The Immortal City (1954)

Historical background on Ancient Roman life and society are presented against the photographic background of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Appian Way and other sites. A description of the rise of Christianity is presented, as illustrated in art and architecture created from the early centuries of the church through the Renaissance. Treasures of the Vatican are shown, from the architectural genius of Bernini to the paintings of Giotto, Caravaggio and Raphael and sculpture of Michelangelo. Michelangelo's ceiling for the Sistine Chapel is described in detail, as are various treasures contained in the Vatican library and museums. A description of the Palatine and Swiss Guards accompanies scenes of the guards on duty in the Vatican, followed by scenes of celebrations during the twenty-fourth Holy Year, in 1950, during which throngs gathered at St. Peter's Basilica to attend Mass and see Pope Pius XII. His Holiness addresses the audience by reading a short passage and delivering a homily in English.