The Reluctant Saint: The Story of St Joseph Of Cupertino

Maximilian Schell stars as "the flying friar", St. Joseph of Cupertino, in this heartwarming and amazing true story of the humble Franciscan friar who literally rose to sainthood.

In the impoverished village of 17th century Cupertino, Italy, a peasant boy named Giuseppe (Schell) finds himself in hot water most of the time. His mother, thinking she can improve him, takes him to her brother, a priest (Ricardo Montalban) who reluctantly accepts the boy into the monastery.

One adventure after another has Giuseppe almost thrown out, but he is saved through the intervention of the kindly local Bishop, who sees in the boy a great deal more than anyone else. After a series of remarkable incidents, the simple but pious Joseph is ordained a priest. Miraculous things begin to happen to him, especially as he is saying his first Mass. Yet some are convinced that it is the devil, not God, who is responsible for Joseph's miraculous powers, until a final miracle reveals to all his true sanctity.

A profound and humorous film for all ages. Also starring Lea Padovani and Akim Tamiroff. Directed by Edward Dymtryk.