One to view, one to hear

Maybe Hollywood needs a Catholic Sidney Poitier.

That's a conclusion I reached after viewing "Hollywood Vs. Catholicism," a new videotape that examines how recent movies have slurred religion, demeaned Jesus, ridiculed clergy, and associated symbols of faith with murder, depravity and corruption.

For decades, films stereotyped black people as lazy, ignorant and of little importance. Then along came people like Sidney Poitier who said, in effect, "Not anymore. I will only portray people of dignity, intelligence and honor." A Catholic equivalent among actors, producers, writers or directors would go a long way toward putting the brakes on anti-Catholic stereotypes on the big screen.

Sample scenes

In the meantime, if you're interested in how many movies have portrayed your religion, get a copy of "Hollywood Vs. Catholicism." It contains scenes from such films as "Priest," "Cape Fear," "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Godfather, Part 3," scenes that make a strong case that movie-makers have it in for religion in general and the Church specifically.

Most interesting is a segment showing how religious symbols, including the cross and Bible, have been inserted into movies to connect faith to evil and debased acts. Nothing goes into a movie scene without thought, the narrator notes; so what is the idea behind such associations except to demean religion?

At 72 minutes, "Hollywood Vs. Catholicism" is probably twice as long as it needs to be; a documentary of half that length would allow families, senior high school groups and adult discussion clubs some time to talk about what they see. Perhaps a two-part showing would provide the same forum; certainly, viewers will want to talk about their reaction to the contents of the tape.

For information about buying a copy, call CCC of America at 1-800-935-2222....

Listen here

Since this is a television column, I rarely step into other media to comment. Every now and then, however, something extra special comes along. In this case, it's an album of music that landed on my desk -- and which should land in your CD player or audiotape machine.

The idea behind "Angels Upon Ivory" sounds like someone at MTV got religion and decided that combining Gregorian chants with acoustic piano would make sense. When you think of it, it doesn't make sense. But when you listen to it, you find it's heavenly.

Father Michael Barrett, a Redemptorist priest and classically trained musician, plays the piano selections on the album, including "Agnus Dei" and "O Sanctissima." They sound brand new in his hands.

Look for this peaceful, charming and lovely album in your local record store. It's produced by Angelus Music. If your store doesn't have it, ask the clerk to call 1-908-576-8700 to order a copy for you....

Teshed out

Was it me or did John Tesh drive everyone nuts with his commentary during the gymnastics at the Olympics?

He was inordinantly loud and unprofessionally nationalistic when calling the events, and insufferably precious when doing the little documentaries about athletes that have become so numerous they overwhelm the sports themselves.

His pieces on China were especially annoying; if you went by his narration, it's a place that has never oppressed a soul. Did China pay for that propaganda, or did it come for free?

(08-08-96) [[In-content Ad]]