The Unfinished Task | 1955 | Drama

The Unfinished Task (1955) Director: William F. Claxton Studio: Concordia Films / Family Films Screenplay: Herbert Moulton Starring: Ray Collins, Angie Dickinson, John Bryant, Joan Taylor Release Date: 1955 (often listed as 1960 under the alternate title I’ll Give My Life) Runtime: 78 minutes Format: Black & White | Mono | Sound Country: United States Language: English Genres: Drama | Religious | Missionary | Biography --- Summary: The Unfinished Task tells the story of a wealthy industrialist whose son rejects a privileged future to become a missionary in New Guinea. After the young man contracts a fatal illness and dies abroad, his grieving father travels to the remote mission field to uncover the meaning behind his son’s sacrifice. Through journals, memories, and encounters with those whose lives were changed, the father comes to understand faith, purpose, and the work left undone. --- Background: Produced by Concordia Films as a faith-based feature intended for church, educational, and family audiences, The Unfinished Task was widely distributed in non-theatrical venues such as schools, churches, and missionary organizations. The film was also released under the title I’ll Give My Life, which has caused long-standing confusion about its release year—some prints and listings date it to 1955, while others list 1960. The screenplay was written by Herbert Moulton, known for religious and inspirational film work. Though produced well after Hollywood’s Golden Age, the film deliberately employs a restrained, classical storytelling style, emphasizing moral reflection over spectacle. Its black-and-white photography reinforces the sober, devotional tone common to mid-century missionary cinema. --- Trivia: The film is also known by its alternate title I’ll Give My Life, under which it is more commonly cataloged. Although frequently dated to 1955, most official records list its theatrical release as 1960. It was primarily distributed through church and educational film circuits rather than mainstream theaters. Screenwriter Herbert Moulton specialized in faith-based narratives aimed at instructional and inspirational use. Original 16mm prints were common, contributing to its long life in libraries and religious film collections. Because of its limited commercial release, the film remains relatively obscure despite its notable cast. --- Hashtags: #TheUnfinishedTask #IllGiveMyLife #1950sCinema #ReligiousFilm #MissionaryDrama #FaithBasedFilm #ConcordiaFilms #FamilyFilms #BlackAndWhiteCinema #ChristianCinema #InspirationalFilm #ClassicDrama #ObscureFilms #FilmHistory