Based on a supposedly true story of an Englishwoman who became pope for a short time and was lynched by a crowd after giving birth, this film could have been done much better, since the story on which it is based - true or not - is little more than a footnote in history.
Being set among cardinals and clergy, there was a marked lack of intrigue. The clandestine affair from which pope Joan's child was conceived is a sordid, grotty scene, totally lacking any passion. The final scene, where the crowd lynch their pope, was little more than a playground brawl.
Because this film was such a disaster, I do not see any film maker daring to touch this subject again. So we can therefore regard this film as an opportunity well and truly wasted.
Being set among cardinals and clergy, there was a marked lack of intrigue. The clandestine affair from which pope Joan's child was conceived is a sordid, grotty scene, totally lacking any passion. The final scene, where the crowd lynch their pope, was little more than a playground brawl.
Because this film was such a disaster, I do not see any film maker daring to touch this subject again. So we can therefore regard this film as an opportunity well and truly wasted.