La pourpre et le noir

source: The Scarlet and the Black

Moviecut—The Scarlet and the Black

The Scarlet and the Black

This film can be viewed over and over again and it does not fail as a superbly acted and intense tale of heroism in World War II by a Vatican priest against his antagonist, a Nazi Colonel. It is based on a true story and filmed in Rome where the action took place.

This is one of my favorite movies and I consider it a true classic. A good friend of mine gave it to me as a birthday present this last July. I have watched several times and enjoy it very much. If you want to buy it, go to amazon.com. They have it and their prices are fantastic. Don't wait any longer and see The Scarlet and the Black today. It's a gem.

"The Scarlet and the Black" is a must see for anyone who likes WW2 era films. It is also one of the greatest films ever made. The two leading actors Gregory Peck and Christopher Plummer make this film even better with superb acting. Also I must admit that it is amusing to see "Captain Von Trapp" (Christopher Plummer "The Sound of Music") the Nazi hater as the chief Nazi of Roam. "The Scarlet and the Black" is a good film to introduce younger children to the true history of the Catholic Church and WW2. Although the Gestapo aren't as violent in the movie, they are still shown realistically as sadistic, hate filled men who followed evil orders. "The Scarlet and the Black" is probably the best film ever produced by Gregory Peck or Christopher Plummer. Sadly it is probably also one of the least known to the general population of the world, even though it tells a story that literally MUST be heard. If we do not learn from history we are doomed to repeat it.

This should be mandatory viewing in all "20th Century Europe" history classes. Also, unlike what another viewer inferred, the romance between the young couple in the movie is NOT fictional. It is based on real people and they did marry after the end of the war. Read about it in "The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican" which is available at libraries. Also, anyone who liked this movie would love the book and the movie "The Assisi Underground". The movie stars James Mason, Maximilian Schell, Irene Papas and Ben Cross. Their is also a documentary of this story available thru interlibrary loans called "Assisi in Silence". It was filmed in Assisi and has real interviews with people and relatives involved in saving Jews in Assisi.

This TV movie is based on the true story of an Irish priest who while in the Vatican, helped Allied soldiers and Jewish people to hide and to safety in German occupied Rome. The story is exciting and stranger than fiction in parts as only a true story can be with disguises and assassination attempts. This is a fascinating non battle aspect of WWII showing the help the Vatican provided while trying to maintain neutrality. Gregory Peck adds a charm and presence to the role so you overlook he is a little old for the main character. Christopher Plummer who can act anything looks the part as the Nazi in charge. He has some cringe worthy bad dialog to deliver. John Gielgud is dignified as Pope Pius XII. The production is good with on location shooting and grand settings. This TV movie deserves to be as famous as a major motion picture WWII movie.

Based on a true story set during World War II in Rome, this made for television movie stars Gregory Peck in yet another fine role,(as if he could ever do a bad one.)The supporting cast is also amazing with fine performances from Christopher Plummer and Sir John Gielgud, with Raf Valone, Vernon Dobchef and Walter Gotell among others. It is a fast paced history/war/drama/thriller in the mold of such films as "The Third Man," and "The Thirty Nine Steps." The frenetic musical score of Ennio Morricone (The Good, The Bad and The Ugly) helps to keep the pace on the edge of you seat. This is simply some fine film making at its very best, and I highly recommend it, if you have not already had a chance to see it. Just a beautiful film.