Based on the witty, flashily erudite first novel by Italian semiotician and journalist Umberto Eco, this medieval murder mystery is a little slow-moving but ultimately rewarding. At an Italian monastery in 1327, the Franciscans, who live in religious poverty, and the Dominicans, who enjoy a
life of luxury, meet to debate whether the Catholic church should be in the business of accruing wealth. William of Baskerville (Connery), a brilliant English monk (whose Holmesian manner is reinforced by his name, taken from
The Hound of the Baskervilles), and his teenage novice, Adso of Melk
(Slater), arrive early, and when murders begin occurring, the abbot (Lonsdale) ...
Released:
1986
Rated:
R
Length:
130 mins