Review: The Tale of Patrick Peyton
From the Emerald Isle to the Dream Factory, the family that prays together stays together!
Hollywood is now more infamous than famous for its lack of class and sophistication. Once known by monikers such as the Dream Factory and Tinseltown, it is presently known as a pit of “scum and villainy” that masquerades as a legitimate enterprise. The actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood would be outright ashamed of the behavior of those who call the place home now.
It was not always like this, and there may yet be hope for the Dream Factory. But that hope might not come from the source one expects. Just ask Father Patrick Peyton.
The Story
Patrick is born to the Peyton family in Ireland. Named after the saint who converted the Emerald Isle to Catholicism, when his mother takes ill, his father sends one of infant Patrick’s older sisters for the doctor. While she runs to fetch him, Mr. Peyton leads his family in praying the rosary for his wife’s health. Once the doctor arrives to check on her, he suggests she has childbed fever and states that she is already recovering. The doctor then asks Mr. Peyton if they did anything to help her before he arrived.
“Yes,” says Mr. Peyton. “We prayed.”
Over the years, Patrick grows up to be a helpful boy who loves serving at Mass. When it’s suggested he become a priest he applies to different religious orders, hoping one will accept him and thereby help him to study to become a priest. But they all turn him down because he is “not smart enough” to meet their standards, and he temporarily gives up his dream in despair, certain that he will never become a priest. He similarly runs into trouble when he attempts to go on a date as a young adult: He’s too shy to talk to ask the woman he likes out!
Then an invitation to America arrives from his sisters. Ah, the land of opportunity! He and his brother will join their sisters there and become rich!
Once again, however, his dream ends in disappointment as he is turned down from every job to which he applies. While painting the local church, Patrick decides to pursue his first inspiration. He decides to attempt once again to enter the priesthood – but this time, scholastics are not his major issue. The killer this time might just be tuberculosis!
The Characters
Father Patrick is a relatable fellow. Who hasn’t had their dreams dashed at least temporarily and quit in frustration, only to find said dreams become feasible once again later down the line? Father Peyton’s devotion to the Mother of God is very much that of a trusting young boy certain his mother will be able to successfully plead his case before his father and gain him his desire.
The other characters come and go but leave an impression nonetheless; Mr. Peyton’s desire for his sons to save their souls, not to become millionaires is a moving testament to fatherhood. Mrs. Mary Peyton’s kind encouragement is a warm reminder of what mothers do for their children in times of crisis. Then there is Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s “cameo,” which is wonderful. Then there are the “guest appearances” of such famous personages as Bing Crosby, James Dean, and none other than Jim Caviezel – each a poignant reminder that “where sin abounds, grace abounds more.”
The World
The world is largely that of yesteryear, starting in Ireland and moving on to America, the land of opportunity. The Tale of Patrick Peyton looks back at the Hollywood that was with affection but also a clear-eyed recognition that even then, there was grime under the gold. Clearing out the grime or saving a soul from it, though, was not impossible at that time – and thus, can it be said it is impossible now?
Politics
None.
Content Warning
Patrick coughs up a little blood due to his tuberculosis. It shouldn’t be a bother to too many readers, but depending on the age of the buyer, it might be wise to cover that portion of the panel.
Who is it for?
The Tale of Patrick Peyton is for anyone and everyone. Those who love comics and want a trip down memory lane to the past at the same time they find hope for the present and the future will consider it a welcome read, as will those looking for something with no objectionable content for their children. Anyone seeking inspiration to follow their dreams will find this issue relatable and encouraging as well. For those thinking Hollywood cannot get any worse, this comic will be a good reminder that it HAS been worse in the past. But worse is no reason to give up hope, as “where sin abounds, grace abounds more.” Whether one believes in grace or not, that type of message will be more than welcome in most quarters these days.
Why buy it?
The Tale of Patrick Peyton offers a good look at the past at the same time it gives hope for the present. The world is very short on hope these days. Why not pick up something that will help keep a lamp burning as the darkness appears to increase?