September 29, 2009. Film makers are taking advantage the Pope is out of town and using Saint Peters square as the backdrop for a new movie.
In the shadows of the dome, you might run into a group of men dressed up as nazi soldiers, classic cars from the 1940’s, swiss guardsmen and even a small tank.
A recreation of how this place used to look like over 9 months when the nazis occupied Rome.
The film is an international production that recreates Hitlers project to take Pope Pius XII hostage.
The films protagonist is actor James Cromwell. Today is the last day of filming but since the actor has not been able to visit a much younger stunt double fills his shoes.
The swiss guards probably have toughest mission in the film-to protect the Pope. They have to come face to face with the bad guys in the movie, Gestapo agents, who control the delicate border between Italy and the Vatican. The Vatican was the place where hundreds of people looked for refuge.
A story filled with drama that will unfold on the silver screen next year.
MC/JMB
