Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story (1996)

Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story Poster

The firebrand reporter, feminist and philanthropist Dorothy Day co-founds The Catholic Worker with Peter Maurin, an eccentric philosopher.

Film Overview
"Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story" is a 1996 biographical film directed by Michael Ray Rhodes. Moira Kelly brilliantly analyzes the life of Dorothy Day, one of America's the majority of notable Catholic radicals and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. The motion picture illustrates Dorothy's transformation from an agnostic Bohemian to a vocal advocate for the bad and disenfranchised.

Plot Summary
The story begins with a bohemian writer and socialist Dorothy Day who is living a carefree life in allure Age in New York City. The film highlights her journey that includes her argumentative love with Forster Batterham (Lenny Von Dohlen), the birth of her child Tamar, and her ultimate transformation into a champ for the downtrodden.

The turning point in the movie is Dorothy's conversion to Catholicism, which happens after the birth of her child. Despite Batterham being an atheist who frowns at organized faith, Dorothy finds an indefinable yet extreme pull towards this faith due to her life experiences and her interaction with the Catholic community, which she later on welcomes totally.

Themes and Interpretation
"Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story" highlights a variety of themes. Undoubtedly, her fantastic commitment to both her faith and her call to serve the clingy is ever-present. Her movement promoting for the repeal of social and political steps that were oppressing the poor also speaks volumes. In spite of unfavorable scenarios, she remained resistant and unfaltering in her journey.

The movie shows how Dorothy's spiritual conversion mainly influences her to found the Catholic Worker Movement in the 1930s. The motion was based on hospitality for the homeless, direct action on behalf of the worker, and nonviolent demonstration versus war and social injustice.

Performances and Reception
Moira Kelly properly depicts Dorothy Day's spirit, empathy, and devotion to her cause and benefits commendation for this. Lenny Von Dohlen also provides a persuading efficiency as Batterham, a rugged maverick who battled with Day's spiritual change.

The movie, albeit slow-paced, is highly helpful and sheds light on Dorothy Day's life in a clear, understandable way. Viewers have appreciated its emphasis on the protagonist's determination and her strong spirit of social service. This movie is invited by those thinking about social justice, religious devotion, and biographical works.

Conclusion
"Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story" is an interesting movie that examines the journey and improvement of Dorothy Day from a young socialist writer seeking love, to a strong-hearted woman devoting her life to social justice and spirituality. The movie evokes the lots of trials and tribulations she faced in establishing the Catholic Worker Movement and serving the impoverished. Undeterred by critics or misfortune, Dorothy Day lived an inspiring life, serving as an exemplary design of guts, faith, and selflessness.

Top Cast

  • Moira Kelly (small)
    Moira Kelly
    Dorothy Day
  • Heather Graham (small)
    Heather Graham
    Maggie Bowen
  • Melinda Dillon (small)
    Melinda Dillon
    Sister Aloysius
  • Lenny Von Dohlen (small)
    Lenny Von Dohlen
    Forster Batterham
  • Boyd Kestner (small)
    Boyd Kestner
    Lionel Moise
  • James Lancaster
    Eugene O’Neill
  • Paul Lieber (small)
    Paul Lieber
    Mike Gold
  • Brian Keith (small)
    Brian Keith
    Cardinal
  • Tracey Walter (small)
    Tracey Walter
    Joe Bennett
  • Geoffrey Blake (small)
    Geoffrey Blake
    Floyd Dell
  • Allyce Beasley (small)
    Allyce Beasley
    Frankie