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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.

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