Monsignor | |
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Theatrical release poster
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Directed by | Frank Perry |
Produced by |
David Niven Jr. Frank Yablans |
Screenplay by | |
Based on |
Monsignor by Jack-Alain Léger |
Starring | |
Music by | John Williams |
Cinematography | Billy Williams |
Edited by | Peter E. Berger |
Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
Release date
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Running time
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121 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Budget | $10 million |
Box office | $12.4 million |
Monsignor is a 1982 American Catholic drama film directed by Frank Perry about a Roman Catholic priest's rise through the ranks of the Vatican, during and after World War II. Along the way, he involves the Vatican in the black marketeering operations of a Mafia don, and has an affair with a woman in the postulant stage of becoming a nun. He eventually repents and returns to his faith, attempting to make right the things he has done wrong.
The cast includes Christopher Reeve, Geneviève Bujold, Fernando Rey, Jason Miller, Joseph Cortese, Adolfo Celi, and Leonardo Cimino.
The film was not well received by critics and performed poorly at the box office; Reeve later blamed this on poor editing. Supporting actors Miller and Rey were singled out for their strong performances. The film was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Musical Score, the only Razzie nomination John Williams ever received in his career to date.
The filming location was entirely in Rome, Italy.
With the Vatican having financial difficulties during World War II, a young priest from America is sent for, recommended because of his accounting skill.