Track the full timeline of A Man Called Peter with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Man Called Peter Timeline

A Man Called Peter Spoiler-Free Summary

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A Man Called Peter Spoiler-Free Summary

More About A Man Called Peter

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Man Called Peter: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Discover movies like A Man Called Peter that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.