When in Rome

Paul Douglas, Van Johnson, and Joseph Calleia are all excellent together. The "love story" between priest Johnson and tough-guy Douglas is as affecting a character study as you are ever likely to see. The magnificent photography shows the divine beauty that is Rome inspirationally. Just when you think it can get no further into your soul, it comes up with something else clever and simply profound. Well worth watching. I give it 10/10.

In order to celebrate the "Holy Year" of 1950, Pennsylvania priest Van Johnson (as John X. Halligan) decides to sail on a sabbatical to Italy. Aboard ship, Mr. Johnson befriends likable, gruff bunkmate Paul Douglas (as Joe Brewster). Johnson doesn't know it (yet), but Mr. Douglas is a swindler who just escaped from San Quentin. Douglas correctly realizes authorities will be looking to arrest him after the ship docks. He dons Johnson's priestly clothing and makes a quick getaway. Johnson is left to wear Douglas checkered green jacket and hat. Johnson is falsely arrested. Douglas is accepted by other priests in Rome. After the polizia sort things out, they want Johnson to assist in Douglas' capture...

However, Johnson becomes more interested in Douglas' soul...

One of MGM's most winning teams, director Clarence Brown and cinematographer William Daniels, make "When in Rome" very attractive. After arriving on location, the picture approaches art. A highlight in storytelling occurs when Douglas looks at cold, stark church-like walls and realizes they look very much like his former prison. The picture morphs into a prison, then fades back to a monastery look. This calls later events into question, but Douglas ends in a more tranquil setting; possibly, it shows the character "questioning" a transformation. Although he is billed second, the story is clearly about Douglas's character. The bigger "box office" name, Johnson is commendable and supportive in the less stellar role.

******* When in Rome (1952-05-11) Clarence Brown ~ Paul Douglas, Van Johnson, Joseph Calleia, Carlo Rizzo

I was drawn to the film by TCM's summary and by the presence of two estimable actors. Van Johnson and Paul Douglas never quite made Hollywood's A-list but for my money they are two very accomplished practitioners of the thespian art.

Johnson, as Father Halloran, shares a ship cabin with Joe Brewster (Douglas) who, unbeknownst to Halloran, is on the lam from San Quentin. Halloran is on his way to Rome for Holy Year, and his and Brewster's paths become intertwined.

The movie seems to want to be a lighthearted comedy but in the end becomes quite touching, as Halloran becomes Brewster's confessor. The script is excellent and the action moves along well.

In addition the movie is a wonderful travelogue of pre-Vatican II Rome, in stunning black and white. And to a dinosaur like myself it is bittersweet to watch a movie from a time when religious devotion was respected and taken seriously. Today anti-Catholicism is, as some wag commented, "the last respectable bigotry of the intelligentsia."

Be sure not to miss this overlooked little gem.

Producer-director Clarence Brown specialized in moralizing dramas mixed with a touch of Hollywood uplift; "When in Rome" is a first-class example of his straight-laced style, which isn't flexible exactly, but does entertain in its fashion. Dorothy Kingsley and Charles Schnee penned this rather lumpy screenplay about an escaped convict stealing a priest's clothes and identity while on a ship sailing to Italy. The priest soon catches up with the cuddly crook in Rome and helps him to reform, but the police (who apparently have no other pressing engagements on their agenda) are dead-set on bringing the convict in. Lighthearted (and occasionally lightheaded), feel-good religious nonsense, bolstered by the wonderful locales and by solid lead performances from Van Johnson and Paul Douglas. Douglas may be the most benign criminal in movie history, and director Brown plays off the actor's aw-shucks inner-goodness by giving Douglas some engaging scenes (such as a familiar one--the fake priest being asked to say grace--which still works a little magic). The finale is pure hokum, but it too is done with such sincerity that only curmudgeons could balk. **1/2 from ****

Filmed on location in Rome, Paul Douglas and Van Johnson starred in this heartwarming comedy about two different men who form an unlikely friendship. Chances are you've never heard of When in Rome, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this forgotten gem. If you're a fan of either lead, or if you like buddy comedies or bittersweet stories, you'll absolutely love this movie.

Van Johnson plays a priest, traveling to Rome for a holy pilgrimage. Paul Douglas plays a criminal, on the run from the American police. When Paul switches their clothes and pretends to be a priest himself, a delightful and meaningful adventure ensues. Tons of great scenery is present throughout the movie, and it feels sometimes like you've taken a vacation (albeit in black-and-white) with them.

Paul is his usual adorable softie in this movie, and it's not hard to believe he could have had a different outcome if he's had different breaks when his character was younger. He's really not a bad guy; he's just made bad choices. I love Paul Douglas, and because of his tragically short career, it's important to treasure the movies he did make. I'm not usually a fan of Van Johnson, though, which is why I surprised myself by how much I liked him in this movie. He was very believable in his character, and he really warmed up to Paul. This is a short movie, but it feels like you really get to know these men and spend some time with them. If you haven't seen this movie yet, it's time you joined those of us who have. After all, when in Rome...