Review of The Scarlet and the Black

An excellent ensemble cast of seasoned performers, many Oscar winners among them, elevated this otherwise rather pedestrian WW2 story about a leading Vatican figure rescuing Allies from the Nazis. It's very much a SCHINDLER'S LIST kind of tale with the same kind of gravitas, although it's let down somewhat by the bland, TV-movie stylings. I watched the shorted version missing about an hour's length but even that felt long-winded and almost aimless at times. Still, the sight of Plummer, Peck and Gielgud interacting is worth something, and there are plenty of other old-timers appearing in supporting roles.