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Although Hollywood has certainly glamorized this simple story of St. Francis of Assisi, this 1961 movie is beautifully photographed in that little Italian city and is very much worth watching. The story of Francis Bernardone (Bradford Dillman--Hubbell Gardner's best friend in "The Way We Were") is all there. He was the son of a successful, wealthy merchant of cloth and had it made during his young life. But when he went to war with his father's blessing, God called him for better things. He deserted his regiment and his friend Paolo De Vandria (Stuart Whitman), was imprisoned for desertion, and was freed because of his friend's intervention. God continued to call Francis to rebuild a church, where he attracted helpers who became brothers in his order. Eventually, he and his brothers journeyed to Rome to get an official certification of his order from the Pope. Finally, the Pope sent him as an ambassador to Palestine to stop the Crusades, where he worked miracles but was still a failure. And I have forgotten a key element to this entire movie. She is Clare Scefi (Dolores Hart), the beautiful girl who grew up with Francis, was courted by Paolo, and eventually became a nun. We know her now as St. Clare, the founder of the Poor Clare order of nuns. And finally, we see Francis and his affliction with the stigmata--bloody sores in the palm of his hands and on his feet, which represent the crucifixion of Christ. This movie was not nominated for any awards, but should have been at least for costumes and cinematography. Interestingly, Dolores Hart did become a real nun. She was recently featured on a CBS Sunday Morning feature as she is in 2008. I didn't realize how beautiful she was until I saw this movie. This movie does not disappoint--especially if you are Catholic and have grown up with the knowledge of St. Francis. His love of animals is also present here in several instances. Happy Viewing!Read full review
Extremely fair dealer... quick response and mailings. Definitely will purchase from again. This was an excellent quality movie...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Maybe this film from 1961 could not be different. Maybe it was appealing in those times, today it is more than outdated. It is full of stereotypical hollywoodish scenes, that could be taken from any pseudo-historical film. However, the story of Saint Francis is so distorted, that it hardly deserves the title. Specially the "love story" between him and Clare. But maybe we can be so severe because of recent Franciscan studies, that have "excavated" more reliable image of Saint Francis from his texts. Sorry, but I can not recommend the film at all.
Great story about a great saint! Recounts many events in St. Francis' life.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I purchased this movie because I'm a Mother Dolores Hart fan. Overall just a great movie, even thou it was dated you have to understand he ways of the time back then. People learned to help each other, their community meant alot to them. Maybe in a way, life was more simple back then. It was a joy for me to watch this movie. The movie was great, the price was right, and the lessons in life that it gives, is a learning experience for all!
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