Thursday 29 January 2015

That Film about the Irish Monks and the Traditional Mass




Here is a quick translation of this interesting news from the blog Chiesa e Postconcilio:

A Prophetic Film!

In April 2013, we had already drawn attention on this blog to the film The Catholics (or The Conflict). Set in an imprecise future, after a phantom Vatican Council IV, the film describes the hierarchy’s persecution of Irish monks who return to the celebration of the Mass of all time. We recall it again now because it is possible to obtain an extended edition containing two missing scenes, each fundamental for the understanding of the film. The first is the conversation between Fr Kinsella (the Commissioner) and the Father General played by Raf Vallone. The second is the conversation between Fr Kinsella and the barman in the pub. The similarity to the affair of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate is impressive.

I have included, above, the links provided by Chiesa e P. The DVD is available on Amazon here. Please note that an early version (perhaps the American release under the title The Conflict?) may be the one referred to as omitting the two important scenes. The new one, with the title The Catholics, is released in The Best of British Collection.

Significantly, among the various Amazon comments criticising the poor print quality (referring to the older one? I don’t know if the new version is better), one comment refers to the reappearance of the previously missing scenes, and advises purchasers to look for a version lasting 81 minutes, which is the length stated by this Best of British DVD in its product details. I can’t confirm either the quality or the inclusion of the scenes. I have just ordered a copy. At the time of writing this, they say they only have one left, but that they expect to have more in stock.




Picture from Google Images

2 comments:

Aged parent said...

I've seen the film. It's very good. But, alas, it contains an unsatisfactory "cop-out" at the finale where the old priest (incredibly, after 80 minutes if arguing for the tradition) instantly gives in and suppresses the ancient rite and goes on to admonish those who won't give it. Pretty depressing.

Brilliantly acted, though, with the exception of the mugging by Sheen.

Dorothy B said...

Thanks for this, AP. Yes, I remember from accounts of the film that the new ways are imposed at last, so I know what to expect. I’d like to be able to say that I have seen it.

Grim as the present times are, I am glad that there are a few more points of light than there were in those days. They shine in the gloom, thanks to the legacy of Pope Benedict, and the faithful Cardinals, Bishops and priests, and the Catholic blogosphere. My goodness, what nourishment the blogs provide!