The Pope Must Die (1991)

User Rating:

4.7/10   

Director:

Peter Richardson

Writers:

Peter Richardson (writer)
Pete Richens (writer)

Release Date:

30 August 1991 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

A less-than-qualified and far-from-perfect priest is mistakenly named the new pope. As the pontiff, he must deal with Vatican corruption...

Plot Keywords:

Priest | Pope | Mother Superior | Nun | Catholic Church

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Robbie Coltrane	...	The Pope
Alex Rocco	...	Cardinal Rocco
Adrian Edmondson	...	Father Rookie
Paul Bartel	...	Monsignor Fitchie
Damir Mejovsek	...	Drunk Cardinal
Bozidar Smiljanic	...	Cardinal Spott
Salvatore Cascio	...	Paulo
Annette Crosbie	...	Mother Superior
Marc Smith	...	US News Reporter
Peter Richardson	...	Bish
Ranko Zidaric	...	Father Santini
Dani Segina	...	Old Cardinal
William Hootkins	...	Cardinal Verucci
Niall Buggy	...	BBC Reporter
Robert Stephens	...	Carmelengo

Also Known As:

The Pope Must Diet (USA)

Runtime:

Australia:95 min | USA:97 min | UK:97 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:L | Australia:M | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | USA:R

Company:

British Screen Productions

Trivia:

After much outcry from Roman Catholics, the film's US title was changed by the addition of a single letter. The new title, "The Pope Must Diet", was marked on some promotional material with the final letter "T" in the form of a crucifix.

Quotes:

[first line]
Monsignor Fitchie: Pope's dead!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Showbiz Today: (1991-08-26)" (1991)

Soundtrack:

Baby Please

Wealth vs charity? - an insider view of the Vatican

I recently hired a VHS of the Comic Strip feature film "The Pope Must Die" (starring Robbie Coltrane), which unapologetically presents the premise that the Vatican is run by dolts and scheming money-grabbing opportunists, some of whom are backed by the mafia.

The plot revolves around the consequences of a clerical error which caused a totally incorruptible and highly compassionate priest to be elected as Pope. When the Pope attempts to give all the Vatican's riches to help the poor, his fate is sealed. This film may be a comedy - but it's easy to suspect that there are large elements of truth involved. That being said - there is no attempt by the film-makers to portray the rank and file clergy as anything less than good people doing their charitable best in the world.

I am amazed at the convincing (to my untravelled eye) locations that were secured by the producers for the interior shots.

Paul Bartel turns in one of his best performances - on par with Robbie Coltrane. It's not a perfect script or plot, but the errors are few and this film has plenty of heart.