Galileo

2h 25min

Drama

History

Challenged by a new student, tutor and theorist Galileo co-opts emerging telescope technology and discovers irrefutable proof of the heretical notion that the earth is not the center of the universe. But in a rigid society ruled by an uneasy alliance of aristocracy and clergy already undermined by the Plague and the Reformation, science is a threat and enlightenment is a luxury. Faced with either death at the hands of the Inquisition or recantation to a hypocritical but all-powerful Papacy, Galileo must choose between his own life and the restless scientific curiosity that he has spurned family, friends, and wealth to pursue.

Production Companies

The American Film Theatre

Cinévision Ltée

Cast

Chaim Topol

Chaim Topol

Galileo Galilei
Edward Fox

Edward Fox

Cardinal Inquisitor
Georgia Brown

Georgia Brown

Ballad Singer's Wife
Clive Revill

Clive Revill

Ballad Singer
Margaret Leighton

Margaret Leighton

Elderly Court Lady
John Gielgud

John Gielgud

The Old Cardinal
Michael Lonsdale

Michael Lonsdale

Cardinal Barberini (later Pope Urban VIII)
Tim Woodward

Tim Woodward

Ludovico Marsili
Judy Parfitt

Judy Parfitt

Angelica Sarti
John McEnery

John McEnery

Federzoni
Patrick Magee

Patrick Magee

Cardinal Bellarmin
Mary Larkin

Mary Larkin

Virginia
Madeline Smith

Madeline Smith

young lady

Release date

27th Jan 1975

Status

Released

Spoken languages

English