Fran Robinson

Confrontations between a priest (Jack Lemmon) and a seminary student (Zeljko Ivanek) lead both to a greater understanding of the human spirit.

Gregarious priest Father Farley (Jack Lemmon) takes under his wing Mark Dolson (Zeljko Ivanek), a bright, devout seminary student who shakes up the establishment of an affluent Los Angeles church with a spate of controversial views. Despite being branded "Father Bojangles" by his young compatriot, Farley forges a deep bond with Mark in this intimate drama based on the Broadway play. Charles Durning co-stars as the seminary's monsignor.

Should a priest tell his congregation what they want to hear instead of the truth? Mass Appeal stars Jack Lemmon as Father Tim Farley, a complacent priest in a wealthy suburban parish who drives a Mercedes and cracks jokes from the pulpit. When idealistic Mark Dolson (Zeljko Ivanek), a radical seminarian accuses him of "song and dance theology," the result is a head-on clash that teaches each man the true meaning of faith. Based on the Broadway hit, this witty and thought-provoking adaptation is a humorous and compelling duel of conscience and compromise.