The Angel Wore Red (1960)
Directed by Nunnally Johnson
Genres - Drama, Romance, War, Spirituality & Philosophy |
Sub-Genres - Religious Drama, War Drama |
Run Time - 99 min. |
Countries - Italy, United States |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Eleanor Mannikka
This is an indecisive, ultimately unconvincing wartime drama set in the 1930s when Spain was caught in a bloody civil war, a situation that is never clearly delineated in that the story supports the fascists without specifically saying so. The hero is a voluntarily defrocked priest, Arturo Carrera (Dirk Bogarde) who is being hunted by the leftist, anti-clerical, and anti-fascist forces. While on the run himself, he encounters a beautiful prostitute, Soledad (Ava Gardner) and as sure as the sun rises, the two fall in love and stay together. Eventually, they are both caught by the anti-Franco fighters who are trying to get their hands on a precious holy relic. The ex-priest is trapped into making a no-win decision between his love for Soledad and his love for the church while she has a similar but more tragic decision to make on her own.
Characteristics
Themes
Keywords
war, conviction, forbidden-love, love, moral-conflict, patriotism, religion, rebel