Joseph Smith: The Man

About This Movie

So, 'Joseph Smith: The Man' is quite an interesting piece of cinema from 1980. It's not flashy or over the top, which gives it a kind of raw sincerity that you don’t always find in films about religious figures. The pacing is slow, almost contemplative, which does allow you to really soak in the storytelling as the kids gather around to hear about Joseph Smith’s life. The performances, particularly by Lethe Tatge, carry a sincerity that feels genuine rather than staged. The atmosphere is quite homey, almost like a live storytelling event, which makes you appreciate the simplicity of the film. It’s not about grand effects; it's really about the message and the experience of hearing history relayed in a personal way.

This film has seen limited distribution over the years, making it somewhat of a rarity among collectors. It's primarily found in VHS format, with very few reissues on DVD, which has contributed to its scarcity. Interest tends to come from collectors who appreciate historical narratives or religious cinema, particularly those focusing on the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.