Click here to copy URL

Cardinal Messias

Add to lists

Links

Original title

Abuna Messias

Year

1939

Running time

96 min.

Country

Italy

Director

Goffredo Alessandrini

Screenwriter

Goffredo Alessandrini, Vittorio Cottafavi, Cesare Ludovici, Domenico Meccoli. Story: Luigi Bernardi, Callisto V. Vanzin

Cast

Music

Mario Gaudiosi, Licinio Refice

Cinematography

Renato del Frate, Aldo Tonti (B&W)

Producer

Romana Editrice Film (REF)

Genre

Drama. War | Religion. Africa. Propaganda

Synopsis

The film takes place at the end of the 19th century. The Cardinal Guglielmo Massaia has spent 20 years in Ethiopia to convert people to the Catholic Church. He comes back to Italy and he tries to get the help of the government of Piedmont. The Count Cavour, although he appreciates the Cardinal's deeds in Africa, cannot grant his Cabinet's support to the Cardinal's plans. The missionary man, trusting the Divine Providence, goes back to Africa by himself. The Cardinal, who is known among the people as Abuna Messias, becomes a friend of king Menelik. The support of the king is fundamental to spread his word and accomplish his mission. The Head of the Coptic Church, Abuna Attanasio, does whatever he can to prevent Massaia from reaching his goals and to get him exiled from Ethiopia. Menelik refuses to help Abuna Attanasio, who decides to address the Emperor, thus igniting a war between the Emperor and his subject Menelik. In order to end the war, the Cardinal decides to leave Africa, having nevertheless ordained a young Ethiopian priest, who will continue his mission.

Awards: 1939: Venice: Golden Lion

Show all

Movie Soulmates' ratings: Register so you can access movie recommendations tailored to your movie taste.
Friends' ratings: Register so you can check out ratings by your friends, family members, and like-minded members of the FA community.

Is the synopsis/plot summary missing? Do you want to report a spoiler, error or omission? Please send us a message.
If you are not a registered user please send us an email to [email protected]

All copyrighted material (movie posters, DVD covers, stills, trailers) and trademarks belong to their respective producers and/or distributors.

For US ratings information please visit: www.mpaa.org www.filmratings.com www.parentalguide.org

User history

Cardinal Messias

1939

Goffredo Alessandrini