The Keys of the Kingdom1944The Keys of the Kingdom
1944
Father Francis Chisholm, a Scottish priest who has never fit in, is sent as a missionary to China. Over decades he endures poverty, plague, war, and the scorn of his superiors.
The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.
Why it’s here
A humble missionary who is no one's idea of success serves for decades with charity toward all, even rivals and unbelievers. Gregory Peck's first great role.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
Mob brutality, wartime gunfire, and an explosion that kills soldiers, intense for little ones; the violence serves the story of Chisholm's mercy. Religious bigotry is shown as wrong, and there's drinking and smoking.
The Keys of the Kingdom (1944)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- Why did Father Chisholm stay in China?
- How did he treat his friend who didn't believe?
- Why did Mother Maria-Veronica change?
- What did success mean to Father Chisholm?
Content advisory
Movieguide (via WebSearch): mob brutality, war gunfire, and an explosion killing soldiers; religious bigotry; alcohol and smoking.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
The Keys of the Kingdom Blu-ray (Limited Edition to 3000)
Blu-ray · December 13, 2016
Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.