An earnestness which is not commonly seen today is the hallmark of many of the greatest films of the golden age of cinema. The Keys Of The Kingdom is a humbling expression of stirring earnestness. Father Chisholm is not shown as perfect, but the one constant is his humility and devotion to his calling. This theme has never been expressed more wondrously.This earnestness is also seen in the figures who intersect Father Chisholm's life: Willie, Angus (if you have to look closely at times to see it), the delightful Father McNabb, Reverend Doctor Fiske, Joseph, Mr. Chia, the wonderful Reverend Mother, and even in the end, the most triumphant and stirring realization of all, the at first dubious Monsignor. These parts are all played by fine actors doing some of their best work.The synthesis of wondrous story and inspired acting is ageless, and results in an experience much beloved by just about every viewer.

This outstanding film was made in 1944. It's a real treasure in that it gave us a superb performance by Gregory Peck, a plain priest, seeking to do the work of the Lord, after he has experienced great personal tragedies in his young life. This film accounted for Peck's first Oscar nomination and it truly is a triumphant one.Doing the Lord's work by going to China would be Peck's destiny-thanks to the wise bishop played by Edmund Gwenn. The film well depicts the church hierarchy and how many important officials have unfortunately forgotten their purpose in life.For a change, Vincent Price, high in the church hierarchy, represents the above comment. However, it was good seeing him in a part where he isn't representing evil.In a supporting role, Joseph L. Mankiewicz's wife in real life is phenomenal. A crusty nun with self-imposed values, she is just wonderful as she comes to view the worthiness of the Peck character.This film truly serves as an inspiration to all those seeking spiritual salvation as well as a life of true fulfillment and commitment.Thomas Mitchell shines as Peck's atheist doctor friend. Peck showed his true value as Mitchell was dying, never trying to impose his religious values on him.

THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM covers traditional A.J. Cronin material with warmth and simplicity--the story of an idealistic, compassionate priest who has to struggle against the sins of mankind in order to make his mark in the world.GREGORY PECK is more convincing as the young Father Chisholm than he is in his aged make-up, but this was only his second film and he does a commendable overall job as the earnest priest sent as a missionary to China during troubled times. A striking performance is given by the Mother Superior, Austrian actress ROSE STRADNER, who made only a few films. She distrusts him at first but gradually becomes his best confidante and close friend.THOMAS MITCHELL is fine as Peck's self-styled atheist doctor friend and VINCENT PRICE is effective as a successful fellow priest who puts ambition ahead of godliness.It is clear that Fox put all of its production finesse behind the making of the film, ensuring that it was cast with highly professional actors who would provide a fitting supporting cast for Peck, who was being showcased as the hottest new star discovery of the '40s. The Chinese are played by real Asians rather than Hollywood character actors made up to look Oriental and this is a big plus in creating the necessary realism.The running time of two hours and ten minutes can be a little too much at times, but then--when did A.J. Cronin ever write a tale that didn't take less than two hours to put on screen, especially one that covers a man's lifetime.Summing up: Respectable film but cannot avoid the sentimentality that weakens the film's ending. Nice job of direction by John M. Stahl.

This movie would have to be the greatest movie ever made. The sheer brilliance of Gregory Peck in the manner he displays as a Missionary Catholic Priest is just mind boggling, the support from the Nuns is just spot on. Real People in a Real world. Relationships are formed congenially and with love and affection of the right kind. To see it in black and white makes the movie real. The melodrama that Thomas Mitchell and Sir Cedric Hardwicke gives to movies provides the right tone to their scenes Gregory Peck show his capabilities and indicates his greatness in other movies such as Gentleman's Agreement and To Kill a Mockingbird (his greatest performance ever). The ability to communicate with non-English speaking Chinese is depicted calmly and sensitively . Finally the wonderful Edmund Gwen as the Seminary mentor shows the characteristic of a keen thinking priest when he refers to "ecclesastical mechanics", those bureaucrats who are inflexible and forget the ordinary People of God. I am sure God will bless all who watch this move with good heartI just wish I could get a copy of it somewhere.