The Scarlet and the Black

Copyright: 
1983
Publisher: 
Artisan/Fox Video
Subject(s): 
Resource Type: 
Review: 
Christopher Plummer and Gregory Peck play arch-enemies in this story of a remarkable Irish Monsignor living in the Vatican who runs a network of safehouses for Jews, escaped POWs and others seeking refuge in Nazi-occupied Rome. Monsignor O'Flaherty (Gregory Peck) boldly collects funds for his work at high-profile parties and events and narrowly escapes capture at every turn. As Nazi Commandant Hoffer (Christopher Plummer) realizes the scope of O'Flaherty's threat to Nazi purposes, the good Monsignor's danger increases. Virtually a prisoner in the Vatican, he invents daring disguises in order to keep his network running and often remove refugees to safety just moments before the Nazis show up for an arrest attempt. This is a great movie - true story, compelling plot, great cast, etc. My only uncertainty is whether Sir John Gielgud's portrayal of Pope Pius XII is fair (he comes across as rather wimpy), but this is a rather minor part of the movie.

Additional notes: 

156 min, Color - now available on VHS and DVD

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
7-21-03