A marvellous film

I haven't read the GK Chesterton books but would like to after watching this film. Via Father Brown Chesterton expounds a warm and compassionate tolerance and embrace of humanity and its frailties that lead it to misdemeanours and crime. The film features Alec Guinness as Father Brown and he brings an ironic detachment to the role that serves the priest's role as a crusader of souls regardless of protocol and procedure and the conflicts going against either presents. Father Brown has a quick wit and in this he is evenly matched by the villain Flambeau, played by Peter Finch who looks very suave as the art collector. Guinness reminds me here of his later role as Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The film doesn't have many votes in IMDb and little activity on the message board suggesting it is somewhat neglected. If you can see the film then take the opportunity, I doubt you'd be disappointed. There are two lol scenes; the auction with the Texan and the library visit where Father Brown encounters a forgetful and myopically challenged librarian.

A film to enjoy time and again.

I give my respect to those who have earned it; to everyone else, I'm civil.