When in Rome

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.

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.

What a sweet film! I had never seen it before yesterday on TCM, May 10 2006. I am a fan of both actors and actually it was interesting to see them in such roles - Douglas as an "evil" person and Johnson as a priest! The whole story had the Clarence Brown quality that movie fans have come to love so much. I felt like some of the locations were the same ones used in Godfather III. The black and white is very rich, it is a pleasure to watch. The real shots of the Vatican celebrations are breathtaking. The comic relief of the detective is charming. I must admit I got choked up twice. I was brought up Catholic and though I do not practice etc. I still at least have nostalgic feelings for films such as When in Rome. I recommend!

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...

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.