The Shoes of the Fisherman

"In a last desperate effort to prevent World War III, a secret meeting is arranged. One man is called upon to succeed where all the world leaders have failed. That man was once a prisoner in a Russian labor camp. He is now the Pope."

Nov 14 1968 G 2h 42m
Drama

All eyes focus on the Vatican, watching for the traditional puffs of white smoke that signal the election of the next Pope. This time much more is at stake. The new pontiff may be the only person who can bring peace to a world on the brink of nuclear nightmare.

Plot

Ukrainian Archbishop Kiril Lakota is set free after twenty years as a political prisoner in Siberia. He is brought to Rome by Father David Telemond, a troubled young priest who befriends him. Once at the Vatican, he is immediately given an audience with the Pope, who elevates him to Cardinal Priest. The world is on the brink of war due to a Chinese-Soviet feud made worse by a famine caused by trade restrictions brought against China by the U.S. When the Pontiff suddenly dies, Lakota's genuine character and unique life experience move the College of Cardinals to elect him as the new Pope. But Pope Kiril I must now deal with his own self-doubt, the struggle of his friend Father Telemond, who is under scrutiny for his beliefs, and find a solution to the crisis in China.

Written by

John Patrick, James Kennaway, Morris West

Directed by

Michael Anderson

Cast

Anthony Quinn, Laurence Olivier, Oskar Werner

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Cinecittà, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Languages

English, Latin

Awards

Nominated for 2 Oscars. 4 wins & 5 nominations total

Trailers
The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968)
Scores
# of Votes
4,664
Average Rating
7 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA