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.

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.

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

So fate puts two men together on an ocean voyage; Father Halligan, a man of the cloth with good intentions, and Joe Brewster, with less than an honorable past. Van Johnson was in his prime here, and could play just about anything. Paul Douglas is Brewster, and usually played the thug, due to his appearance. Brewster takes the priest's clothes and his identity, and makes a run for it when the boat docks in Roma. There are some funny lines… at dinner on the cruise, the passengers have a good sense of humor, and tell some clever jokes, but for the most part, it's a pretty serious suspense drama. Also some beautiful scenery of Rome, as we travel around. 1950 had actually been a holy year in the Catholic church, so Buckner, the writer, used that as a basis for the story. What better theme to include the battle of right and wrong than a story based on a priest? We hear over and over again how Father Halligan is trying to decide if he should turn in Brewster. Lots of jokes about safe-crackers and what it was like in Sing Sing. Pretty good story, if you buy in and go along for the ride. We see all the beautiful, old historic landmarks of Rome, and have an adventure along the way. Directed by Clarence Brown, who had directed so many Garbo films, and was nominated for SIX Oscars! Shows on Turner Classics now and then. Kind of a "feel good" story, but not real meaty.

This is not a great movie, something you would study in a film class. But it is, at its best, a thoroughly enjoyable movie. As I watched it I kept thinking that it could not be made today, because Hollywood no longer seems to know how to make such movies without making them excessively sentimental and siroppy.

For me, the best part was the end - which, of course, I will not spoil for you. Suffice it to say that I could not see it coming, because I kept imagining something warm and fuzzy. Instead, we get something that is very honestly moving. Not a feel-good ending, but one that makes you feel not just good but better.