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THE STORY:
Regarded as a superb adaptation of the best-selling novel, the story begins with an aging priest about to be forced into retirement. Father Francis Chisholm believes his life has been a failure. Through flashbacks spanning over 50 years, the enormous impact of his missionary efforts to rebuild a parish in rural China is revealed.
BEHIND THE SCENES:
After having bought the screen rights to Cronin's novel, David O. Selznick was not impressed with Peck's screen test and proceeded to sell the novel to Fox head Darryl Zanuck. But Zanuck was impressed with Peck, hiring him after viewing the rushes from Days of Glory. Keys of the Kingdom became Peck's first of five Best Actor nominations.
THE DIRECTOR:
Mankiewicz was a successful screenwriter (1929 The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu),producer (1936 The Fury) and director (1945 Dragonwyck). Later he would write All About Eve.
THE CO-WRITER:
Nunnally Johnson was a popular journalist and writer having penned the critically acclaimed Jesse James 1939, The Grapes of Wrath 1940, and Tobacco Road 1941.
THE CRITICS:
Considered very expensive for it's time, the 3 million dollar Keys of the Kingdom premiered at New York's Rivoli Theater with mixed reviews. The New York Daily Mirror called it "a gigantic opus--big in every way, including pathos, thrills, excitement, cast and celluloid."
The New York Daily News... "Peck carries the burden of the story with competence and artistry. A fine spiritual quality shines through his acting...."
THE ACADEMY & OTHER AWARDS:
Peck received his first Oscar nomination for his role as Father Chisholm. The award went to Ray Milland for his performance in The Lost Weekend. The film also received Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography & Best Score nominations. Keys was picked as one of Film Daily's Best 10 Films of 1945.
RELATED LINKS:
The Saint Paul Film Foundation
Literary Doctors...A.J. Cronin
The Official Roddy McDowall Site
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