In the days when kids were chanting, "tune in, turn on, drop out" are the days when Franco Zeffirelli chose to make a film about St. Francis Of Assisi whom he turns into the world's first Christian flower child. Apparently he knew his market well. There is a more traditional film biography of Francis with Bradford Dillman in the title role.

This one also has a score of songs that well fit the director's idea by British folk singer Donovan. Graham Faulkner plays Francis who abandons his fairly prosperous family to become what we would later call a hippie. All Faulkner needed was some cannabis and he would have fit into any commune of the time. I have to say that Faulkner's wide eyed innocence is infectious as is that of Judi Bowker playing Francis's first woman follower St. Clare who founded an order for women along the same lines as what Francis was trying to achieve.

The final confrontation scene with the beggarly Francis and his disciples and the majesty of the Roman Catholic Church in Pope Innocent III works on so many levels. Alec Guinness who was a most serious Catholic in his lifetime plays Innnocent. He probably couldn't resist playing a Pope.

Guinness is captivated by Faulkner's faith. At the same as is remarked by an observer he well knows that a message of be content and enjoy the simple things of life is a great one for quieting down class disturbance. Innocent III was no dope.

Brother Sun, Sister Moon is an interesting interpretation about the life of one venerated as a saint.

Francis of Assissi depicted as the first hippie. That's not really a ridiculous comparison. After all, Godspell depicts Jesus and the Apostles as hippies, as well, far more annoyingly, I may say, than Zefferelli depicts these characters. I actually started off really enjoying this picture. I thought it was sweet, lovely, and beautiful. It helps a lot if you like Donovan. I know that he's kind of dopey, but I've always found his mellowing tunes quite pleasant. None of his songs here are among his best (in fact, not a one appears on the anthology I own, which contains other work on soundtracks),but they're pretty good. Unfortunately, the film never really goes anywhere. It plateaus early and only reaches a little further in its climax, when Francis and his followers ask the Pope (Alec Guiness, in what amounts to a cameo) to bless their order. The only really good Francis of Assissi movie I've seen is Roberto Rossellini's The Flowers of St. Francis.

Interesting trip in the world of a delicate Christianity. Coloured chalk picture of a time between tale and reality. Suggestions more that facts, mystery in spring shades.

To talk about Francis is very strange. He is not a saint like many others, he is not a historical hero who transformed a Church. He is, for many, the second Crist, patron of animals, bearer of Jesus stigmas, poor man, friend of sun and of wolf, who lives only like sign of God's love. So, it is not important if the movie is a masterpiece, if the script respects the authentic facts, if Francis or Clara are shadows of a old childhood's story. The truth is a insignificant detail and the essence is faith.

In fact, it is a slice of beauty. The scent of time, the beauty of nature and actors, the delicacy of gestures, the respect of tradition, the light, so important in this case makes a subtle, in his essence, portrait of Il Poverello. No great ambition but a sweet respect form for a lost golden age.