The film starts in a long flashback narrated by a priest (Fernando Rey), he tells how an abandoned baby is picked up by monks residing in a monastery run by a humble Father Superior (Rafael Rivelles). The little boy named Marcelino (Pablito Calvo) who lost his mother , becomes a fine kid , pure and simple of heart , and devoted friend of Crucified Jesus . Meanwhile , he gets into mischiefs , he plays and puts nicknames to monks , as Brother Door (Antonio Vico) , Brother Cookie (Juan Calvo), Brother Bad (Mariano Azaña) , Fray Giles (Juanjo Menendez) and Brother Ding Dong (Joaquin Roa) . But in some touching scenes , Marcelino meets at the loft to Jesus and gives him bread and wine, then happening an ecstasy at the ending .
This a perceptible and feeling movie full of mirth , humor touches , and enjoyable message based on novel written by Jose Maria Sanchez Silva. At the same time the film gives us an agreeable panorama about monastery life , its pity , and goodness ; furthermore , the religious oration , sacrifice , work , companionship and various situations happen in monastic existence . Its perfect developing resides on superb characters incarnated by the good-natured monks, well played by all-Spanish-star-cast , and the sympathy , simplicity of Pablito Calvo-Marcelino . Musical score by Pablo Sorozabal responds appropriately to ambient , originating a really spiritual and religious atmosphere . Precious and luminous cinematography by Enrich Guerner (Vadja's ordinary cameraman) who give us an accurate scenario at the times is developed . The motion picture was excellently directed by Ladislao Vadja , born in Hungary , he's author of magnificent movies , such as 'The Bait', and 'Carne de horca', and three with Pablito Cavo : 'An Angel over Brooklyn' (along with Peter Ustinov) and 'Uncle Jacinto' (with Antonio Vico) . In my opinion this is one of the best films to come out of Europe in the decade of the 50s. The picture touched the hearts of numerous spectators all around the world. Rating : Above average.
