A Man Named John
1965Based on the diary Pope John XXIII kept between the ages of 14 and 18, his lifelong concern for tolerance, the underprivileged, and world peace is told. Rod Steiger, in the central role, acts as "intermediary" between the Pope and the audience, interpreting John's words, thoughts and actions. Steiger visits the actual places in which John lived, recreating the conditions, environment, and forces that affected his development. Through this unusual technique, we are brought close to an extraordinary man - one who's able to win the love of many people of all faiths.
Acted in
Rod Steiger
as The Intermediary
Adolfo Celi
as Msgr. Radini Tedeschi
Giorgo Fortunato
as Segretario del Nunzio Roncalli
Ottone Candiani
as Il Prete Peccatore di Venezia
Alfonso Orlando
as Il Parrroco
Alberto Rossi
as Angelo Roncalli - Age 7
Giovanni Rossi
as Angelo Roncalli - Age 10
Fabrisio Rossi
as Angelo Roncalli - Age 4
Pietro Germi
as Pontiff's Father
Rita Bertocchi
as Pontiff's Mother
Antonio Bertocchi
as Uncle Xavier
Antonio Ruttigni
as Don Pietro, Parrocco di Carviso
Pope John XXIII
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)