The Reluctant Saint -- October 4, 2024

famousfix.com

In honor of the Feast of Saint Francis, here is The Reluctant Saint, about Franciscan Saint Joseph of Cupertino. Maximilian Schell played Giuseppe, a young peasant who was not dangerously bright. Giuseppe's mother persuaded her brother to take Giuseppe into a Franciscan monastery as a lay brother. He was happy taking care of the farm animals. A visiting bishop talked to Giuseppe and found that he had a loving heart and native wisdom. The bishop told the uncle to let Giuseppe study for the priesthood. Through a series of miracles, Giuseppe passed all the exams. 

After this people saw that he had ecstatic experiences and sometimes levitated. A priest accused Giuseppe of consorting with the devil, but despite efforts at exorcism, the friars realized that his experiences came from heaven. 

The movie is fun, but it works on the level of a children's story. I don't mind a children's story now and then.

Brother Sun, Sister Moon -- October 4, 2022

www.listal.com

In honor of the Feast of Saint Francis, here is a poster for Franco Zeffirelli's Brother Sun, Sister Moon.  It is a beautiful, simple movie.  I think it captured some of the spirit of Francis.

Francis of Assisi -- October 4, 2021

listal.com

In honor of the Feast of Saint Francis, here is a big-budget 1961 production. Director Michael Curtiz made Francis of Assisi in Italy, shooting in color and CinemaScope. Unfortunately, it was a flop. Bradford Dillman, who played Francis, usually played bad guys. Dolores Hart, who played Saint Clare, later became a nun.

Never Take No for an Answer -- October 4, 2019

Focus, January, 1951

Today is the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Never Take No for an Answer (Peppino e Violetta) tells the story of Peppino, a young orphan from Assisi whose donkey, Violetta, falls ill. The veterinarian tells him that Violetta will surely die, but Peppino has great faith in Saint Francis. He wants to take Violetta to the crypt of the Basilica of Saint Francis, where the saint is entombed. Peppino believes that Francis will intercede and that Violetta will be cured. The priests won't let him take the donkey in, which would require removing a wall. Peppino walks to Rome to get permission from the Pope. He has a hard time getting past the Swiss Guards, but is able to get a letter from the Pope. Peppino walks back to Assisi and shows the letter to the priests.  They can't argue with the Pope, so Violetta visits the saint's tomb and is cured.

Focus, January, 1951

Mr Blue -- October 4, 2018

Today is the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.

I wish someone would make a movie out of the novel Mr Blue by Myles Connolly.  I first heard about it when I read Frank Capra's The Name Above the Title.  I found a copy and enjoyed it.  I have read it several times.  The protagonist, J Blue, has much in common with Saint Francis.

Connolly went to Hollywood, invited by friend Joseph Kennedy.  Connolly became a screenwriter and producer.  He worked on the scripts for Capra's Mr Smith Goes to Washington and Meet John Doe.  He was associate producer of Half Shot at Sunrise and Hook Line and Sinker with Wheeler and Woolsey.

Francesco -- October 4, 2017

www.listal.com

In honor of the Feast of Saint Francis, here is a poster for Liliana Cavani's Francesco, based on Francis of Assisi by Hermann Hesse.  I do not remember this one and was surprised to learn that Francis and Claire were played by Mickey Rourke and Helena Bonham Carter. 

Brother Sun, Sister Moon -- October 4, 2016

www.listal.com

In honor of the Feast of Saint Francis, here is a poster forFranco Zeffirelli's Brother Sun, Sister Moon.  It is a beautiful, simple movie.  I think it captured some of the spirit of Francis.

The Flowers of Saint Francis -- October 4, 2015

www.listal.com

In honor of the Feast of Saint Francis, here is a poster for Roberto Rosselini's Francesco, giullare di Dio (Francis, Jester of God, released in the US as The Flowers of Saint Francis).  Inspired by the Fioretti di San Francesco and La Vita di Frate Ginepro, Rosselini made a neo realist religious film.  Francis is played by Franciscan Brother Nazario Gerardi.  Rosselini  was not a practicing Catholic, but he appreciated the church's ethical teachings and the anti-materialism of Francis.

www.listal.com

Francis of Assisi -- October 4, 2014

Film Bulletin, May 29, 1961

In honor of the Feast of Saint Francis, here is an ad for 20th Century-Fox's 1961 production of Francis of Assisi.  "In the tradition of The Robe, The Song of Bernadette, A Man Called Peter, The Keys of the Kingdom."