The Christopher Films Collection

This entry in Gospel Films Archive's series compiling vintage short films with Christian themes features three titles produced in the 1950s by the non-denominational Christophers. Founded by priest and author Father James Keller, this postwar-era group was dedicated to encouraging people with good values and ideals to enter careers of influence (teaching, government, journalism, entertainment), creating a bulwark against any future tyrannical or corrupt political movements. Keller appears in all of the films, which feature some heavyweight Hollywood talent. “You Can Change the World” (1951) stars Jack Benny, William Holden, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Paul Douglas, and Loretta Young, under the direction of the great Leo McCarey in a scenario in which Benny hosts a gathering where Keller talks about the Christophers' philosophy. Along the way there are a few laughs (Hope, in a cowboy outfit, has a surreal moment asking cows to be quiet), and Crosby croons. More impressive, in dramatic terms, is “A Link in the Chain” (1957), starring James Cagney as a retiring college professor who doubts he has made any difference in the lives of his students. Flashbacks reveal that he actually did quite a bit to instill a sense of responsibility in young people regarding the state of the world. Finally, “Government Is Your Business” (1952) stars Arthur Franz as a crusading idealist who takes on his town's rough-and-tumble political machine in a quest to win a council seat. Not only must he stand up to bosses, he also has to go against the wishes of his frightened parents and fiancée. An interesting set of films made in a joint project between a religious group and Hollywood, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)