Mass Appeal (1984)

My Review

“Mass Appeal” is the story of a Catholic priest whose conservative approach is challenged by a younger and more liberal seminary student who is studying for the priesthood. Director Glenn Jordan (“Only When I Laugh” 1981) and screenwriter Bill C. Davis put together a comprehensive look at modern day Catholicism, based on Davis’ 1980 play of the same name.

The cast is headed by Jack Lemmon as the priest; Lemmon brings his usual folksy manner to the role. Co-stars include Zeljko Ivanek as the young seminarian, Charles Durning as the monsignor, Louise Latham as Lemmon’s housekeeper, as well as Talia Balsam and Alice Hirson, The watchable religious comedy-drama “Mass Appeal” was a modest success in theatrical release for Universal Pictures.