Though most of the films were not released commercially, they received positive reviews in the general press for their human-interest stories and dramatic quality.
The Protestant Film Commission was founded partly in response to the dominance of Catholic influence and representation in Hollywood cinema in the 1940s.
[9] Unlike the National Legion of Decency, which was a censorship body, the PFC provided a voluntary consulting service to fact-check scripts and give Hollywood filmmakers input on "the dramatic possibilities of religious material and of constructive moral themes".
In its place has come the realization that the camera, under proper guidance, can inspire men to lead Christian lives, can instruct the young and offer solace and hope to the aged".
[12]In 1948, the PFC established a permanent West Coast office under the directorship of Oren W. Evans, with headquarters at Nassour Studios.
[18] Each original script employed human-interest plots and dramatic devices to engage viewers while conveying religious and moral messages.
[20] The PFC was said to have had an "excellent" chance of recouping its production expenses, since at the time between 25,000 and 50,000 churches were screening films as part of their educational efforts, compared to 18,000 commercial movie theaters.
[22] The PFC steered toward humanitarian rather than theological themes in its productions, in keeping with the postwar focus on social issues among most churches.
[25] A Wonderful Life (1950) starred James Dunn, who had won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor five years earlier.
[21] Principal photography for PFC productions generally took place either in New York or Southern California to enable filmmakers access to professional equipment from the major Hollywood studios.
In its preview of Beyond Our Own, the Dayton Daily News wrote: "Though no Academy Award Oscars will be given for the performances of the stars, the actors and actresses are thoroughly convincing".