In early 13th century Italy, bird-watching Bradford Dillman (as Francis Bernardone) decides to enlist. He is recognized as a disciple of Jesus Christ by a beggar, but Mr. Dillman isn't fully aware of his godliness, yet. We know it from the opening. The son of a merchant, Dillman befriends fellow soldier Stuart Whitman (as Paolo). They become so close Dillman gives his extra women to Mr. Whitman. Outside of the barrooms, both become rivals for more virginal blonde Dolores Hart (as Clare)...
The men go off to war, but Dillman deserts when the voice of God tells him, "Put away the sword." Dillman is shunned by his community and imprisoned while he waits for God to give him additional directions Poor Dillman. Not that is performance is award-worthy, but, at least he's reverential and ready for action. Dillman also ages believably, in both appearance and manner. However, it's not enough to pull producer Plato Skouras' epic last film together...
Nearing retirement, director Michael Curtiz is clearly slowing down. Whitman seems to be in the wrong century. Before she loses her long blonde hair, Ms. Hart appears to be in the wrong country. Nobody else is on screen long enough to contribute much. The famous subject is given a silly story treatment. Assisi blesses animals, for example, by greeting them. A nursing pig is greeted, "Good morning, sister pig." But right before that, Dillman says, "Good morning, brother cow." And, that's no bull.
**** Francis of Assisi (7/12/61) Michael Curtiz ~ Bradford Dillman, Dolores Hart, Stuart Whitman, Cecil Kellaway
The men go off to war, but Dillman deserts when the voice of God tells him, "Put away the sword." Dillman is shunned by his community and imprisoned while he waits for God to give him additional directions Poor Dillman. Not that is performance is award-worthy, but, at least he's reverential and ready for action. Dillman also ages believably, in both appearance and manner. However, it's not enough to pull producer Plato Skouras' epic last film together...
Nearing retirement, director Michael Curtiz is clearly slowing down. Whitman seems to be in the wrong century. Before she loses her long blonde hair, Ms. Hart appears to be in the wrong country. Nobody else is on screen long enough to contribute much. The famous subject is given a silly story treatment. Assisi blesses animals, for example, by greeting them. A nursing pig is greeted, "Good morning, sister pig." But right before that, Dillman says, "Good morning, brother cow." And, that's no bull.
**** Francis of Assisi (7/12/61) Michael Curtiz ~ Bradford Dillman, Dolores Hart, Stuart Whitman, Cecil Kellaway