An Original Historical Drama Screenplay
Written by Isabella Pallavicini
Inspired by characters and events from her novel “The Interpreter”
The Inspiration
While researching my book, I became fascinated by the extraordinary courage of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and the secret rescue network he organized from the safety of the Vatican during the Nazi occupation of Rome. His efforts to save Jews, escapes Allied prisoners of war, and others hunted by the Nazis inspired me to imagine the lives of those who might have become involved in his clandestine operations.
From this research, the fictional character of NINA PALLAVICINI was born, and with her, the story of REFUGE IN ROME.
The Story
Rome, 1943: NINA PALLAVICINI, a young Italian aristocratic widow, lives in her family’s elegant palazzo in Rome. A passionate schoolteacher, she quietly opposes the Fascist doctrines imposed on Italy’s classrooms. Her husband, Luca, an Italian fighter pilot, has been killed in North Africa. Nina finds comfort in her work as a church organist and her close ties to the Vatican.
Her relatively sheltered life changes dramatically in September 1943, when German troops occupy Rome. Outside Termini Train Station, gunshots send a crowd into panic. Amid the confusion, two young Jewish sisters, become separated from their parents. As German trucks enter the square and soldiers seal off the exits, the girls’ parents are arrested. Nina discovers the frightened sisters and takes them home.
Seeking to protect them, she turns to MONSIGNOR HUGH O’FLAHERTY, an Irish priest she knows through her work at the church. From neutral Vatican, O’Flaherty runs a secret network. Nina obtains forged documents identifying the girls as Catholic orphans, to protect them.
Soon after, FABRIZZIO, a former squadron mate of her late husband, arrives at her door. Hunted by the Nazis and seriously ill, he needs somewhere to hide. Nina agrees to shelter him for two nights, but a severe relapse of malaria leaves him too weak to travel. As Nina nurses him back to health, affection begins to grow between them. But Fabrizzio’s presence places Nina and the girls in even greater danger.
A Dangerous Game of Deception
HERBERT KAPPLER, the Gestapo chief in Rome, suspects Nina’s Vatican connections may lead him to O’Flaherty’s secret rescue network. He orders a German officer, KARL HISSING, to take up residence in her palazzo and investigate her activities.
With Fabrizzio hidden in the house and the girls living under false identities, Nina must carefully conceal her secrets.
Karl, however, is not the ruthless officer she expects. Educated and courteous, he gradually falls in love with her. Although, he suspects that she is hiding something, his growing fondness of Nina conflicts with his duty to Kappler.
A Desperate Rescue
Realizing that Fabrizzio can no longer remain hidden in her home, Nina turns again to O’Flaherty, who can arrange for a safe house for him to move to. Although, still weak from malaria, Fabrizzio prepares to leave and Nina drives him herself. On their way, they encounter an Italian police checkpoint. Fabrizzio is arrested and taken to the Questura, Rome’s Italian police headquarters and Interrogation Centre.
Nina knows that if he is transferred to the notorious Gestapo prison at Via Tasso, his chances of survival will be slim. Determined to save him, she turns to the Fatebenefratelli Hospital on Tiber Island, where Brothers have been helping people escape Nazi persecution. Working with a doctor, who is part of O’Flaherty’s rescue network, Nina arranges for Fabrizzio to be transferred to the hospital. There, he is heavily sedated and concealed among the bodies of patients who have died.
Transported with the dead to a grave at a monastery outside of Rome, Fabrizzio is secretly recovered by Nina and a Brother from the monastery. She encounters an elderly man and his sick, disabled grandson at the graveyard. Their family has suffered devastating losses during the war and struggles to survive.
Moved by their circumstance, Nina offers to nurse and educate the boy and provide financial assistance. In return, the grandfather and the boys’ mother agree to welcome Nina and the girls to the family’s farmhouse.
An Uncertain Future
Kappler’s suspicions of Nina continue to grow, and he places her under house arrest. Karl finds himself increasingly torn between his duty and his feelings for Nina. Although he suspects that she has deceived him, he cannot bring himself to abandon her to Kappler’s scrutiny.
Determined to protect the girls, Nina prepares to secretly leave. She manages to slip away with the girls and reach the safety of the remote farmhouse.
Nina’s thoughts remain with Fabrizzio. She encounters him at the monastery. He has recovered and regained his strength. Their reunion brings a moment of happiness, but Fabrizzio is determined to join the resistance. Nina fears losing the man she has come to love. Nina returns to the farmhouse, where the girls have found comfort and security in their new surroundings.
What began as an act of compassion has transformed Nina’s life. Once quietly opposed Fascism, she has found the courage to defy those who threaten the people she loves. Yet the war continues…
Can Nina keep the girls safe until Rome is liberated?
Will the sisters ever be reunited with their parents?
And will Fabrizzio survive the war and find his way back to Nina?