Terrific piece. It's great to see Tom Allen get some recognition. I graduated from Bishop Reilly H.S. in 1969, and knew Brother Thomas. He started a film society there, and regularly showed movies in the auditorium after school (I remember two: "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Seven Days in May"--not exactly auteurist fare). I also recall a conversation with him one day in which I tried to make a case for John Sturges, but Brother Thomas wasn't buying. Students nicknamed him "Spanky" because of his smiling, cherubic face (think Spanky McFarland). He was well liked by students and faculty. A few small points: as you rightly point out, Thomas Allen was a member of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. He was not a Jesuit monk. Also--and this is a bit confusing: Bishop Reilly (now St. Francis Prep) is located on Francis Lewis Blvd. and the LIE. Francis Lewis High School is located on Utopia Parkway and the LIE, about a mile or two from Reilly. They're not on the same block. Brother Thomas was an inspiration for students at Reilly who loved movies. So sad that he died so young. Thanks for your research and an excellent article.
Vince Cosgrove   posted 26.10.13