Review of The Assisi Underground (1985) by Ann L — 08 Mar 2010

THE ASSISI UNDERGROUND.

An amazing story about a horrible time in history that is said to be based upon documented evidence and actual experience. Not without its moments of irony and even subtle humor. Well acted. Good script. This wartime drama set in Italy after the Nazi occupation in 1943, captures the courageous spirit of a dedicated network of local resistance workers in their efforts to rescue scores of European Jews trying to escape deportation and certain death by the Fascists. A young friar of peasant background, Father Rufino, belonging to the local monastery of St. Francis, is appointed to lead the dangerous rescue operation by the local Roman Catholic bishop. In time the resourceful Franciscan priest enlists the aid of individuals in town, including the Sisters of St. Claire, a printer, and several Jewish leaders, to outwit the enemy. However, as the rescue operation continues to succeed over many months and larger numbers of Jews are moved out of harm's way, the Gestapo becomes more and more suspicious. Tension builds. The Germans suspect Father Rufino, but conclusive evidence has so far been lacking. Can the friar continue to pull it off or will he be discovered and sent before a firing squad in the same way as thousands of other priests doing work with the Italian resistance against the Fascists were executed before him?