The Scarlet and the Black (1983)

Vatican efforts, led by Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, to save Allied P.O.W.s and downed Allied airmen as the Nazis invade Rome.

Director:

Jerry London

Writers:

J.P. Gallagher (book), David Butler

Stars:

Gregory Peck, Christopher Plummer, John Gielgud

Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gregory Peck	...	Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty
Christopher Plummer	...	Col. Herbert Kappler
John Gielgud	...	Pope Pius XII (as Sir John Gielgud)
Raf Vallone	...	Father Vittorio
Kenneth Colley	...	Capt. Hirsch (as Ken Colley)
Walter Gotell	...	Gen. Max Helm
Barbara Bouchet	...	Minna Kappler
Julian Holloway	...	Alfred West
Angelo Infanti	...	Father Morosini
Olga Karlatos	...	Francesca Lombardo
Michael Byrne	...	Reinhard Beck
T.P. McKenna	...	Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler
Vernon Dobtcheff	...	Count Langenthal
John Terry	...	Lt. Jack Manning
Peter Burton	...	Sir D'Arcy Osborne

Storyline

Fr. Hugh O'Flaherty is a Vatican official in 1943-45 who has been hiding downed pilots, escaped prisoners of war, and Italian Resistance families. His diplomatic status in a Catholic country prevents Colonel Kappler from openly arresting him, but O'Flaherty's activities become so large that the Nazis decide to assassinate him the next time he leaves the Vatican. O'Flaherty continues his work in a variety of disguises. Based on a true story.

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Plot Keywords:

based on real person | based on real events | hero | 20th century | 1940s | 

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Taglines:

Gregory Peck stars as the man who led thousands in a daring escape to freedom - right under the nose of the Gestapo.

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Genres:

Drama | History | War

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

While serving his sentence in prison, Herbert Kappler divorced his first wife and married his nurse, Anneliese, in 1972. In 1975, he was diagnosed with cancer. As the authorities refused to release him, in 1977, Anneliese carried Kappler out of prison in a large suitcase (he weighed less than one hundred five pounds at the time). They escaped to West Germany, where Kappler died six months later.

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Goofs

All the German vehicles appear to be new, and are unmarked except for the German cross and license plates. Real vehicles would look more worn, and would also display various numbers, unit codes, placards, etc. No two would look exactly alike.

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Quotes

Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty: I want you all to pass the word, I'll be near the steps of St. Peters, if anyone needs me, every afternoon from 3 till 5.
Alfred West: That might be a bit dodgy, sir. You could be setting yourself up as a target.
Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty: Ah don't worry, my boy. I'll only be a target for the pigeons.

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Alternate Versions

An edited version of approximately 110 minutes (120 minutes when broadcast with adverts) is sometimes shown on TV in the UK.

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Connections

References Massacre in Rome (1973)

User Reviews

Intriguing true story; inspirational and well acted.

This is a pretty good movie. Gregory Peck and Christopher Plummer are strong in the leading roles, but the edge goes to Plummer. Peck's on-again-off-again Irish brogue is distracting, but he makes an acceptable hero. Plummer, on the other hand, is deliciously wicked--charming on the outside, ruthless underneath. Even so, there are occasional glimpses of a less-brutish man; a man who loves his family and wants them to be safe; a man not entirely content with the horrors he has helped to create. So, when Plummer is forced to ask his archenemy for help, we can feel a bit sorry for his shattered pride and can share some of his resulting disillusionment and despair. One of the really wonderful moments in the movie comes at the end. Kappler is asked a question and the camera moves in for a close-up of his face. He doesn't have to say a word--the answer is in his eyes. Fantastic! This inspiring story of heroism and courage is also, ultimately, about forgiveness and about asking ourselves what we would have done. It's an excellent reminder that one should never under-estimate oneself--one good person can do a heck of a lot!

Details

Country:

USA UK Italy

Language:

English German Italian

Release Date:

2 February 1983 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Vatican Pimpernel

Filming Locations:

Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

ITC, RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana, Bill McCutchen Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

143 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1