Early Father Brown film starring iconic Star Wars actor called a 'British gem' on TV today

Father Brown has become one of the most beloved detective dramas in recent years thanks to its enthralling mysteries and brilliant central performance by Mark Williams.

Based on the works of GK Chesterton, the series has been airing since 2013 on BBC One, with a 13th instalment expected to air next year.

However, fans may not realise that Williams' portrayal of the beloved crime-solving Catholic priest is far from the first adaptation of Chesterton's stories.

Back in 1954, Star Wars icon Sir Alec Guinness starred as the sleuthing man of the cloth in an adaptation of the first Father Brown story, The Blue Cross.

This was the second time Chesterton's work was brought to screen, as it is a remake of the 1934 American film Father Brown, Detective.

Other British legends such as Joan Greenwood, Peter Finch and Cecil Parker starred in this version, which sees the priest on the trail of a master of disguise using his cunning to steal priceless works of art.

This thrilling comedy-mystery has been somewhat overshadowed by the more recent Father Brown adaptation, but is well worth a watch for fans who are keen for more mysteries while they wait for season 13. It's on Film4 today (Monday, 3rd November) at 3pm, so will also be available on Channel 4 for a limited time afterwards.

One fan raved on Letterboxd: "Guinness had comic timing and charm that was ahead of perhaps everybody else in the history of this country's cinema.

"He excelled especially in these sorts of offbeat takes on characters and he's quite brilliant here even by his standards. But his scenes with Fincher glisten with actual depth of meaning without getting too religiously preachy."

"Oh, how lovely! Alec Guinness is splendid as G.K. Chesterton's eponymous priest in this delightful version directed by Robert Hamer," someone else exclaimed.

A five-star write-up gushed: "If you have read any of Chesterton's Father Brown stories, you will find this to be the best adaptation of his work.

"Alec Guinness is sublime as a seemingly candid catholic priest; and the rest of the cast is up to his performance. Classic comedy!!!"

Another said: "I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did, but I was enthralled by the tight and unusual plot: a cat-and-mouse game between eccentric priest Alex Guinness and extremely sexy thief Peter Finch, which hops between England and France via a lot of lovely vintage train rides."

And critic Leonard Maltin said of the film: "Guinness is in rare form as G.K. Chesterton's clerical sleuth after stolen art treasures; another British gem, superbly cast."

Will you be checking out this underrated Father Brown mystery now it's available to watch for free?

Father Brown airs at 3pm on Film4 and will be available to stream on Channel 4.