Media, Film & Theater

By Alice M. Batzel
Published Author, Playwright, Journalist, Poet, Freelance Writer

Writer/Director: T. C. Christensen
Producers: T. C. Christensen and Ron Tanner
Production Company: Remember Films
Distributor: Purdie Distribution
MPAA Rating: PG (for thematic content and some action)
Running Time: 121 minutes.

Review Ranking: 9 stars out of 10 (using IMDb’s ranking scale)

I attended the premiere of The Fighting Preacher, a movie by Utah writer/director T. C. Christensen, on July 17, 2019. Among those who attended were Christensen, cast members, the crew, the film editor, producers, Utah Film Commission representatives, production/industry associates, and family. In preparation, I did a bit of research and studied the promotional information regarding the subject of the film. I was interested and eager to see how the historical story of Willard Bean and his wife, Rebecca Bean, would be told.

The film takes the audience on a journey back to a time when religious prejudice in the United States was common, especially for a faith that was unfamiliar to the majority of Americans. And when such faith was accompanied by historical discord, acceptance would be a monumental feat. Willard and Rebecca Bean found such to be the case when attempting to set up residence in Palmyra, New York, in 1915. At the request of leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Beans accepted a unique missionary assignment. They were called to become residents and caretakers of the property known as the Joseph Smith family farm located in Palmyra and to preach the gospel. They were also called to establish community relations between the Church and residents in Palmyra and to help arrange the purchase of Church-related historic properties in the area. Any of those assignments would have been a challenge; in combination, they were daunting indeed.

After the Beans arrived in Palmyra, they were emotionally tormented. Numerous attempts were made by community members to defame the Church and to make the Beans’ lives miserable. When Willard and Rebecca arrived, they had been married for less than one year, so you can imagine what an obstacle the opposition presented for the young couple. The fact that they chose to remain despite such circumstances shows their character, grit, and commitment to the calling that their Church leaders had extended to them. The Beans were the first members of the Church to reside in Palmyra in 84 years. A welcome was long overdue, but the Beans surely didn’t receive one. As I watched the film, I couldn’t help but feel empathy for the Beans because of the community’s negative reception of the couple. There was an occasional acceptance, and when it occurred the Beans felt as though it was a blessing from heaven. I felt the same way whenever the Beans achieved a victory during their earliest years in Palmyra. Additionally, I particularly enjoyed seeing this couple grow in their love and devotion for one another.

The Beans attempted through various means to make friends and contribute to the community, but often the responses were a deaf ear, unkind actions, and vicious remarks. Finally, Willard, with the encouragement of Rebecca, defended himself, his family, and the purpose of their mission. The community soon learned with whom they had been dealing. You see, at one time, Willard had held the title of middle-weight champion in the United States. At times, Willard had to call upon those boxing skills to defend himself and his family because of the enraged sentiments of the abundant number of individuals who opposed the Church. As a result of using his boxing skills while a Church representative, he was often called “The Fighting Parson,” to which the film adapted the title to be “The Fighting Preacher.” The boxing scenes in the movie show Willard’s boxing to be an asset to meeting the challenges of his Church assignment. The portrayal of gratuitous graphic violence is absent. Instead, the film successfully shows Willard’s sportsmanship, athletic ability, and defeat of his challengers.

While some residents responded through facing Willard in the boxing arena, others responded with continued contention. The Beans then implemented a more robust effort to provide community and individual service and compassion without any expectation of reciprocation. The endeavor was tedious and sustained over time, resulting in gradual acceptance and a feeling of belonging. Finally, after years of continued effort, the Beans became respected community members and took an active role in many service organizations in the community. Their children likewise received benefits from enduring their trials. What began as a Church assignment of five years ended up as a mission of twenty-five years, by the end of which the Beans were endeared to and honored by the community.

The film’s cinematography is exceptional. Attention is given to detail of subject and expression, as well as an expansive panoramic view. Such cinematography has become a trademark of Christensen, and audiences look forward to him delivering it in each of his films. I commend the casting director; each of the actors provided a solid performance, demonstrating skill, consistency, and sensitivity. I didn’t detect any weakness in the acting. Even the extras presented a colorful collection of characters of unique expression and appearance, adding to the entertaining visual quality of the film. The technical components of the film are aesthetically pleasing. The musical score is captivating and appropriate for the period. Even a seasoned critic would find it difficult, if not impossible, to point to any legitimate flaws in these aspects of the film.

Similar to other historically influenced films written/directed by Christensen (e.g., The Cokeville Miracle, Ephraim’s Rescue, and 17 Miracles), The Fighting Preacher demonstrates attention to biographical detail and historical accuracy throughout, excepting minor instances of artistic license. Filmed in New York and Utah, the cinematography takes advantage of the topography of the land. Clothing and architecture of the period are well represented. Even the interior of the old schoolhouse where a number of scenes take place helps the audience feel transported in time. After the film, alongside the credits, numerous historical photos and informational facts about the Beans were presented. My eyes were already teary, but with the archival and photographic feast, tears coursed down my cheeks.

The Fighting Preacher is a noteworthy filmmaking accomplishment. Christensen has written and directed an exceptional film worthy of numerous awards. He’s a well-researched visionary filmmaker—one of the most talented filmmakers of this generation—and he consistently delivers quality films. He shows the audience the truth and invites them to receive a valuable message. He uses the highest caliber of storytelling through his screenwriting, directing, and cinematography. This triple combination is unique among industry professionals. Whereas other filmmakers choose to work with fiction, he tells a true story of historical significance, one that is worthy of the audience’s time and that can inspire the human spirit. The running time of the film is not adequate to tell the entire story of Willard and Rebecca Bean, but the events depicted in this film portray the significance of this couple’s lives. In Christensen’s final remarks to the audience attending the premiere, he said, “My hope is that this film will go out and inspire others to be kinder to one another.” That takes courage and faith. That’s what Willard and Rebecca Bean had. That’s what Christensen has.

Adapted, with permission, from the review at https://www.alicembatzel.com/2019-1.