Transferring a play to the screen is always full of pitfalls, but when the play itself is flawed, the difficulties multiply. Such is the case with this worthy attempt with John Osborne's play on the life of 16th-century German protestant reformer Martin Luther. Taking the title role, Stacy Keach heads a fine British cast that includes Robert Stephens, Patrick Magee, Hugh Griffith, Alan Badel, Julian Glover and Judi Dench. Although Keach - best known as TV's Mike Hammer - seems unlikely casting, he acquits himself with honour and with a better script who knows how good he could have been. The life of Luther is a fascinating subject for a film, but this doesn't quite manage to be it. A pity. Still, there is plenty to admire here, even if the whole is something of a curate's egg.

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