The Cardinal

US (1963): Drama

Tom Tryon plays the title role in this uneven Otto Preminger version of the Henry Morton Robinson novel. In his matriculation from Monsignor to the College of Cardinals, Stephen Fermoyle (Tryon) must undergo several grueling life experiences: standing up to bigots in Georgia, defying Nazis in Austria, and so on. Early in the film, Fermoyle's sister (Carol Lynley) becomes pregnant, precipitating an overwrought "whose life shall we save -- mother or child?" sequence that unfortunately provokes loud laughter when seen today.

The film clocks in at 175 minutes, and sometimes seems twice as long. This isn't exactly Exodus, but that's how Preminger treats the material, complete with a huge expensive cast in cameo roles: Dorothy Gish, Cecil Kellaway, John Saxon, John Huston, Robert Morse, Burgess Meredith, Raf Vallone, Ossie Davis. As with most of the director's films, The Cardinal contains several compelling moments, and just as many clinkers. Preminger contractee Tom Tryon, tired of abuse from Preminger in this and other films, eventually quit acting and became a popular novelist. (Columbia) (Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide)

 View Saul Bass' title sequence for this film on YouTube.com.

6 nominations