Massacre in Rome Reviews

This compelling war drama is based on the controversial book Death in Rome, which suggests that Pope Pius XII was aware of Hitler's plan to kill 10 Italians for every German lost in a partisan attack, then either feigned ignorance or could do nothing about it. Col. Kappler (Richard Burton) is a devoted Nazi who is caught between his duty and his love for Rome when he is ordered to execute 330 Italians in retaliation for the death of 33 Germans. His alcoholic superior, Gen. Kurt Maelzer (Leo McKern), is determined to see it through. Standing defiant is Don Antonelli (Marcello Mastroianni), a Vatican priest who chooses to die with the partisans rather than continue to act as a liaison between the Romans and Germans. Filmed in a documentary style and featuring some superb performances, MASSACRE IN ROME is an effective retelling of the infamous slaughter which took place on March 24, 1944, in the Ardeatine Caves outside of Rome.