AllMovie

This colorful documentary covers the history of the Basilica in the Cathedral of St. Peters in Vatican City. Ralph Richardson is the eloquent tour guide, with Orson Welles portraying Michaelangelo and Edith Evans plays Queen Christian, the Swedish monarch who left the country to join the religion and is buried in the Basilica. Dirk Bogarde plays Bonnie Prince Charlie, who had well documented correspondence with his father King James II of Scotland. All characters give historical and religious perspective to the film which also prominently features the late Pope John XXIII at his coronation, conducting services and his final burial at the holy shrine. Many letters from King James to Prince Charlie are read by Richardson and Bogarde.