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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.
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The Hoodlum Priest

Critics Reviews

View All (6) Critics Reviews
A.H. Weiler New York Times Despite its faults, however, The Hoodlum Priest makes its plea, dedication and story strongly felt. Feb 11, 2020 Full Review Variety Staff Variety It is a case of the whole justifying its parts. The moving parts are erratic, but the machine does its job. Feb 11, 2020 Full Review Peter John Dyer Sight & Sound The film generates both sympathy and concern. Feb 11, 2020 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Wears its heart on its collar. Rated: B- Feb 11, 2020 Full Review Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine Don Murray expertly portrays Father Clark in this largely factual suspense drama, which powerfully stirs the emotions without ever resorting to maudlin religiosity. Oct 31, 2019 Full Review TV Guide Staff TV Guide Rather improbable but ofttimes likable. Rated: 3/5 Jan 28, 2009 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member 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. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member Inspiring story but the script falls short Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member 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. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Hoodlum Priest

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Cast & Crew

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
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