The Flowers of St. Francis (1950)
"Francesco, giullare di Dio" (original title)

The film dramatizes about a dozen vignettes from the life of St. Francis and his early followers - starting with their return in the rain to Rivotorlo from Rome when the Pope blessed their ... See full summary »

Director:

Roberto Rossellini

Writers:

Federico Fellini (screenplay), Antonio Lisandrini (screenplay),

Stars:

Aldo Fabrizi, Gianfranco Bellini, Peparuolo

Cast

Credited cast:
Aldo Fabrizi	...	Nicolaio, il tiranno di Viterbo
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Gianfranco Bellini	...	Narrator (voice)
Peparuolo	...	Giovanni il Sempliciotto
Severino Pisacane	...	Fra' Ginapro (as Fra' Severino Pisacane)
Roberto Sorrentino

Storyline

The film dramatizes about a dozen vignettes from the life of St. Francis and his early followers - starting with their return in the rain to Rivotorlo from Rome when the Pope blessed their Rule and ending with their dispersal to preach. The unconnected chapters are like parables, some with a moral. The slight and comic Ginepro returns naked to St. Mary's of the Angels, having given away his tunic, but not his ricotta. The aged Giovanni shouts and holds onto his cape; the beatific St. Clair pays a visit. Humble Francis doubts his leadership, hugs a leper, and sends his brothers spinning, dizzy, and smiling into the world. This brotherhood is infused with whimsy as well as belief.

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Plot Keywords:

rain | fire | christian | religion | pig | 

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Taglines:

A Movie for Today...And All Time

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Genres:

Biography | History

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

6 October 1952 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Flowers of St. Francis

Filming Locations:

Manziana, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cineriz, Rizzoli Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

75 min 85 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The roles of St. Francis and his disciples were played by monks from the Nocere Inferiore monastery.

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Connections

Version of Francesco (1989)

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Soundtracks

"Te deum laudamus"

User Reviews

Neglected Masterpiece

Unfortunately, this is not an easy film to see. It is not available on video, and it is rarely if ever shown in commercial theaters, not even art houses. I was fortunate enough to see it at a local museum's Italian film series.

This film is exquisitely photographed and beautifully acted, mostly by non-professionals. It's depiction of Francis and his followers make the practice of Christianity seem almost zenlike; that is spirituality consists in being totally involved in whatever one is doing at the moment, in doing, not talking. This is such a relief from much of the pap that passes as religious film these days. See it if you can.