The Scarlet and the Black (The Vatican Pimpernel) (1983)

85% of users liked it
(906 ratings)

Gregory Peck had made scattered television appearances before, but the 3-hour Scarlet and the Black was his first starring assignment in a made-for-TV movie. Peck plays Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, a real-life cleric who, during World War II, rescued thousands of escaped POWs from the Gestapo.… More Gregory Peck had made scattered television appearances before, but the 3-hour Scarlet and the Black was his first starring assignment in a made-for-TV movie. Peck plays Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, a real-life cleric who, during World War II, rescued thousands of escaped POWs from the Gestapo. Christopher Plummer co-stars as the Rome-based SS official who tries to catch O'Flaherty in the act. The film won several industry and religious awards, and earned three Emmy nominations. Based on J. P. Gallagher's book The Scarlet Pimpernel in the Vatican, The Scarlet and the Black premiered on February 2, 1983. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 25 min.
Directed By: Jerry London
Written By: David Butler
Genres: Drama, Television

In Theaters: Feb 2, 1983 Wide
On DVD: Apr 22, 2003

Critic Reviews

Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Outstanding story of moral courage and redemption.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Tom E

Sorry -- duplicate
Henrik S

If you look at the premise and the cast, you can rightfully expect a antagonistic tour de force and this is what you get. While the evil vs. good fight is quite generic and stale at times, offering nothing that has not been said and done about the infernal nazis and their enemies, the… More
If you look at the premise and the cast, you can rightfully expect a antagonistic tour de force and this is what you get. While the evil vs. good fight is quite generic and stale at times, offering nothing that has not been said and done about the infernal nazis and their enemies, the two figureheads of their respective parties embody it in such an enigmatic way, it's a delight to behold. It takes some time for the pairing to be lined up in the film and it is towards the end that the showdown between the characters culminates and makes this film truly shine. The supporting cast is good, but nothing to write home about. At times, the film sports an unexpected cat & mouse quality and almost feels like a thriller, but the pacing slows down way too often to make this anywhere near a nailbiter. Instead, it is a broody and pondersome character study about will, obsession and ultimately faith ( in whatever it may be). The film is a tad too long and the soundtrack - while good - just does not go well with the tragic undertone of the whole film. One thing that annoyed me and busted down the rating from a clean 4 star rating is the depicition of the Catholic church as neutral and even good in parts. Well all now that those cowardly bastards and charlatans did not do anything to fight and oppose the nazi regime and even collaborated with them in parts. This should not really influence of your enjoyment, since this film depicts the heroism of an individual that just happens to be a priest, but don't ever forget that the church and all its lackeys supported the Nazis. Anyhow, enough ranting, 'tis a good film.