The Shoes of the Fisherman St. Dionysius

George Gibson enlisted top MGM scenic artists to recreate a full-sized replica of the Sistine Chapel in three short months after the Italian based film crew was denied filming access to the Chapel. So effective was their illusion, the visiting clergy was scandalized at the film’s premiere, believing the film had shot in the historic Chapel. Interior Fresco, and Faux Stained Glass, Sistine Chapel, Rome.

'St. Dionysius' backdrop from The Shoes of the Fisherman
Director
Michael Anderson
Studio
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Art Direction
Edward Carfagno, George Davis
Scenic Art Supervisor
Description
Interior Fresco, Sistine Chapel, Rome
Place
Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, 1968
Date
1968
Dimensions
11’-10” x 13’-1”
Medium
Dry color and gelatin binder on cotton muslin
Style
Sistine Chapel
Credit
Gift of J.C. Backings Corporation
Photo Credit
ADG Archives, Melinda Sue Gordon

Papal espionage drama starring Anthony Quinn, elected as Pope.

The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968), Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer