Danny Davis

A couple of years ago, I saw an old film, probably from the late 1940s or early 1950s about a minister who served as pastor of a small country parish. As I recall, it was in color, not black and white. The pastor and his wife had a daughter that was going off to the University to study. University tuition was quite expensive, so the pastor sought to supplement his income. He gave a misunderstand (and thus controversial) message at a university chapel service. It made headlines. He then was signed on to write a religious column for a news paper. This gave him the extra income to assist his daughter. In the midst of all this, it seems there was some controversy about a wealthy parishoner who had asked him to assist with their will. I don't remember all the details. But it seems there was some concern about the potential for impropriety, especially if the parishoner wound up leaving money to him. These are the sketchy details as I can remember them. I do not know the film's name. I do not know any of the actors that played in it. Thus, I have no way of locating this film. Can someone help me? I am a church pastor and I found the film interesting as it touched on some of the challenges faced by clergymen of every generation.

Thanks in advance for your help!

smudge

Possibly LEASE OF LIFE with Robert Donat ?

Smudge

Welcome to my house. Enter freely, and of your own will...

cy_renaica

Definitely Charles Frend's Lease of Life with Robert Donat in his last film. Filmed in Lund In the East Riding of Yorkshire, the sermon you mention was filmed in Beverly Minster. Whilst not a great film, there is much to admire, with strong performances from all the ensemble; Donat is very moving as he is obviously very ill at this time, plus a young Adrienne Corri, Denholm Elliot and Kay Walsh. I got a copy of this film thru the good auspices of a member of this forum.

cy_renaica

I forgot to add, if you want to find a bit more about the filming of LofL, look at usual bits.thearne.karoo.net/page68.html.
Also, for any bus groupies out there, there is some fine footage of the dark blue and gold East Yorkshire buses built with the special domed tops to go under Beverly Bar. All in all, good film apart, a nostalgic treat for old East Riding hands.

alex

I agree. It is definitely Lease of Life (1954)

Danny Davis

Thanks to all for your kind assistance in answering my question.