malcolmgsw It is difficult to understand why the producers thought that this talky snail pace drama was more appropriate to the cinema than TV.Didn't cinemas already have enough problems without screening this hall clearing feature.In fact the only reason that I watched it was to see one of my favourite actors,Wilfred Lawson.there sure enough he was acting his socks off whilst Alec Guiness was doing his silent bit.He lights up every scene he appears in.He has this funny knack of starting each sentence on a high note and working his way down.As for the rest of the film,sorry to say it is a total bore.Jack Hawkins was always watchable but Alec Guiness I find a little of him goes a long way.Guiness is not necessarily good for you.

mark.waltz This is one of those puzzling films to try and analyze as it gives you no character to which to be loyal to. It all starts off promisingly as a well-loved Bishop (Alec Guennis) is suddenly arrested and put into confinement to be questioned as an enemy of the state. When that tragic priest is played by the effervescent Guennis, you know that the characterization will be brilliant, and sure enough, it is. Jack Hawkins as the investigator brutally questioning him starts off gently, but gradually, it builds to horrific methods in order to reach his goal. There are lots of angry conversations of human failings-towards flesh, hatred of fellow man, and even resentments to God. In lesser acting hands, I would call this a total bore, but Guennis could make villains likable ("Oliver Twist's" Fagin) and be both touching ("Star Wars") and even dreadfully funny ("Murder By Death"). Even as Hitler, Guennis added much humanity to the greatest villain civilization has ever known. But this is a difficult assignment, more an acting exercise rather than a full-fledged story, and ultimately emotionally D.O.A., just like the poor Bishop's life is as he faces man's greatest and most evil goal: mind control.

michael autin This film makes a good marathon movie with other similar themes:Inherit the wind The Prisoner TV seriesIt seems most movies are essentially epitomized by this film for this reason:Persecution. Be it FOR religion or AGAINST religion. The protagonist/antagonist style which is predominant is EXPERTLY posed here with Alec Guinness playing another brilliant role. This character is the opposite of the character he played in "The man in the white suit" BUT the theme is similar.In todays world the ethnicity is still a root persecution that leads to a lot of violence. This movie shows what should be avoided, but in recent news even the contrast in Iraq is highlighted within the controlled confines of a safe Movie environment. WE know the actors are compensated and safe... The stereotypes they portray seem to be Perennial and eternal...The end line can be said of ANYONE anytime, anyplace, any age.A timeless classic from a time when events moved slower. Todays movies move much faster which do not allow our children to absorb the real humanity pictures like these embody.I am a more aware man for having seen this film, and it allows my to deal with bullies I have encountered in real life who on buses will try to play the inquisitor in a menacing fashion, even though here in America we are supposed to be free of this interaction.There are classic interactions that are highlighted and should not be missed.

jump.boy A classic sadly almost ignored and forgotten probably because of it's small scale being a quite simple screen version of the popular stage play. Alec Guinness is the Cardinal arrested by the state during the Cold War, Jack Hawkins is the state inquisitor trying to break him. Ex comrades in arms, fighting in the Resistance against the Nazis; they now find themselves on opposing sides of Church and State. An intense battle of wills ensues, superb performances all round including Wilfred Lawson as the jailer. Highly recommended.