The Shoes of the Fisherman 1068

     This film is based on a best-selling novel by Australian author Morris West.  The time frame is the 1980’s but the film was made in 1968.  Archbishop Kiril Lakota is a Russian from the Ukraine and he has spent 20 years of exile in a gulag in Siberia.  He was imprisoned because of his religious beliefs.  A request by the Vatican has given Lakota his freedom.  When he arrives in Rome, the current Pope makes him a Cardinal Priest.  This change will put him in the line of succession if the Pope dies.  A short time after, the Pope does die and the College of Cardinals vote seven times to name a new Pope.  They are deadlocked in their decision and the Cardinals elect Cardinal Kiril.  He will take the name Pope Kiril I.  There is the possibility of a nuclear confrontation between China and Russia.  The cause is widespread famine in China.  Famine was caused by trade restrictions imposed by the United States.  Pope Kiril I will play a major role in finding a resolution to the crisis.  He will also oversee the investigation of Father Telemond.

     Possibly it’s the age of this film or the subject but I could not get interested or focus my attention?  A second story line is a news reporter with self-doubts and a troubled marriage.  He has the same doubts about the Pope, the world crisis and Father Telemond.  The Vatican is concerned about the religious doctrine of Father Telemond.  He is questioned about his faith but Pope Kiril I would like for him to be his advisor.  2 ½* (This movie is so-so)

162 min, Drama directed by Michael Anderson with Anthony Quinn Oskar Werner, David Janssen, Laurence Olivier, Vittorio De Sica, Leo McKern, John Gielgud, Barbara Jefford, Rosemary Dexter, Frank Finlay.

Note:  Imdb 7.2 out of 10, 43% critic 75% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Amazon 4.6* out of 5* with 524 reviews.

Special Note:  Filmed at PalaLottomatico, Rome, Lazio and Cinecitta Studios, Cinecitta, Rome, Lazio, Italy.  Ernest Borgnine wanted the role of Pope Kiril I and Richard Burton rejected the role in 1967.  The footage showing the arrival of the Cardinals and the crowds gathering in St. Peter’s Square are taken from newsreels and other archive films from 1963.