The Reluctant Saint Poster

The Reluctant Saint 1962

★ 7.65 votes105 min📅 1962-11-02

"The incredible true story of St. Joseph of Cupertino. "The Flying Friar""

Set in 17th-century Cupertino, Italy, *The Reluctant Saint (1962)* follows the extraordinary journey of a kind-hearted but simple-minded young man who struggles to fit into the rigid structure of a Franciscan monastery.

Director: Edward Dmytryk

Cast

Maximilian Schell
Maximilian Schell
Giuseppe
Ricardo Montalban
Ricardo Montalban
Don Raspi
Lea Padovani
Lea Padovani
Giuseppe's Mother
Akim Tamiroff
Akim Tamiroff
Bishop Durso
Harold Goldblatt
Harold Goldblatt
Father Giovanni- 'The Father Guardian'
Arnoldo Foà
Arnoldo Foà
Felixa- Giuseppe's Father
Carlo Croccolo
Carlo Croccolo
The Gobbo- the Hunchback
Giulio Bosetti
Giulio Bosetti
Brother Orlando
Armand Mestral
Armand Mestral
Elisa Cegani
Elisa Cegani
Sister Nunziata

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Reluctant Saint (1962) about?

This historical drama tells the real-life story of a clumsy young man in 1600s Italy who joins a Franciscan order and discovers his simple faith can perform miracles, including the ability to levitate. His journey from outsider to sainthood unfolds with warmth and divine irony.

Who directed The Reluctant Saint?

The film was directed by Edward Dmytryk, known for blending drama with historical storytelling in mid-century cinema.

Who stars in The Reluctant Saint?

The main cast includes Maximilian Schell, Ricardo Montalban, Lea Padovani, Akim Tamiroff, and Arnoldo Foà, each bringing depth to this period comedy-drama.

Is The Reluctant Saint (1962) worth watching?

While not widely rated today, this lighthearted yet thought-provoking film offers a charming mix of faith-based drama and comedy. Fans of historical stories with uplifting themes may find its portrayal of humility and miracles genuinely engaging.

How long is The Reluctant Saint?

The runtime of *The Reluctant Saint* is 105 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About The Reluctant Saint (1962) — Maximilian Schell Stars in This Heartwarming Miracle Tale

Set in 17th-century Cupertino, Italy, *The Reluctant Saint (1962)* follows the extraordinary journey of a kind-hearted but simple-minded young man who struggles to fit into the rigid structure of a Franciscan monastery. Directed by Edward Dmytryk, this historical drama blends spiritual themes with gentle humor as the protagonist's unwavering faith leads to miraculous events, including levitation that defies logic. The film captures the clash between humility and ambition, portraying a world where divine intervention reshapes destinies against all odds.

Leading the cast is Maximilian Schell, whose nuanced performance brings depth to this unlikely saint, while Ricardo Montalban and Lea Padovani add dramatic and comedic contrast. Blending drama, history, and comedy, *The Reluctant Saint* crafts a feel-good yet profound tale about the power of faith and the beauty of imperfection.