James Friedrich and Cathedral Films

The Independent Religious Cinema of the Evangelist of Hollywood, 1939-1966

By (author) Kenneth Suit

Publication date:

01 December 2017

Length of book:

290 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

ISBN-13: 9781498541510

James 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.

Contents

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

Kenny Suit’s excavation of the most influential Christian filmmaker of the 20^th 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.