Both the style and the content of 'Rome Open City' was like a cold slap to audiences at home and abroad. The violence in the picture, including blowtorch torture, has lost little of its impact. Their guardian angel is the Catholic priest played by Aldo Fabrizi, like Magnani an expressive, soulful actor, best known for his comic roles on stage. Young boys risk their lives to join the fight. The Roman district inhabitants roam through Rossellini's film. Magnani plays Pina, pregnant and about to marry the leader's friend and fellow anti-Fascist (Francesco Grandjacquet). Make the sign of the cross, a little nonsense in Latin, and I'll be vaccinated against sin.The storyline follows a resistance leader (Marcello Pagliero) as he hides from the Nazis. Il capitano Fausto Consolo: Well, then, where's my blessing? Come on.If I could see the world here, now, I think I would only look at - stones, the desert. It's a blessing to be blind because blind men don't see things as they are, but as they imagine them. That may well be, but not for the reasons you've stated. Il capitano Fausto Consolo: You think it's a blessing to be blind.They are the only ones who can see and understand more than I. I envy madmen, sick men, innocent children. I feel as if your burden could be your reason for living. Fausto's Cousin, the Priest: I've thought about it many times, these past few years.Il capitano Fausto Consolo: Please, go on.It stimulates you, it frees you, it redeems you.

Because your suffering is with you every minute. I've always envied you, you know? You'll say that I'm blasphemous, but I actually think that you're lucky.

Fausto's Cousin, the Priest: You are already forgiven, Fausto.

Il capitano Fausto Consolo: I'm not kidding.Fausto's Cousin, the Priest: Don't kid around, Fausto.Il capitano Fausto Consolo: I wanted to see you.Fausto's Cousin, the Priest: What brings you to Rome?.

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