The problem with this movie is its title. 'Massacre in Rome' leaves you in no doubt about the final outcome. As a result, the complicated politics and psychology engaging the Vatican and differing attitudes within the German high-command which take up the body of the movie are all played out against what is already made clear to be a done deal. The hour or more of 'will they, won't they' is therefore deprived of much of its potential drama and tension. You already know the outcome.
Richard Burton is such a commanding screen presence that he deserves the best directors. Sometimes this doesn't happen, and we are left with mediocrities like 'Bitter Victory'. Here, he's under the dubious hand of Mr Comatose, but still gives a compelling turn for the most part.
He's a loyal German officer and will obey his orders. But he's also shrewd enough to realise that the massacre, in reprisal against a partisan street bombing, is going to be a serious mistake. Leo McKern plays his less even-tempered superior. I'm a fan of McKern, but find his performance here just a wee bit less than his usual gold standard. Still watchable though.
There's a lot of needless detail and digression that seems to be included as packing-out the feature length. That and the verbosity runs the risk of making the movie drag. However, the lead performances keep the interest there. The script is decent but not clever, locations are imaginative, camera-work up to the task.
It's not a movie I would particularly recommend, but if you haven't seen it before, and haven't heard about the massacre, it's worth a look.
Richard Burton is such a commanding screen presence that he deserves the best directors. Sometimes this doesn't happen, and we are left with mediocrities like 'Bitter Victory'. Here, he's under the dubious hand of Mr Comatose, but still gives a compelling turn for the most part.
He's a loyal German officer and will obey his orders. But he's also shrewd enough to realise that the massacre, in reprisal against a partisan street bombing, is going to be a serious mistake. Leo McKern plays his less even-tempered superior. I'm a fan of McKern, but find his performance here just a wee bit less than his usual gold standard. Still watchable though.
There's a lot of needless detail and digression that seems to be included as packing-out the feature length. That and the verbosity runs the risk of making the movie drag. However, the lead performances keep the interest there. The script is decent but not clever, locations are imaginative, camera-work up to the task.
It's not a movie I would particularly recommend, but if you haven't seen it before, and haven't heard about the massacre, it's worth a look.