On S List of Movie Reviews
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The Scarlet and the Black (1983)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
11/15
11/15:
In spite of Gregory Peck's and Christopher Plummer's excellent performances, The Scarlet and the Black is an overlong
made-for-TV drama about Catholics versus Nazis in Vatican City.
Growing weary of the cat-and-mouse game, I took several breaks in order to get through the film; it's been
mundane. All I can say is, "Why not kidnap the priest and make a propaganda show out of it?"
But the more I watch Gregory Peck, the more I realize he became a better actor when he got older. Christopher Plummer
enlivens things when his character created a competition between himself and the priest. It's the final half hour that saves
the film from sinking further. What I didn't know is it's based on a true story about Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty (who looks
like Karl Malden, especially the nose) who saved 6,500 Allied soldiers and Jews during WWII. If there's a saint, it's him.
All in all, The Scarlet and the Black is worth watching for three reasons: Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty's heroics, Gregory
Peck, and Christopher Plummer.