I saw this movie as a child and I loved it. I saw it recently and loved it even more. Although it does not tell the whole story of the saint and his sufferings, mysticism, and triumph, it does convey the truth of his simplicity, humility, and other virtues.
Filmed in Italy, it conveys to me - an Italian-American, a sense of the familiar and realism, with Maximillian Schell as the hapless Joseph Desa who becomes Saint Joseph of Cupertino. Schell's gentle character contrast greatly with the villainous Nazi defense attorney he portrayed in Judgment At Nuremberg. The direction, writing, et cetera are all excellent as are the supporting cast members which include Ricardo Montalban as his nemesis Don Raspi, Lea Padovani as his exasperated mother, Harold Goldblatt as her brother and Joseph's uncle - Abbot Giovani, and Akim Tamiroff as the bishop who sees the true piety and wisdom in Joseph.
After struggling in school, Joseph "graduates" and becomes a common laborer, where he gets into constant trouble. His mother tells him: "Expect the worst and you won't be disappointed." Indeed poor Joseph has nothing but problems but bears them all patiently, not defending himself and not ratting on those who get him into trouble like Gobbo the hunchback of the monastery. On the way back from the funeral for her husband the mother tells Joseph about his father, "He was an easy man to love, but not an easy man to live with." I wonder how many women feel that way about their husbands.
When three novices - including Joseph are sent to beg in town, two return with their donkeys and baskets full. Joseph on the other hand comes back void of all alms and the donkey, having been attacked by thieves. Don Raspi tells Abbot Giovani, "Our friars have been begging in that town almost without incident for over three hundred years! Joseph is a magnet for trouble!" The Abbot defends his nephew by replying: "You know there are places in that town the devil himself will not go!" These are not exact quotes but they give the reader an idea of the conflict between the hapless Joseph, Don Raspi, and the loving uncle.
The new bishop meets Joseph in the stables - who learns he has saved not only two lambs which were late in birth, but the ailing ewe as well. After talking with Joseph through the night, the bishop is convinced of the humble friar's piety and wisdom, and orders him to be tutored for the priesthood - much to the chagrin of Don Raspi and others. By coincidence or God's holy will - Joseph not only passes the tests for the subdiaconate but the priesthood as well. It is thereafter the movie shows some of Joseph's mystical qualities like levitation - for which he is said to be possessed by the devil. Don Raspi performs an exorcism, but by a miracle becomes convinced of the sanctity of Joseph.
This movie should be watched by the young and old, Catholic and non Catholic alike. It is pure pious entertainment! So expect the best and you won't be disappointed.
Filmed in Italy, it conveys to me - an Italian-American, a sense of the familiar and realism, with Maximillian Schell as the hapless Joseph Desa who becomes Saint Joseph of Cupertino. Schell's gentle character contrast greatly with the villainous Nazi defense attorney he portrayed in Judgment At Nuremberg. The direction, writing, et cetera are all excellent as are the supporting cast members which include Ricardo Montalban as his nemesis Don Raspi, Lea Padovani as his exasperated mother, Harold Goldblatt as her brother and Joseph's uncle - Abbot Giovani, and Akim Tamiroff as the bishop who sees the true piety and wisdom in Joseph.
After struggling in school, Joseph "graduates" and becomes a common laborer, where he gets into constant trouble. His mother tells him: "Expect the worst and you won't be disappointed." Indeed poor Joseph has nothing but problems but bears them all patiently, not defending himself and not ratting on those who get him into trouble like Gobbo the hunchback of the monastery. On the way back from the funeral for her husband the mother tells Joseph about his father, "He was an easy man to love, but not an easy man to live with." I wonder how many women feel that way about their husbands.
When three novices - including Joseph are sent to beg in town, two return with their donkeys and baskets full. Joseph on the other hand comes back void of all alms and the donkey, having been attacked by thieves. Don Raspi tells Abbot Giovani, "Our friars have been begging in that town almost without incident for over three hundred years! Joseph is a magnet for trouble!" The Abbot defends his nephew by replying: "You know there are places in that town the devil himself will not go!" These are not exact quotes but they give the reader an idea of the conflict between the hapless Joseph, Don Raspi, and the loving uncle.
The new bishop meets Joseph in the stables - who learns he has saved not only two lambs which were late in birth, but the ailing ewe as well. After talking with Joseph through the night, the bishop is convinced of the humble friar's piety and wisdom, and orders him to be tutored for the priesthood - much to the chagrin of Don Raspi and others. By coincidence or God's holy will - Joseph not only passes the tests for the subdiaconate but the priesthood as well. It is thereafter the movie shows some of Joseph's mystical qualities like levitation - for which he is said to be possessed by the devil. Don Raspi performs an exorcism, but by a miracle becomes convinced of the sanctity of Joseph.
This movie should be watched by the young and old, Catholic and non Catholic alike. It is pure pious entertainment! So expect the best and you won't be disappointed.