• Rating:
• Genre: Drama
• Movie Type: Hagiography, Religious Drama
• Themes: Message From God
• Director: Norman Walker
• Main Cast: Leonard Sachs, Keith Pyott
• Release Year: 1954
• Country: UK
• Run Time: 77 minutes

Plot

The life of the founder of modern Methodism is dramatized in John Wesley. Originally intended for church assembly showings, the film stars Leonard Sachs in the title role. The screenplay charts the Methodist Movement from its inception in 18th century England to the present day. Produced by the Radio and Film Commission of the Methodist church, the film was financed by the contributions of some 500 churches. Unfortunately, the budget didn't allow for a professional cast, thus many potentially worthwhile scenes are laid low by amateurish acting. On the other hand, the film is quite slick and accomplished on a technical level, thanks to the first-rate cinematography of Hone Glendenning and the assured direction of Norman Walker. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Cast

• Leonard Sachs - John Wesley
• Keith Pyott - Rev. Samuel Wesley

Derek Aylward - Charles Wesley; John Witty - Peter Bohler, a Moravian; John Slater - Condemned Man; Joss Ambler - Trustee for Georgia; Andrew Cruickshank - Trustee for Georgia; Sydney Monckton - Trustee for Georgia; Erik Chitty - Trustee for Georgia; George Bishop - Trustee for Georgia; Henry Hewitt - Bishop of Bristol; Patrick Holt - Thomas Maxfield; Arthur Young - George II; Vincent Holman - Beaumont, a Quaker; Edward Jewesbury - James Hutton; Harry Towb - Michael O'Rory; Neal Arden - William Holland; F.B.J. Sharp - Vicar; Roger Maxwell - Gen. Holt; Julien Mitchell - Tom Dekkar; Milton Rosmer - Trustees for Georgia

Credit

Hone Glendenning - Cinematographer; Stanley Grant - Cinematographer; Lawrence Barrett - Screenwriter; Henry Reed - Composer (Music Score); Norman Walker - Director; Dave Powell - Editor

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