Man with a Cross

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Man with a Cross ★★ 1943

Archaeologists of the cinema may want to unearth this early Rossellini, made by the future father of neo-realist cinema as a propaganda piece for the fascist war effort. A heroic Italian chaplain on the Russian front ministers to foe and friend alike, and even converts a few commies to Christ. Not as awful as it sounds—but never forget where this came from. 88m/B VHS . IT Alberto Tavazzi, Roswita Schmidt, Attilio Dottesio; D: Roberto Rossellini; W: Roberto Rossellini; C: Guglielmo Lombardi; M: Renzo Rossellini.