The Shoes of the Fisherman

Director: Michael Anderson Michael Anderson

Overview

A screen version of the best-selling novel by Morris West tells the story of a Russian bishop who is made Pope after years in exile in Siberia. A sprawling drama of Vatican and global politics brought to life by a notable cast.

Product Details

Release Date:	04/04/2006
UPC:	0012569517424
Original Release:	1968
Rating:	G
Source:	STUDIO DISTRIBUTION SERVS LLC
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround]
Language:	English
Time:	2:42:00
Sales rank:	6,215

Special Features

Closed Caption;Soundtrack remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1; Vintage featurette "The Shoes of the Fisherman"; Theatrical trailer; English and French languages; English, French and Spanish subtitles

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Anthony Quinn	Kyril Lakota
Oskar Werner	David Telemond
David Janssen	George Faber
Laurence Olivier	Ministro Presidente Piotr Ilyich Kamenev
Vittorio de Sica	Rinaldi
Leo McKern	Cardinal Leone
John Gielgud	Chiara
Barbara Jefford	Dr. Ruth Faber
Rosemarie Dexter	Chiara,Actor
Frank Finlay	Igor Bounin
Burt Kwouk	Peng
Arnoldo Foa	Gelasio
Paul Rogers	Augustinian
George Pravda	Gorshenin
Clive Revill	Vucovich
Niall MacGinnis	Capuchin Monk
Oskar Ikemer	David Telemond
Marne Maitland	Cardinal Rahamani
Isa Miranda	The Marchesa
Gerald Harper	Brian
Leopoldo Trieste	Dying Man's Friend
Peter Copley	English Cardinal
Arthur Howard	English Cardinal
Jean Rougeul	Dominican
Al Thomas	Negro Cardinal
Dom Moore	Polish Cardinal
John Frederick	American Cardinal
Alex North	Composer

Technical Credits

James Kennaway

John Patrick

George Englund	Producer
James Kennaway	Screenwriter
Michael Anderson Jr.	Director
John Patrick	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

This 168-minute film displeased critics and suffered at the box office. Perhaps the critics had taken a cue from Morris L. West, the author of the novel that inspired the movie. He withdrew his name as scriptwriter of the film when the production failed to meet his expectations. Clearly, the film has weaknesses, but it also has strengths. One is Anthony Quinn in his portrayal of Kiril Lakota, a Russian elected pope at a time when nuclear war threatens civilization. Quinn invigorates his role with his imposing stage presence and rugged charisma. Hardened by imprisonment and the bite of Russian winters, Quinn's Lakota parries the pressures of Vatican politics while exhibiting doubt and apprehension about the complicated issues of the day. An intriguing subplot centers on Lakota's relationship with Father David Telemond (Oskar Werner) -- apparently, the fictional counterpart of the real-life Teilhard de Jardin, a brilliant Jesuit philosopher and paleontologist -- who seeks a hearing for his controversial theory of evolution. Wonderful scenes exhibiting first-rate acting involve Lakota's encounters with the Russian premier, Piotr Ilyich Kamenev (Sir Laurence Olivier) and the preceding pope Sir John Gielgud. Perhaps the most engaging performance is that of Leo McKern, a rotund cardinal with an encyclopedic mind and a heart that can bleed. The film goes awry, however, when the plot shifts to the outside world -- in particular, to David Janssen portraying a newsman who steps out on his wife Barbara Jefford. The Janssen plot cheapens the film, reducing it to bathos and soap opera. However, the cinematography flaunts Rome at its best, the costumes rustle with clerical splendor, and the music soars. The Shoes of the Fisherman are worth walking in, even if they don't quite fit.