A film that explodes the widespread myth of the Catholic Church’s inaction during Nazism and World War II. A story of the sacrifice of priests during these difficult times behind the gates of the Vatican.

In 1945, the Germans occupied Rome. The Gestapo rules there under the leadership of Commander Herbert Kappler. Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, is an Irish priest working in the Vatican during the pontificate of Pope Pius XII.

The Vatican is officially neutral, and O’Flaherty uses this, with the Pope’s support, to organize aid to save many civilians, soldiers and Jews.

In time, Colonel Kappler discovers that O’Flaherty is sheltering several of the persecuted. He therefore places military guards around the perimeter of the Vatican to thwart his activities. Despite these complications, O’Flaherty manages to reinvent himself and periodically manages to slip through German control in various disguises.

When the end of the war draws near, O’Flaherty is asked by German Colonel Kappler himself to help him rescue his wife and children. He refuses, however. Later, however, Kappler learns, when he is already captured in prison, that his wife and children have been taken to neutral Switzerland to keep them safe.

Parents Guide: Nazis persecuting people.

Cast: Gregory Peck, Christopher Plummer, John Gielgud, Raf Vallone, Kenneth Colley, Walter Gotell, Barbara Bouchet, Angelo Infanti, Michael Byrne, T.P. McKenna, John Terry, Fabiana Udenio

Crew: Jerry London

USA / United Kingdom / Italy, 1983

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