A long, at times lumbering, epic directed by Otto Preminger, THE CARDINAL tells the story of a man's rise through the ranks of the catholic church. He encounters all types of sin along the way: loose women, too much pride, racism, Nazis, and on and on. It's all very well mounted and gloriously photographed by the great Leon Shamroy, but it's also intermittently dull and Tom Tryon is nearly fatally cast in the lead role; he has no personality so it's difficult to be intrigued by what happens to him. Preminger's direction is firm, if unimaginative. Several members of the supporting cast shine: John Huston, Burgess Meredith, Jill Haworth, Ossie Davis. Others in the cast, like Raf Vallone and Maggie McNamara are given little to do while Carol Lynley is saddled with two roles: as Tryon's rebellious sister as well as her own illegitimate daughter--she's not particularly appealing in either of them. Romy Schneider is the perky young Austrian who tempts Tryon a little too much. She, like Lynley, is duly punished. Although one of Hollywood's most famous liberals, Preminger never seemed as square as he does here --- you can almost feel him waving his finger at you telling you to behave or else!
Review of The Cardinal
