Six Movies Attacked by Catholic League Demon William A. Donohue
Priest (1994): Historically it was the Vatican that handslapped blasphemous or “amoral” movies. Those films then turned a mighty profit. Now most of the tut- tutting comes from Catholic League president and hysterical, attention-whore spokesperson William A. Donohue, who took the League from touchy but soft-spoken to all-out alarmist. Among his first film-related attacks was on this British drama concerning a closeted gay Catholic priest whose soul-searching Donohue ludicrously equated with “anti-Catholicism.”
Dogma (1999): Donohue’s siege on Kevin Smith’s brash but yet unmistakably respectful Catholic satire was so fierce, Miramax delayed its release a full year, then sold it to Lions Gate. Smith claims that after the assault, Donohue asked him out for a beer.
El Crimen del Padre Amaro (2001): Thanks, Donohue, for helping a rote horny-priest movie undeservably turn a profit.
The Magdalene Sisters (2002): When this Irish docudrama—exposing the “Magdalene Asylums,” where women loosely deemed “fallen” were imprisoned by sadistic nuns—made it Stateside, Donohue was ready to pounce. Because it’s more important to maintain a good image rather than address atrocities.
The Golden Compass (2007): Donohue’s meddling harmed a film’s business with the first of a planned trilogy of Philip Pullman’s anti-Narnia children’s books. An avowed atheist, Pullman intended his books to espouse free thought, anti-authoritarianism and gender equality. Donohue translated that as preaching atheism to kids.
Angels & Demons (2009): It’s fiction. Even the Vatican recognized that, after having—unlike Donohue—seen it. Has Donohue since called off his dogs? Pshaw.
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1. John W said... on May 21, 2009 at 09:48PM
“Other than Priest (which I've never heard of) and Angels and Demons (I'll wait for the dvd), I've seen them all.”
2. Stan Marsh said... on May 25, 2009 at 03:03PM
“
Catholics are not leaving the church because of movies... they are leaving because of the church, but what does Donohue care, he gets a hefty salary from donors.”