The Flowers of St. Francis
Encyclopedia
The Flowers of St. Francis (in Italian, Francesco, giullare di Dio, or "Francis, God's Jester") is a 1950 film
directed by Roberto Rossellini
and co-written by Federico Fellini
. The film is based on two books, 14th century book I Fioretti Di San Francesco Little Flowers of St. Francis
, and La Vita di Frate Ginepro (The Life of Brother Juniper) which relate the life and work of St. Francis
and the early Franciscan
s. I Fioretti is composed of 78 small chapters. The novel as a whole is less biographical and is instead more focused on relating extravagant tales of the life of Saint Francis and his followers. The movie follows the same premise, though rather than relating all 78 chapters, the movie focuses instead on nine of the 78 chapters. Each chapter is composed in the style of a parable, and, like parables, contains a moral theme. Every new scene transitions with a chapter marker, a device that directly relates the film to the novel. When the movie initially debuted in America, where the novel is much less known, on October 6, 1952, the chapter markers were removed.
Included in the acting cast is Gianfranco Bellini as the narrator, who has voice-dubbed several American films for the Italian cinema. Monks from the Nocere Inferiore Monastery played the roles of Saint Francis and the friars. Playing the role of Saint Francis is a brother who is not credited, Brother Nazario Gerardi. One of the more famous actors in the film is Aldo Fabrizi. Fabrizi had worked with Rossellini before, notably in the neorealistic work, Roma, Città Aperta. Rome, Open City
. The film garnered international acclaim for Fabrizi. He entered the movie scene in 1942, and is noted for both writing and directing his own vehicles. In this film, Fabrizi plays the role of Nicolaio, the tyrant of Viterbo.
Rossellini had a strong interest in Christian values in the contemporary world. Though he was not a practicing Catholic, Rossellini loved the Church's ethical teaching, and was enchanted by religious sentiment—things which were neglected in the materialistic world. This interest helped to inspire the making of the film. He employed two priests to work on the film, Félix A. Morlion O.P., and Antonio Lisandri O.F.M. Though the priests contributed little to the script, their presence within the movie gave a feel of respectability in regards to theology. Morlion vigorously defended Catholic foundations within Italian neorealism, and felt that Rossellini's work, and eventually scriptwriter Fellini, best captured this foundation.
1 - How Brother Ginepro
returned naked to St. Mary of the Angels
, where the Brothers had finished building their hut.
The movie commences with an introduction to the Franciscan friars. This chapter serves as a precursor to the main chapters, nothing more than an introduction of the humble Franciscans as they trudge through the mud in the pouring rain to their hut. They reach the shelter, only to find it occupied by a man and a donkey. Despite the Franciscans best efforts, the old man insists the donkey remain with him in the shelter. He drives the Franciscans from their own hut, screaming that the Franciscans have stolen the shelter. Thrust into the rain without shelter, the monks rejoice in their suffering, loving their vocation even more and discerning this to be the call that they are to follow Francis.
The scene melts and introduces the first parable with a chapter marker. The chapter opens with the friars constructing a new hut. Two brothers return with a set of prayer bells, a gift from a generous donor. In the midst of their celebration, Brother Ginepro is found in the bushes without his tunic; he has given away his tunic to a man in need. Francis instructs him never again to give away his tunic without permission.
2 - How Giovanni, known as “the Simpleton”, asked to follow Francis and began imitating him in word and gesture.
This chapter begins with the friars running to meet Francis in the woods. They are leaving -- though before they go, Francis prays for his children, wishing them to spread the Gospel by their example. Brother Ginepro is ordered to stay behind and cook for the friars. While the brothers attend to their tasks, Francis utters his famous prayer, "O! Signore, fa di me uno strumento della tua Pace," in English, "Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace."
Shortly after the prayer, an old man approaches the friar, bringing with him a gift of a bull. He wishes to abandon all for the sake of joining Francis and becoming a Franciscan. Francis questions the old man about his intentions, and the old man simply states that he is willingly to forsake everything to follow Francis. The old man's family then reclaims the bull, and Saint Francis introduces the friars to their newest brother, Brother Giovanni.
3 - Of the wonderful meeting between St. Clare and St. Francis at St. Mary of the Angels.
Saint Clare has expressed an ardent desire to dine with Saint Francis. Francis accepts, and the brothers begin to search the forest for flowers so that they may honor this maiden of God. They find enough that they are able to construct a carpet of flowers. Francis and his brothers prepare a table of stone, garnish it with wildflowers. With the tools they have, they brush their hair, and trim their beards.
A few moments later, Clare arrives with three of her sisters. Together, the sisters and friars go to the Chapel where Clare first professed her vows. They go to the Chapel to pray, and then they eat. The holiness of their conversation, as the narrator explains, ignites the sky with fire.
4 - How Brother Ginepro cut off a pig’s foot to give to a sick brother.
Brother Ginepro is once again left behind while the other brother are preaching and giving food to the poor. He and Brother Giovanni are tending to Brother Amarsebello, who has made himself sick from too much fasting. Ginepro makes Amarsebello a broth. Its taste is appalling, and so Ginepro asks Amarsebello what food would bring him comfort. Amarsebello asks for a pig's foot, and eager Ginepro consents to completing the task.
Ginepro searches the forest, praying to God to bring him a pig for his sick Brother. In the midst of the forest, Ginepro stumbles upon some swine. He asks one of the pigs to give up his foot. The pig, though reluctant at first, eventually consents. Brother Ginepro removes the foot and gives it to his sick brother.
The brothers return from their excursion, only to be confronted by the owner of the pig. He demands recompense; Francis makes Ginepro apologize. The owner does not accept his apology, but instead leaves in silence. Moments later, the pig's owner returns with the pig draped over his shoulders. He gives the pig to the friars, and warns the friars never to touch his swine again.
5 - How Francis, praying one night in the woods, met the leper.
Francis is lying alone in the woods, meditating on the passion and love of God. The sound of bells captures his attention, and Francis is compelled to find the source. In the distance, Francis spots a loan traveler. Upon closer examination, he recognizes the traveler to be a leper. He devotedly follows the leper, and, despite the leper's pushing, persists in kissing and adoring the diseased man. Filled with awe, Francis collapses on the ground, praising God for the encounter with the leper.
6 - How Brother Ginepro cooked enough food for two weeks, and Francis moved by his zeal gave him permission to preach.
Tired of not being able to join the brothers when they preach, Brother Ginepro decides to cook all of the food that the Franciscans have accumulated into a broth. The broth will last for two weeks, thus granting Ginepro the freedom to preach instead of cooking supper for the brothers. Francis gives Ginepro permission to preach, on the condition that Ginepro begin each sermon with these words, "I talk and talk yet I accomplish little."
7 - How Brother Ginepro was judged on the gallows, and how his humility vanquished the ferocity of the tyrant Nicalaio.
This chapter focuses exclusively on Brother Ginepro as he travels around Italy, trying to find someone who will listen to his preaching. He stumbles upon some children, who inform him that the tyrant Nicolaio has just occupied a neighboring town. Excited by the new opportunity, Brother Ginepro rushes to the village and begins to preach. The barbarians are amused by the small friar, and so they play with him. They throw him, and use him as a jump rope for their own amusement. It is here that Ginepro has an epiphany, that one must preach not by words, but by example..
Brother Ginepro is brought before the tyrant. The barbarians search him, and discover an awl and flint. Nicolaio orders the barbarians to beat Ginepro with clubs. They bind his hands with rope and tie him to a horse. Once he is properly beaten, they bring Ginepro to the gallows for his execution. In mercy, they allow him to see a priest, who immediately recognizes him as a follower of Saint Francis. The priest pleads with Nicolaio to spare Ginepro. Nicolaio is reluctant to do this, for he was told that a man dressed as a beggar would come to kill him. The asasssin would be recognized by the very tools Ginepro possesses.
Nicoalio hosts a private audience with Ginepro in order to try to get to the truth of the matter. Several times he attempts to kill the friar, but is ultimately foiled by Ginepro's humility.
8 - How Brother Francis and Brother Leo
n experienced those things that are perfect happiness.
Perhaps the most famous chapter in I Fioretti, this parable explains how one can truly be happy. Saint Francis posits many scenarios that would be considered to bring happiness: restoring sight to the blind, healing the crippled, casting out demons, converting heretics, and the like. After each scenario, Francis calmly explains that this does not bring perfect happiness.
Exasperated by the scenarios, Brother Leone begs Francis finally to tell him what in truth will bring perfect happiness. Francis points to a building, and hopes that the Lord will show them the perfect happiness Francis has in mind. They knock on the door, and ask the man inside for alms. He refuses them, yet the friars persist, claiming that they wish to praise Jesus with him. The man returns their pleas with several beatings from a club. Once the man has finished, Francis turns to Brother Leone and explains that this is perfect happiness: to suffer and bear every evil deed out of love for Christ.
9 - How St. Francis left St. Mary of the Angels with his friars and traveled the world preaching peace.
Now it is time for the brothers to part, each called to go his own way to spread the message of the Gospel. The friars give away their farm to the townsfolk. They walk to a nearby town, and give to the citizens all of their food. Once the food is gone, the friars take a moment to pray together one last time.
Francis leads the friars into the woods. The friars are unsure which direction to go, so Francis instructs them to spin in circles until they fall over from dizziness. Whichever direction they face when they fall is the way which God desires them to preach. The Franciscans depart, singing a chant as they travel the world preaching the peace of Christ.
and Masters of Cinema
.
In 1995 the Vatican
listed the film as one of the forty five greatest films ever made.
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
directed by Roberto Rossellini
Roberto Rossellini
Roberto Rossellini was an Italian film director and screenwriter. Rossellini was one of the directors of the Italian neorealist cinema, contributing films such as Roma città aperta to the movement.-Early life:Born in Rome, Roberto Rossellini lived on the Via Ludovisi, where Benito Mussolini had...
and co-written by Federico Fellini
Federico Fellini
Federico Fellini, Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI , was an Italian film director and scriptwriter. Known for a distinct style that blends fantasy and baroque images, he is considered one of the most influential and widely revered filmmakers of the 20th century...
. The film is based on two books, 14th century book I Fioretti Di San Francesco Little Flowers of St. Francis
Little Flowers of St. Francis
The Little Flowers of St. Francis is a florilegium , divided into 53 short chapters, on the life of Saint Francis of Assisi which was composed at the end of the 14th century...
, and La Vita di Frate Ginepro (The Life of Brother Juniper) which relate the life and work of St. Francis
Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi was an Italian Catholic friar and preacher. He founded the men's Franciscan Order, the women’s Order of St. Clare, and the lay Third Order of Saint Francis. St...
and the early Franciscan
Franciscan
Most Franciscans are members of Roman Catholic religious orders founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. Besides Roman Catholic communities, there are also Old Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, ecumenical and Non-denominational Franciscan communities....
s. I Fioretti is composed of 78 small chapters. The novel as a whole is less biographical and is instead more focused on relating extravagant tales of the life of Saint Francis and his followers. The movie follows the same premise, though rather than relating all 78 chapters, the movie focuses instead on nine of the 78 chapters. Each chapter is composed in the style of a parable, and, like parables, contains a moral theme. Every new scene transitions with a chapter marker, a device that directly relates the film to the novel. When the movie initially debuted in America, where the novel is much less known, on October 6, 1952, the chapter markers were removed.
Included in the acting cast is Gianfranco Bellini as the narrator, who has voice-dubbed several American films for the Italian cinema. Monks from the Nocere Inferiore Monastery played the roles of Saint Francis and the friars. Playing the role of Saint Francis is a brother who is not credited, Brother Nazario Gerardi. One of the more famous actors in the film is Aldo Fabrizi. Fabrizi had worked with Rossellini before, notably in the neorealistic work, Roma, Città Aperta. Rome, Open City
Rome, open city
Rome, Open City is a 1945 Italian war drama film, directed by Roberto Rossellini. The picture features Aldo Fabrizi, Anna Magnani and Marcello Pagliero, and is set in Rome during the Nazi occupation in 1944...
. The film garnered international acclaim for Fabrizi. He entered the movie scene in 1942, and is noted for both writing and directing his own vehicles. In this film, Fabrizi plays the role of Nicolaio, the tyrant of Viterbo.
Rossellini had a strong interest in Christian values in the contemporary world. Though he was not a practicing Catholic, Rossellini loved the Church's ethical teaching, and was enchanted by religious sentiment—things which were neglected in the materialistic world. This interest helped to inspire the making of the film. He employed two priests to work on the film, Félix A. Morlion O.P., and Antonio Lisandri O.F.M. Though the priests contributed little to the script, their presence within the movie gave a feel of respectability in regards to theology. Morlion vigorously defended Catholic foundations within Italian neorealism, and felt that Rossellini's work, and eventually scriptwriter Fellini, best captured this foundation.
Chapters
The film is divided into nine chapters each covering an incident in the life of St. Francis subsequent to his vocation.1 - How Brother Ginepro
Saint Juniper
Saint Juniper , called "the renowned jester of the Lord," was one of the original followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. Not much is known about Juniper before he joined the friars. In 1210, he was received into the order of the Franciscans by St. Francis himself. "Would to God, my brothers, I...
returned naked to St. Mary of the Angels
Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli
The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli is a church situated in the plain at the foot of the hill of Assisi, Italy, in the frazione of Santa Maria degli Angeli....
, where the Brothers had finished building their hut.
The movie commences with an introduction to the Franciscan friars. This chapter serves as a precursor to the main chapters, nothing more than an introduction of the humble Franciscans as they trudge through the mud in the pouring rain to their hut. They reach the shelter, only to find it occupied by a man and a donkey. Despite the Franciscans best efforts, the old man insists the donkey remain with him in the shelter. He drives the Franciscans from their own hut, screaming that the Franciscans have stolen the shelter. Thrust into the rain without shelter, the monks rejoice in their suffering, loving their vocation even more and discerning this to be the call that they are to follow Francis.
The scene melts and introduces the first parable with a chapter marker. The chapter opens with the friars constructing a new hut. Two brothers return with a set of prayer bells, a gift from a generous donor. In the midst of their celebration, Brother Ginepro is found in the bushes without his tunic; he has given away his tunic to a man in need. Francis instructs him never again to give away his tunic without permission.
2 - How Giovanni, known as “the Simpleton”, asked to follow Francis and began imitating him in word and gesture.
This chapter begins with the friars running to meet Francis in the woods. They are leaving -- though before they go, Francis prays for his children, wishing them to spread the Gospel by their example. Brother Ginepro is ordered to stay behind and cook for the friars. While the brothers attend to their tasks, Francis utters his famous prayer, "O! Signore, fa di me uno strumento della tua Pace," in English, "Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace."
Shortly after the prayer, an old man approaches the friar, bringing with him a gift of a bull. He wishes to abandon all for the sake of joining Francis and becoming a Franciscan. Francis questions the old man about his intentions, and the old man simply states that he is willingly to forsake everything to follow Francis. The old man's family then reclaims the bull, and Saint Francis introduces the friars to their newest brother, Brother Giovanni.
3 - Of the wonderful meeting between St. Clare and St. Francis at St. Mary of the Angels.
Saint Clare has expressed an ardent desire to dine with Saint Francis. Francis accepts, and the brothers begin to search the forest for flowers so that they may honor this maiden of God. They find enough that they are able to construct a carpet of flowers. Francis and his brothers prepare a table of stone, garnish it with wildflowers. With the tools they have, they brush their hair, and trim their beards.
A few moments later, Clare arrives with three of her sisters. Together, the sisters and friars go to the Chapel where Clare first professed her vows. They go to the Chapel to pray, and then they eat. The holiness of their conversation, as the narrator explains, ignites the sky with fire.
4 - How Brother Ginepro cut off a pig’s foot to give to a sick brother.
Brother Ginepro is once again left behind while the other brother are preaching and giving food to the poor. He and Brother Giovanni are tending to Brother Amarsebello, who has made himself sick from too much fasting. Ginepro makes Amarsebello a broth. Its taste is appalling, and so Ginepro asks Amarsebello what food would bring him comfort. Amarsebello asks for a pig's foot, and eager Ginepro consents to completing the task.
Ginepro searches the forest, praying to God to bring him a pig for his sick Brother. In the midst of the forest, Ginepro stumbles upon some swine. He asks one of the pigs to give up his foot. The pig, though reluctant at first, eventually consents. Brother Ginepro removes the foot and gives it to his sick brother.
The brothers return from their excursion, only to be confronted by the owner of the pig. He demands recompense; Francis makes Ginepro apologize. The owner does not accept his apology, but instead leaves in silence. Moments later, the pig's owner returns with the pig draped over his shoulders. He gives the pig to the friars, and warns the friars never to touch his swine again.
5 - How Francis, praying one night in the woods, met the leper.
Francis is lying alone in the woods, meditating on the passion and love of God. The sound of bells captures his attention, and Francis is compelled to find the source. In the distance, Francis spots a loan traveler. Upon closer examination, he recognizes the traveler to be a leper. He devotedly follows the leper, and, despite the leper's pushing, persists in kissing and adoring the diseased man. Filled with awe, Francis collapses on the ground, praising God for the encounter with the leper.
6 - How Brother Ginepro cooked enough food for two weeks, and Francis moved by his zeal gave him permission to preach.
Tired of not being able to join the brothers when they preach, Brother Ginepro decides to cook all of the food that the Franciscans have accumulated into a broth. The broth will last for two weeks, thus granting Ginepro the freedom to preach instead of cooking supper for the brothers. Francis gives Ginepro permission to preach, on the condition that Ginepro begin each sermon with these words, "I talk and talk yet I accomplish little."
7 - How Brother Ginepro was judged on the gallows, and how his humility vanquished the ferocity of the tyrant Nicalaio.
This chapter focuses exclusively on Brother Ginepro as he travels around Italy, trying to find someone who will listen to his preaching. He stumbles upon some children, who inform him that the tyrant Nicolaio has just occupied a neighboring town. Excited by the new opportunity, Brother Ginepro rushes to the village and begins to preach. The barbarians are amused by the small friar, and so they play with him. They throw him, and use him as a jump rope for their own amusement. It is here that Ginepro has an epiphany, that one must preach not by words, but by example..
Brother Ginepro is brought before the tyrant. The barbarians search him, and discover an awl and flint. Nicolaio orders the barbarians to beat Ginepro with clubs. They bind his hands with rope and tie him to a horse. Once he is properly beaten, they bring Ginepro to the gallows for his execution. In mercy, they allow him to see a priest, who immediately recognizes him as a follower of Saint Francis. The priest pleads with Nicolaio to spare Ginepro. Nicolaio is reluctant to do this, for he was told that a man dressed as a beggar would come to kill him. The asasssin would be recognized by the very tools Ginepro possesses.
Nicoalio hosts a private audience with Ginepro in order to try to get to the truth of the matter. Several times he attempts to kill the friar, but is ultimately foiled by Ginepro's humility.
8 - How Brother Francis and Brother Leo
Brother Leo
Brother Leo was the favorite disciple, secretary and confessor of St Francis of Assisi.The dates of his birth and of his becoming a Franciscan are not known; but he was one of the small group of most trusted companions of, the saint during his last years...
n experienced those things that are perfect happiness.
Perhaps the most famous chapter in I Fioretti, this parable explains how one can truly be happy. Saint Francis posits many scenarios that would be considered to bring happiness: restoring sight to the blind, healing the crippled, casting out demons, converting heretics, and the like. After each scenario, Francis calmly explains that this does not bring perfect happiness.
Exasperated by the scenarios, Brother Leone begs Francis finally to tell him what in truth will bring perfect happiness. Francis points to a building, and hopes that the Lord will show them the perfect happiness Francis has in mind. They knock on the door, and ask the man inside for alms. He refuses them, yet the friars persist, claiming that they wish to praise Jesus with him. The man returns their pleas with several beatings from a club. Once the man has finished, Francis turns to Brother Leone and explains that this is perfect happiness: to suffer and bear every evil deed out of love for Christ.
9 - How St. Francis left St. Mary of the Angels with his friars and traveled the world preaching peace.
Now it is time for the brothers to part, each called to go his own way to spread the message of the Gospel. The friars give away their farm to the townsfolk. They walk to a nearby town, and give to the citizens all of their food. Once the food is gone, the friars take a moment to pray together one last time.
Francis leads the friars into the woods. The friars are unsure which direction to go, so Francis instructs them to spin in circles until they fall over from dizziness. Whichever direction they face when they fall is the way which God desires them to preach. The Franciscans depart, singing a chant as they travel the world preaching the peace of Christ.
Critical response
Although somewhat poorly received at the time (a not uncommon reaction to Rossellini's work), the film is now recognized as a classic of world cinema. It has been released on DVD by The Criterion CollectionThe Criterion Collection
The Criterion Collection is a video-distribution company selling "important classic and contemporary films" to film aficionados. The Criterion series is noted for helping to standardize the letterbox format for home video, bonus features, and special editions...
and Masters of Cinema
Masters of Cinema
The Masters of Cinema organization began as a website dedicated to the most well-regarded film directors in the world. Founded by a diverse international group of like-minded film enthusiasts: Jan Bielawski, a mathematician; Doug Cummings, a graphic artist and freelance critic; Trond Trondsen, a Ph.D...
.
In 1995 the Vatican
Holy See
The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome, in which its Bishop is commonly known as the Pope. It is the preeminent episcopal see of the Catholic Church, forming the central government of the Church. As such, diplomatically, and in other spheres the Holy See acts and...
listed the film as one of the forty five greatest films ever made.
External links
and at CSFD ie Czechoslovak Film's Database- The Flowers of St. Francis at the Arts & Faith Top100 Spiritually Significant Films list
- Essay by Peter Brunette for the Criterion Collection
- Appreciation by Martin Scorsese for the Masters of CinemaMasters of CinemaThe Masters of Cinema organization began as a website dedicated to the most well-regarded film directors in the world. Founded by a diverse international group of like-minded film enthusiasts: Jan Bielawski, a mathematician; Doug Cummings, a graphic artist and freelance critic; Trond Trondsen, a Ph.D...
DVD - Vatican list of films