Pray TV

Pray TV is a 1982 satirical comedy-drama made-for-TV movie directed by Robert Markowitz and penned by Lane Slate. This engaging film presents a dynamic ensemble cast including the iconic John Ritter, Ned Beatty, and Richard Kiley, who bring vibrant life to their respective roles with nuanced performances.

The narrative centers on the touchy subject of televangelism, a media platform combined with religious agendas that greatly rose to prominence in American society during the 1980s. The tale unfolds as we meet Tom Hartman (portrayed by John Ritter), a somewhat mild-mannered but ambitious news reporter who stumbles into the uncharted waters of burgeoning religious television broadcasting.

John Ritter, primarily known for his comedic work, stretches his acting range in this telefilm. His character, Tom Hartman, starts as a greenhorn in the ruthless world of televangelism but slowly understands the intricacies and complexities it involves. His journey through the world of religious broadcasting takes on a deeper meaning as he begins questioning the ethics and morality behind the exploitation of faith for commercial gains.

Veteran actor Ned Beatty portrays the character of Marvin Fleece, a charming yet morally ambiguous television evangelist who can sway audiences with his charismatic persona. Fleece operates Fleece Network, a religious broadcasting company integral to the film’s plot. Beatty brings a perfect balance of feisty charm and subtle menace to his role, illustrating the master manipulator and opportunistic preacher with nuance and power.

Acclaimed actor Richard Kiley shines in his role as Rev. Freddy Stone, a well-meaning and devout evangelist who often finds himself at odds with Fleece's distorted vision of spirituality and religion. He tries to uphold the sanctity of his religious beliefs amidst the monetization of faith, presenting ethical questions that are at the heart of this movie.

As the narrative progresses, the movie smartly navigates the dichotomy of the noble intent behind religion and the questionable practices employed by those who will stop at nothing to exploit people's faith for financial gain. It offers a sharp critique of televangelism, and the exploitation of faith, while exploring the different facets of religious broadcasting, like manipulation and sincerity, corruption and integrity, faith and scandal.

Pray TV is shot with a noteworthy earnestness that captures the essence of its period, highlighting the rise and influence of religious broadcasting during the 1980s in the United States. Though dealing with televangelism, it's not a religious movie per se; rather, it uses the setting as a backdrop to create an engaging narrative that resonates with viewers irrespective of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.

The direction from Robert Markowitz ensures a seamless miscellany of drama, comedy, and character-driven storytelling that carry the complex narrative forward in a compelling way. Pray TV, despite its satirical tone, doesn't shy away from raising hard-hitting questions about faith, religion, and the extent of their commercialization.

The tight-knit screenplay from Lane Slate provides a hard-edged and captivating narrative that manages to keep audiences engaged through strategically-placed plot points and character arcs. The dialogue is smartly written, with a blend of humor and pathos that lends depth to the characters and the overall narrative.

On the whole, Pray TV is a keenly-observed, satirical take on a contentious topic, told through the performances of an exceptional cast and a well-defined script. It's an enjoyable watch that cleverly combines elements of comedy, drama, and social commentary. More than just a portrait of televangelism, it presents a broader perspective on the ethics of media manipulation and public exploitation, making it a movie that continues to be relevant and thought-provoking today. It's that rarity – a film that entertains while also prompting its audience to question and reflect.