Sisto V (Millecinquecentonovanta [1590])

There have been some had Popes beyond all doubt, and where their history is the contemporaneous history of their times their acts are legitimate subjects for representation in moving pictures. If, however, the wickedness of a particular Pope is to be shown on a moving picture screen, let there be some historical foundation, otherwise the thing becomes a slander on dead men, who depend on professors of history to defend them. Pope Sixtus V was no doubt a tyrant, perhaps he was cruel and even brutal, but his worst enemy has never accused him of having been licentious. The plot I fear has been constructed not out of history, but out of the needs of the film maker. As it treats of a subject which may easily offend religious feelings, such a departure from historical accuracy is to be deplored. In some respects, too, the picture is ridiculous without meaning to be so. Popes do not have their tiaras on the little table in their sleeping chambers, our Italian friends ought to know that much at least. There are many clever situations in the film, much good acting and the injection of controversial matter into the film detracts from its merits from the exhibitor's point of view. - The Moving Picture World, July 8, 1911