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The Hoodlum Priest

Play trailer Poster for The Hoodlum Priest 1961 1h 41m Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 6 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Venturing into some of the roughest slums of St. Louis, Jesuit priest Rev. Charles Dismas Clark (Don Murray) dedicates himself to helping young ex-convicts who are struggling to rejoin a society that fears and rejects them. An especially wrenching case for the Reverend is Billy Lee Jackson (Keir Dullea), a troubled thief whose personal demons constantly tempt him back to a life of crime -- and may ultimately make him pay the highest price for a few desperate decisions.

Critics Reviews

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A.H. Weiler New York Times 02/11/2020
Despite its faults, however, The Hoodlum Priest makes its plea, dedication and story strongly felt. Go to Full Review Variety Staff Variety 02/11/2020
It is a case of the whole justifying its parts. The moving parts are erratic, but the machine does its job. Go to Full Review Peter John Dyer Sight & Sound 02/11/2020
The film generates both sympathy and concern. Go to Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews 02/11/2020
B-
Wears its heart on its collar. Go to Full Review Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine 10/31/2019
Don Murray expertly portrays Father Clark in this largely factual suspense drama, which powerfully stirs the emotions without ever resorting to maudlin religiosity. Go to Full Review TV Guide Staff TV Guide 01/28/2009
3/5
Rather improbable but ofttimes likable. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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@ExcessMale 07/22/2022 A highly emotionally captivating film that didn't receive much praise or viewing outside of Cannes. Kershner's framing of the prison's exteriors and halls is striking while his affection for the actors' portrayals is exceptional. See more 03/23/2018 Inspiring story but the script falls short See more 03/30/2014 Knowing that this film is based on the life of a real man made this film come alive for me. What an admirable and difficult conviction, to sacrifice so much for people who don't appreciate it, and even abuse you for it, but continuing onward nonetheless. Truly inspiring. See more Read all reviews
The Hoodlum Priest

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Irvin Kershner

Director

Don Murray

Father Charles Dismas Clark

Larry Gates

Louis Rosen

Keir Dullea

Billy Lee Jackson

Logan Ramsey

George Hale

Cindi Wood

Ellen Henley
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The Hoodlum Priest

The Hoodlum Priest (1961) The Hoodlum Priest (1961) The Hoodlum Priest (1961) The Hoodlum Priest (1961) The Hoodlum Priest (1961) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Venturing into some of the roughest slums of St. Louis, Jesuit priest Rev. Charles Dismas Clark (Don Murray) dedicates himself to helping young ex-convicts who are struggling to rejoin a society that fears and rejects them. An especially wrenching case for the Reverend is Billy Lee Jackson (Keir Dullea), a troubled thief whose personal demons constantly tempt him back to a life of crime -- and may ultimately make him pay the highest price for a few desperate decisions.
Director
Irvin Kershner
Production Co
Murray-Wood Productions
Genre
Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (DVD)
Oct 15, 2002
Runtime
1h 41m