45 during what is known in History  as the Republic of Salò (when Mussolini was deposed and the country  occupied by the Germans). At that time, all cinematic activity was  transferred north (Venice) but many actors and technicians refused  to go. This film was specifically produced to provide work for all  those who decided to stay in Rome. All personel working on this  production was able to obtain work permit from the Vatican as the  film was produced by PROFIR (Produzzione Film Religiosi), a Catholic  production house closely linked with the catholic church. Those  unable to acquire work permits had no choice but to work  clandestinely, this is the case of other productions like  _Quartetto pazzo (1945)_ (qv)and  _Circo equestre Za