The Scarlet and the Black

Gregory Peck made his TV-movie debut in this true story of wartime hide-and-seek. Although it's far too long, it is certainly one of the more impressive efforts made for the small screen. In addition to a cameo from John Gielgud as Pope Pius XII, the film boasts photography by Giuseppe Rotunno and a score by the great Ennio Morricone. Peck's character is a sort of Oskar Schindler in vestments, who gives sanctuary to Jews and other persecuted peoples prior to smuggling them to safety. Christopher Plummer is suitably villainous as the Nazi who can't pin down the elusive priest.