The Prisoner is based on the experiences of Hungarian cardinal Joszef Mindszenty in everything but name. That the story wasn't attributed to him is due to the wish of the script's writers to make clear that the events shown not only could have applied to almost any religious figure of authority in Eastern Europe at the time, but did indeed take place in practically every country under communist control.

At the conclusion of a mass, a beloved Catholic cardinal is arrested under the watchful eye of a political commissar, the Interrogator. Before leaving the cathedral, the cardinal tells a priest to remember that any confession the Cardinal reportedly makes will either be a lie or the result of human weakness. Brought before the Interrogator, the cardinal recognizes him as a member of the former royal family and a resistance fighter. The Interrogator acknowledges the cardinal's reputation as a resistance hero, then informs him that although the government views the church as insignificant, it's to be discredited through him just the same. Over the next several days, the Interrogator keeps the Cardinal awake in his cell by keeping the light constantly burning and interruptions by guards frequent. The cardinal refuses to sign a pre-written confession and when brought before the Interrogator, refuses all offers of food or drink. The trial date is eventually set and while an anxious crowd watches, certain the Cardinal will never break, they are crushed when he admits his entire life as a priest has been false, that his life was driven by ambition and lack of humility. He agrees to having betrayed the resistance and to having accepted money from foreign countries to create a secret arsenal. The Cardinal refuses to ask for the mercy of the court and collapses, pleading for God's mercy. He's sentenced to hang and the Interrogator expresses regret at the efficiency of his work. 

DVD-R is in English with switchable Spanish subtitles.  Approx. 89 mins.  See video sample for picture and audio quality!