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Martin Luther

1953, Movie, NR, 105 mins

Martin Luther: Review

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Cinematographer Brun was nominated for an Oscar, as were Maurischat and Markwitz for their art direction; it was their work that elevated this from a religious documentary into a full-fledged picture. The title reveals the nature of the movie: it's an accurate depiction of the life of the first Protestant as he broke with the Catholic Church and started the Reformation that would cause rumbles in the Church's hierarchy which still are often felt. It is not "entertainment" in the usual sense of the word, but it did have a large audience among Lutherans, as you can imagine, and may be one of the better religious biographies ever made. Old Vic veteran MacGinnis is believable as Luther, and a fine cast of British actors was assembled under Pichel's leisurely direction. Pichel took a role in the film as well. The movie was financed by six church groups and filmed in Germany, where many of the events actually took place. Although not widely released, the picture continues to be shown to church groups and has had a life long beyond the customary release schedules. All of the history of the man is revealed, beginning with his study of the law, his decision to enter the priesthood, his years of devotion to his monastery, and his eventual demand that the church reform itself. His trial at the Diet of Worms is highly dramatic, and the film concludes when Luther leaves the priesthood to marry and to further the cause of protest against the Catholic Church. Mark Lothar's music is a plus, but one wishes there might have been some leavening humor in the script, to make the man look more human. The film was made with such respect that the subject matter seems gloomy when it should be uplifting. Compare this to the life of Sir Thomas More in A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS and see the difference. leave a comment
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