Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story

Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story is a biographical drama film from 1996, directed by Michael Ray Rhodes. The movie is based on the life of Dorothy Day, an American journalist, social activist, and Catholic convert. Dorothy Day is portrayed by Moira Kelly, while Martin Sheen plays her mentor, Peter Maurin. Lenny von Dohlen plays Forster Batterham, a friend and colleague of Day.

The story begins in the 1920s, with Day as a young journalist in New York City. She is a free-spirited, independent woman who enjoys her career and her bohemian lifestyle. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes pregnant and decides to have an abortion. The experience leaves her feeling lost and empty, and she begins to search for a deeper purpose in life.

Day's search leads her to the Catholic Church, where she discovers a sense of community and a commitment to social justice. She begins to write for a Catholic newspaper, and soon becomes known for her outspoken views on issues such as poverty, labor rights, and pacifism. She meets Peter Maurin, a French philosopher who becomes her mentor and co-founder of the Catholic Worker movement.

The Catholic Worker movement is a radical Christian organization that seeks to create a society based on the principles of Jesus Christ. They believe in voluntary poverty, nonviolence, and the dignity of the human person. Day and Maurin start a newspaper called The Catholic Worker, which becomes the voice of the movement.

As the Catholic Worker grows, Day becomes increasingly involved in direct action and civil disobedience. She is arrested several times for her protests against war and nuclear weapons. She also works to establish hospitality houses, where the homeless and needy can find shelter, food, and companionship.

The movie portrays Day's life as a series of struggles and triumphs. She faces opposition from the Church hierarchy, who are wary of her unconventional methods and political views. She also faces criticism from her own family, who do not understand her commitment to Catholicism. However, she is supported by a network of friends and colleagues who share her vision of a more just and compassionate world.

Moira Kelly gives a powerful performance as Dorothy Day, capturing the complexity and passion of this remarkable woman. Martin Sheen is also excellent as Peter Maurin, bringing a sense of humor and wisdom to the role. Lenny von Dohlen is compelling as Forster Batterham, a troubled writer who finds solace in the Catholic Worker movement.

Overall, Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story is an inspiring and thought-provoking movie. It raises important questions about the role of religion in social activism, and the relationship between personal faith and public action. It also celebrates the life of a woman who lived her principles to the fullest, and who continues to inspire others to work for a more just and compassionate world.