Product Details

• Actors: Maximilian Schell, Ricardo Montalban, Lea Padovani
• Directors: Edward Dmytryk
• Format: NTSC, Black & White
• Language: English
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Ignatius Press Video
• VHS Release Date: January 21, 2003
• Run Time: 104 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00008G94M
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #237,554 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

The classic film finally available on DVD! This DVD has been made from the original archive film master 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, Joseph's peasant mother convinces the reluctant Abbott (Ricardo Montalban) to accept her son into the monastery. With the support of the kindly local Bishop who sees in him a great deal more than others, and by a series of miraculous incidents, the simple but pious Joseph is ordained a priest. 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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funniest Adaptation of a Saint's Life, November 7, 2003

By 

Regina Doman - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Reluctant Saint: The Story of St. Joseph of Cupertino [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I got this video together with a bunch of other saint videos, and was preparing myself for something rather pious and poorly produced. Boy, was I wrong! To begin with, this black and white film on the life of the medieval saint Joseph of Cupertino is brilliantly cast. Maximillian Scnell plays the rather stupid Joseph, a perennial klutz who can't keep anything straight in his head without much effort. But he loves God profoundly and desires to become a monk. The second thing that surprised me was how funny this movie was. It's quite episodical, and the humor is of the old more theatrical style - but given those limitations, it set me off laughing more than a few times. Richardo Montebalm also gives a great performance as the uptight monk who can't stand Joseph's stupidity or his extrordinary gifts. God blesses Joseph's love with unusual graces, onces that literally knock him off his feet, to the bewilderment of his priestly brothers.
A real treat. Don't miss it. Hope it goes to DVD!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reluctant Saint 1962, March 19, 2004

By 

Maryann Paterson (Riverwood, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Reluctant Saint: The Story of St. Joseph of Cupertino [VHS] (VHS Tape)

this is a great heart warming and funny movie entertaining
great for all the family

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars St. Joseph of Cuppertino's Life, NOT St. Francis of Assisi, April 6, 2008

By 

Hanley (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Reluctant Saint: The Story of St. Joseph of Cupertino [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Great, humorous movie of the life of a poor peasant (Joseph Cuppertino, NOT Francis of Assisi!) with seemingly below average intelligence who understands the Holy Trinity better than his learned brother monks and abbot. Highly recommend this movie for first time viewers of Catholic movies.