Es begann in Rom

During WWII, two soldiers (Charlton Heston and Harry Guardino) are sent on a secret mission in Nazi-occupied Rome. However, the organized resistance they are told to make contact with doesn't really exist--it's just a couple pathetic souls. So, the two soldiers just hide out in the city--making note of the German forces and sending messages back to headquarters with homing pigeons. There's MUCH more to the film than this, but I don't want to give too much of the plot to you--in case you haven't seen it.

While the above sketchy outline doesn't sound the least bit funny, the film is very much a tongue in cheek comedy. LOTS of complications develop as well as romance. The bottom line is that the film is a decent light comedy--the sort of thing they began making in the 60s and 70s--once memories of this god-awful war began to fade. A cute but slight story worth your time.

By the way, the Irish priest (Arthur Shields) might well remind you of Barry Fitzgerald by his look and performance. Well, that's because despite the different stage names, Shields WAS Barry Fitzgerald's brother! Also, while a small role, I loved Rudolf Anders' performance later in the film. Seeing this German commander losing his mind was HIGHLY entertaining and his phone conversation was the best part of the film.

I also consider this a sleeper. Found it humorous, well played and well written. Heston as serious soldier on off beat mission. Ilsa Martinelli (far from plains of Africa) as love interest, but not so lovely as big chested actress who plays her sister. Harry Guardino in yet another GI role. Barry Fitzgerald even more typecast as Irish priest. Good character actors for kid and bumptious dad. Great bit by Randolph Anders as Werhmacht Oberst. Worth looking for. Couldn't help comparing this "war" movie with Band of Brothers.

The Pigeon That Took Rome is an acquired taste. It's a quirky comedy with sarcasm dripping thickly in the narration adjoining the scenes. Charlton Heston is in the lead, and while it feels a little awkward to see him in a comedy, since it's a dark, offbeat comedy, it makes more sense. Set in Italy during WWII, it focuses on the antiquated system of carrier pigeons. There are misunderstandings, miscommunications, and mistaken identities - all with the pigeons. I'm not kidding.

In addition to the pigeons, there are the group of American soldiers stationed in Italy who act alongside them. Charlton Heston has a reputation of being disliked among his men, but since he gets the job done, Brian Donlevy puts him in charge. Do you think falling in love with an Italian woman, Elsa Martinelli, will soften his heart? It'll take quite a lot of softening, since he's reprimanded his fellow soldiers for similar dalliances - or as he phrases it, "going nuts over a piece of Italian pizza at a time like this."

When his friend tries to convince him of the virtues of settling down to a wife and kiddies, Chuck scoffs. "Why is everyone supposed to like children? How many kids do you think there'd be in the world if they weren't connected with sex?" I know; you'll have to hear it to believe Charlton Heston actually said that line. I was shocked, too. I laughed a few times during this movie, but it's not one I'll want to watch again. It's tough to get political satire right, but this movie certainly tries.

DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. About 20 minutes before the end, when Arthur Shields is seen through the window, he's upside down and the camera swivels to make him right side up again, and that will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"

I saw this film at a local theater in the '60s. I loved it. War movies are among my favorites but this one is special. The story of American spies doing recon in Rome is plausible. Capt. Heston, a no no-nonsense combat leader was chosen over the division intelligence officers. A very well made and entertaining movie resulted. The script, the actors and the Roman setting is perfect. As mentioned in other comments, the cast seems to enjoy making this movie. The Chinese will probably come up with a DVD. I have a very good recording I took off of TV. We love to watch it after seeing a list of serious shoot-em up war movies. It's very hard to find so I treasure my copy.

Imagine Heston in role with elaborate costuming and playing second fiddle to one of the greatest upstagers of all time! The amazing thing is old Charlton even looks like he's having a good time. So, who's the guy continually pushing Moses Ben Hur out every scene they share? None other than the great basso from the Met, Salvatore Baccaloni. Now, you should know that Sal had a bad rep at the Met for being a bit of a joker and hard to work with, but the crew loved him. In this film, where Heston and Harry Guardino in his pre-TV days play two GIs in WW2 spying on the Germans, they have to inform the allies as to the morale and preparedness of the Germans. So, how are these two intrepids getting the word back to the Allies? Homing pigeons. No sweat...but, a problemo. The pigeons get eaten by Baccaloni's family for a festa and Sal, not wanting to get into trouble steals some pigeons from...the Germans to replace the ones his family ate. So, when the Germans start reading the messages, they suspect that ... well, it goes on from there. This film is an enjoyable comedy and gave Heston a relief from all those costume roles. Sadly, it was Baccaloni's last film, although he died 7 years later. No video, no DVD. Watch for it on the late show.