A Man Named John_
Based on the diary Pope John XXIII kept between the ages of 14 and 18, his lifelong concern for tolerance, the underprivileged, and world peace is told. Rod Steiger, in the central role, acts as "intermediary" between the Pope and the audience, interpreting John's words, thoughts and actions. Steiger visits the actual places in which John lived, recreating the conditions, environment, and forces that affected his development. Through this unusual technique, we are brought close to an extraordinary man - one who's able to win the love of many people of all faiths.
Starring
Rod Steiger, Adolfo Celi, Giorgo Fortunato
Updated Feb 16, 2026
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Year context
A Man Named John was released 61 years ago in 1965.
Overview
Based on the diary Pope John XXIII kept between the ages of 14 and 18, his lifelong concern for tolerance, the underprivileged, and world peace is told. Rod ...
A Man Named John is a Drama, History film with a runtime of 1h 30m.
CAST (13)
Rod Steiger
The Intermediary
Adolfo Celi
Msgr. Radini Tedeschi
GF
Giorgo Fortunato
Segretario del Nunzio Roncalli
OC
Ottone Candiani
Il Prete Peccatore di Venezia
AO
Alfonso Orlando
Il Parrroco
Alberto Rossi
Angelo Roncalli - Age 7
GR
Giovanni Rossi
Angelo Roncalli - Age 10
FR
Fabrisio Rossi
Angelo Roncalli - Age 4
Pietro Germi
Pontiff's Father
RB
Rita Bertocchi
Pontiff's Mother
AB
Antonio Bertocchi
Uncle Xavier
AR
Antonio Ruttigni
Don Pietro, Parrocco di Carviso
John XXIII.
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
DETAILS
Release
Status
Released
Runtime
90 min (1h 30m)
Country
Rating
6.3/10 (9 votes)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is A Man Named John about?
Based on the diary Pope John XXIII kept between the ages of 14 and 18, his lifelong concern for tolerance, the underprivileged, and world peace is told. Rod Steiger, in the central role, acts as "intermediary" between the Pope and the audience, interpreting John's words, thoughts and actions. Steiger visits the actual places in which John lived, recreating the conditions, environment, and forces that affected his development. Through this unusual technique, we are brought close to an extraordinary man - one who's able to win the love of many people of all faiths.
How long is A Man Named John?
A Man Named John has a runtime of 90 minutes (1h 30m).
Who stars in A Man Named John?
The cast of A Man Named John includes Rod Steiger, Adolfo Celi, Giorgo Fortunato, Ottone Candiani, Alfonso Orlando.
What is the rating of A Man Named John?
A Man Named John has a rating of 6.3 out of 10 based on 9 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (2)
Drama
History