On occasion, Hollywood turns out a picture of simplicity, faith and hope that the cynical critics either look on as preachy or pretentious. Some lives of the saints seem almost too impossible to achieve, let alone believe. Certain lives become legendary, because of how the person seemed to be blessed with the ability to rise above earthly temptations and lead them in becoming some of the most beloved historical figures of all time.
Such was the life of Francis of Assisi, the 13th Century monk who founded the Franciscan order. He wasn't always so saintly; In fact, this film shows his sudden transformation from a fun loving young man heading off to war, and returning as a deserter transformed by divine inspiration. This, of course, creates conflict both with the church and his social circle, but Francis utilizes his guidance from the Lord into fulfilling his destiny.
A sweet and simple tale, this is elaborately filmed and well acted, with Bradford Dillman in the title role, Dolores Hart as a young girl who follows in his footsteps and becomes a nun (which Hart would do later in real life), and Stuart Whitman as Dillman's old friend who was in love with Hart and blames Francis for leading Hart to her vow of poverty and chastity.
It should be noted that 20th Century Fox had been filming inspirational stories for decade, most notably "The Song of Bernadette" and "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain", as well as Biblical epics such as "The Robe" and "David and Bathsheba". This one is presented with such innocent and simple joy that it seems almost effortless, and to cynics, probably too sanctimonious. The tale of Francis of Assisi was filmed again only a decade later as "Brother Son, Sister Moon", where certain critics described Francis being presented as a flower child from a past era.
Such was the life of Francis of Assisi, the 13th Century monk who founded the Franciscan order. He wasn't always so saintly; In fact, this film shows his sudden transformation from a fun loving young man heading off to war, and returning as a deserter transformed by divine inspiration. This, of course, creates conflict both with the church and his social circle, but Francis utilizes his guidance from the Lord into fulfilling his destiny.
A sweet and simple tale, this is elaborately filmed and well acted, with Bradford Dillman in the title role, Dolores Hart as a young girl who follows in his footsteps and becomes a nun (which Hart would do later in real life), and Stuart Whitman as Dillman's old friend who was in love with Hart and blames Francis for leading Hart to her vow of poverty and chastity.
It should be noted that 20th Century Fox had been filming inspirational stories for decade, most notably "The Song of Bernadette" and "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain", as well as Biblical epics such as "The Robe" and "David and Bathsheba". This one is presented with such innocent and simple joy that it seems almost effortless, and to cynics, probably too sanctimonious. The tale of Francis of Assisi was filmed again only a decade later as "Brother Son, Sister Moon", where certain critics described Francis being presented as a flower child from a past era.