The Hoodlum Priest

1961

1h 41m

Biography

List

100%

Tomatometer

6 Reviews

75%

Audience Score

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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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

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TV Guide Staff

TV Guide

Rather improbable but ofttimes likable.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 28, 2009

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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

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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

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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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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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