4/5 Very Simple Like St. Francis of Asissi was!!!
  by Maria Lombardo (NY, NY)
The actor who portrays St. Francis is very realistic, in that after watching it for a few minutes, one feels as if it is the real St. Francis of Asissi!!! Also the movie shows the audience the great relationship St. Francis shared with St. Claire, their mutal respect for each other and trust, moves one to tears!
A great scene in the movie is when he visits the pope in rome, its funny; he basically walks up to the Vicar of Christ and says, "I am starting a new order and I need your permission and Blessing." Amazing!!!
Anyone who loves St. Francis Of Asissi should watch this movie especially on his feast day which I believe is October 4th!
Enjoy and be inspired!
sincerely,
amazon customer,
maria lombardo

5/5 Francis of God
  by Victor Diaz Murillo (Lima, Peru)
This is one of the best films about the life of a Saint, difficult topic to bring to the screen, although successfully accomplished; not seek much to show false intellectuality or religious piety sometimes bad represented; is in fair exchange, close to the facts (despite some liberties)
and the character's personality and spirituality. Bravo Maestro Michael Curtiz.





5/5 Beautiful Old Fashioned Movie
  by Brother Wolf of Gubbio (California)
This is a beautiful old fashioned movie which came out in the 1960's. While not historically accurate - and almost none are, the movie is well acted with nice background music, and filmed on location in Italy. The acting is as best as can be expected and so too is the direction given the limited data on Francis of Assisi.

However, it does not try to use poetic license and add situations to the life of the saint which never happened; unlike Brother Sun, Sister Moon. Also, the scene where Francis takes off his clothes and gives them to his father, denouncing him and his inheritance is not shown. I suppose this back then was considered inappropriate. However, the version in Brother Sun, Sister Moon never happened. According to what I read, Francis removed his clothes in the privacy of the bishop's residence, and then clothed with a cloak from the bishop, emerged to denounce his father.

It is overall a very inspiring movie, but leaves the viewer begging for more.

5/5 Factual As To Teachings
  by Lynn L. Norwood
I was raised Catholic & collect movies of a religious nature. This movie is extremely well presented as well as being accurate along with the teachings of my Church in regard to the life of St. Francis. A MUST SEE!!

4/5 "What Do You Want Me To Do?" ~ Building Chapels In The Heart
  by Brian E. Erland (CA - USA)
If you were to take a survey amongst Catholics asking them who was there favorite Saint chances are they're going to say Francis of Assisi. If you're unfamiliar with the life and accomplishments of this beloved personage and would like to learn a little bit about him the '61 film appropriately titled 'Saint Francis' would be a good place to begin. Bradford Dillman delivers a very Christ-like portrayal of Francis, Dolores Hart is sheer perfection as the gentle Claire and Stuart Whitman adds the necessary fire and emotion to point out the stark contrast between human and divine love.

While this film is surpassed by 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' ('72) in emotionality, artistry, cinematography and soundtrack, this older version is more factual and encompasses the whole of Francis' life instead of ending at his Papal Commision as the Zeffirielli film does.

As a Catholic I appreciate the sincerity and intent of this production, while at the same time I must be honest and admit that approached as entertainment there are some problems. The story unfolds slowly and the majority of performances are uncomfortably stiff and the dialogue unrealistic. If not for the presence of the angelic Dolores Hart this film would receive a -3 Star- rating. It is her external and internal beauty that gives this film a whole new level of meaning and spirituality that entices me back for subsequent viewings now and again.

Footnote: Dolores Hart left Hollywood in '63 to become a Catholic Nun. Now a member of the Benedictine Order, Mother Dolores resides in the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Connecticut where she lives out the faith and principles that she so beautifully portrayed in this film.