Description
Book SynopsisJames Friedrich and Cathedral Films: The Independent Religious Cinema of the Evangelist of Hollywood, 1939-1966 looks at the religious sub-genre of independent cinema during the classical Hollywood period through the works of one of its most accomplished pioneers. Episcopal pastor James Friedrich used professional Hollywood casts and crews to produce over sixty short and feature-length religious films in the 1940s and 50s, with critics and viewers alike offering praise for their cinematic and theological quality. This book is a unique contribution to our understanding of the history of the American film industry, providing unprecedented insight into the way a small independent B-studio created and distributed religious films for the church, television, and theatrical markets, and anticipated and influenced the mid-century Hollywood biblical blockbusters and independent religious films that followed Friedrich's work.
Trade ReviewKenny Suit’s excavation of the most influential Christian filmmaker of the 20th century, the Episcopal Reverend James K. Friedrich, is a timely tour de force of a neglected auteur of independent films. With the advent of many contemporary religious films, Suit strategically situates Friedrich as the visionary vanguard of truly superb and competent filmmaking. This remarkably compelling text showcases how Friedrich built his cinematic oeuvre like the artists of old built cathedrals, all to the glory of God and for the inspiration and entertainment for his millions of spectators. -- Terry Lindvall, Virginia Wesleyan University
This is a very comprehensive and well written book full of valuable insights about Dr. James K. Friedrich. It is a wonderful addition to the literature on religious film production. This book is brilliantly researched. -- Andrew Quicke, Regent University
Kenny Suit’s well-researched study scrutinizes the cinematic ventures of James K. Friedrich and Cathedral Films with impressive detail and a skillful blending of biography, film aesthetics, and industry dynamics. This chronicle of a legend among small-scale independent church producers casts light on the larger movement, most visible in the Billy Graham Association’s World Wide Pictures, and makes a solid contribution to the existing literature on American Protestantism and film. -- William D. Romanowski, Calvin College
Table of ContentsContents Acknowledgments Part One: Inspiration I. Making the Gospel Vivid: Religious Filmmaking During the Silent Period II. A Heavenly Vision: James K. Friedrich’s Cinematic Epiphany Part Two: Innovation III. Baptism in Hollywood: Cathedral Films and The Great Commandment IV. The Power of the Motion Picture: The First of the Bible Story Films V. First-Rate Productions: Cathedral During World War Two Part Three: Competition VI. The Finest Films for the Church: New Economic Strategies During the Postwar Period VII. Doing the Work of the Lord: Expanding the Range of Bible Story Films VIII. A Remarkable Service for Christianity: The “Life of St. Paul” Series and Further Co-Productions Part Four: Inflation IX. New Directions: J.K.F. Productions and I Beheld His Glory X. Another Sacred Series: The Beginning of the “Living Christ” Series XI. A Model of Simplicity and Good Taste: Day of Triumph Part Five: Exhaustion XII. Conflict: The Last Bible Productions XIII. The Tragedy of Our Present Situation: Friedrich’s Final Years XIV. Auteur of His Faith: The Legacy of James Friedrich Postscript Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 Bibliography About the Author
