An unusual legendary "lie detector" in a European city was featured in a charming 1950's film. It happens to be attached to a building associated with an Archbishop of Canterbury who is known for a certain religious distinction. What and where is this "detector," what is the film, and who was that Archbishop?

TabbyTom

Under the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome is the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth). It is probably an old drain-cover or fountain head representing a river god. According to legend, if you put your hand in the mouth and tell a lie, your hand will be bitten off or at least you won’t be able to take it out again. It features in William Wyler’s “Roman Holiday,” starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. Among the former titular deacons of the church is Reginald Cardinal Pole. Appointed by Mary I, he was the last Roman Catholic Archbishop of Canterbury in England. http://www.roma2000.it/zbocver.html There are plenty of pictures on the web from personal websites, showing people with their hands in the mouth. Oct 23 05, 5:23 PM

lanfranco

Excellent, TT! Honestly, you get a yay! Oct 23 05, 5:42 PM