Catholic nuns risk their lives to help Jewish children in an Italian internment camp escape to Palestine during World War II.Catholic nuns risk their lives to help Jewish children in an Italian internment camp escape to Palestine during World War II.Catholic nuns risk their lives to help Jewish children in an Italian internment camp escape to Palestine during World War II.
- Awards
- 1 nomination
- Director
- Writers
- Adrian Scott(front Dale Pitt)
- Robert Presnell Jr.
- Dale Pitt
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIt was the 5th most popular film at the British box office in 1960.
- GoofsThroughout the scenes in which they appear, most of the nuns are wearing make-up. This would be most unlikely for nuns.
- Quotes
German Soldier: Mother of God: I've killed a nun!
- ConnectionsFeatured in Film Profile: Betty Box and Ralph Thomas (1961)
Featured review
Suffer The Children To Come Unto Me
Towards the end of the second world war, an order of Italian nuns makes all attempts to secure the freedom of Jewish children held captive in a local concentration camp. However when the camp comes under the direct control of German troops, the Sisters' task becomes increasingly dangerous.
Combing elements of The Von Trapp Story and Black Narcissus, Conspiracy of Hearts is a surprisingly powerful depiction of the clash between faith and might, as Palmer's Mother Superior stands firm against Lieven's uncompromising Nazi Colonel. The question of conscience and commitment to duty is repeatedly explored, from the perspective of both nun and soldier - Mitchell's Sister Gerta fears and doubts the Holy Order's actions, Sims' novitiate Sister Mitya is forced to confront her feelings towards Lewis's Major Spoletti, who in turn must choose between military duty and moral salvation. The juxtaposition between Catholicism and Judaism is also fascinatingly explored as the Sisters struggle to comprehend the facets of a different faith.
Universally well-performed by the ensemble, as usual its the supporting performances that stand out - Yvonne Mitchell was a power-house actress and at the peak of her film career (shockingly she is all but forgotten now), and her transformation from angry doubter to selfless devotee is totally believable. In addition, Ralph Thomas coaxes extraordinary performances from his juvenile cast - Rebecca Dignam and Joseph Cuby are beautifully moving without being cutesy or maudlin (Hollywood child actors take note!). At the heart, Palmer creates a depiction of quiet strength, dignity and humour even if we could have coped with a little less lipstick and mascara!
Combing elements of The Von Trapp Story and Black Narcissus, Conspiracy of Hearts is a surprisingly powerful depiction of the clash between faith and might, as Palmer's Mother Superior stands firm against Lieven's uncompromising Nazi Colonel. The question of conscience and commitment to duty is repeatedly explored, from the perspective of both nun and soldier - Mitchell's Sister Gerta fears and doubts the Holy Order's actions, Sims' novitiate Sister Mitya is forced to confront her feelings towards Lewis's Major Spoletti, who in turn must choose between military duty and moral salvation. The juxtaposition between Catholicism and Judaism is also fascinatingly explored as the Sisters struggle to comprehend the facets of a different faith.
Universally well-performed by the ensemble, as usual its the supporting performances that stand out - Yvonne Mitchell was a power-house actress and at the peak of her film career (shockingly she is all but forgotten now), and her transformation from angry doubter to selfless devotee is totally believable. In addition, Ralph Thomas coaxes extraordinary performances from his juvenile cast - Rebecca Dignam and Joseph Cuby are beautifully moving without being cutesy or maudlin (Hollywood child actors take note!). At the heart, Palmer creates a depiction of quiet strength, dignity and humour even if we could have coped with a little less lipstick and mascara!
helpful•60
- robert-connor
- Dec 4, 2009
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Verschwörung der Herzen
- Filming locations
- Certosa di Firenze, Galluzzo, Firenze, Toscana, Italy(Convent exteriors)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 53 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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