Grab the Popcorn – A List of Catholic / Christian / Bible Epics / 'Sword and Sandal' Movies

 

 

Ah yes, the Covid lock downs. We're sick of them, but looking at the bright side, they've given us a legitimate excuse to vegetate in front of the 'Idiot Box'.

I personally love a good old classic or action packed 'sword and sandal' movie, especially the Catholic or Christian themed ones, and after running through the old favourites I've bumbled upon a few others I've never seen or heard of before. Anyway, thought I'd make a list and share the classics we've all come to know and love and also some movies that slid under the radar for me – I've discovered quite a few here I've never seen before thanks to people sharing what movies they've found during the global pandemic.

Basically, these are films I've seen, (not to mention I may have forgotten to put some good ones up), so if there are any old classics that would fit nicely here please drop it in the comment box at the end. Also, if I find anything else, it will be added below, so check back from time to time.

***  WHERE TO WATCH FOR FREE: If I actually find a link you can watch the movie online for free, I'll put it up. Just click on “YouTube” or “OK Videos” which is just as good as YouTube. They're safe links. Hopefully there are no restrictions depending on what country you're watching from, and I hope they don't take the videos down. The links were working when I found them.

Epics or Feature Films set at the Biblical Times, the Time of Christ, the Early Church, or Later Times

*) The Ten Commandments (1956): OK Videos The classic starring Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner. Fantastic. Who could forget the famous parting of the Red sea in this? Also love the sweeping epic music. I think we can safely say after this film came out we cannot picture Moses in any other way than how Heston portrayed him. Fun trivia fact: it is said that the producers were inspired by Michelangelo famous statue of Moses when it came to the make-up for Heston as the 'older' Moses.

*) Ben-Hur: (1959) OK Videos. Fictional tale set at the time of Christ, the Jewish Prince of Hur played by guess who, Charlton Heston, discovers what happens to his misfortune when ambition and the lust for power in the Roman Empire corrupts what was once an unbreakable friendship, and in the process, finds himself coming into contact with a Preacher from Nazareth which will change his life. This epic is timeless, a movie one never grows tired of watching.

*) Quo Vadis (1951) OK Videos Starring Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Sir Peter Ustinov. This epic is right up there with Ben-Hur. A Roman Tribune returns from the wars a hero, but of all the rewards offered to him, sets on a beautiful Christian and wants her come what may. Fantastic and disturbing scenes in this with Sir Peter Ustinov as the insane Rome-burning, Christian-persecuting Nero.

*) The Silver Chalice (1954) OK Videos An epic fictional tale about what is supposed to have happened to the chalice of the Last Supper. Okay, in my opinion this one is not that good, the story bears no resemblance at all to what happened to the chalice, (we Catholics know where it is, it was never lost), but hey, this film is something clean to watch, and is a piece of watchable Hollywood history as Paul Newman was introduced in this film. If only the plot did not feel so contrived and the sets didn't look like a weird art house experiment from the 60s more suitable for a live theatre stage and not a Hollywood studio. The fact the story mixes in the little known weirdo fake Simon Magus legends that were popular chapbook fodder centuries ago all spun around the real Simon Magus mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles makes it a bit wacky and cringy, at least to me. Jack Palance stars as the cursed magician of the fabricated legends who parodies the miracles of Christ and the Holy Spirit and then comes to a bizarre end. Probably why this movie didn't fly over so well and become as popular as the other epics. (Forgive the pun, you'll get it when you see it.)

*) The Egyptian (1954) OK Videos The story of this epic is not set around the early Church, but way back in ancient Egypt about a young man who sets out to help the poor with his skills as a physician. I found this intriguing as the story is set during the reign of the historical Pharaoh Akhnaton who attempted to abolish the multitude of gods and introduce one god to Egypt. An interesting fictional tale of a young man searching for love, truth, and the meaning of life in all the wrong ways and places spun around historical events. Will he finally find the answer he seeks? This movie is not bad, but seems to be under the radar when when compared to other old epics.

*) The Land of the Pharaohs: OK Videos True, this is not a Biblical film at all, but if you like those classic old Hollywood colour extravaganzas set in the ancient world this is another good one to watch, so I'm also putting it up on the list. Tells a fictional tale of greed and treachery during the building of the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

*) The Bible: In the Beginning (1966) – OK Videos. Five sections from the Bible are portrayed from Genesis to the sacrifice of Isaac. John Huston narrates the scenes and also plays the part of Noah. Other famous stars also had cameo roles, e.g. Richard Harris played Cain, and Peter O'Toole as one of the Three Angels, George C. Scott played Abraham while Ava Gardner played Sarah.

*) Sodom and Gomorrah (1962): OK Videos Long epic with Stewart Granger as Lot. Yikes, the only point in the story that resembles the Bible at all is when Lot's wife turns to a pillar of salt, but hey, it's something else to watch, and, Stewart Granger is in it. Too bad about the wacky artificial plot.

*) The Story of Joseph and His Brethren (1962): OK Videos Italian 'sword and sandal' film about Joseph of the Old Testament who is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers.

*) The Story of Ruth (1960): OK Videos Hollywood version of Ruth and how she converted from her paganism and became one of King David's ancestors.

*) Esther and the King (1960): OK Videos the account of Esther of the Old Testament saving her people when there is a plot to massacre them. Joan Collins plays Esther.

*) One Night With the King (2006): OK Videos, Again, the Book of Esther. Omar Sharif plays one of the King's advisors.

*) King David (1985) : OK Videos. Richard Gere plays King David in this. Title gives this one away. LOL.

*) David and Goliath (1960) OK Videos Italian flick with Orson Wells as King Saul. Meh. Okay, ho-hum, production, but at least it's something to watch.

*) David and Bathsheba (1951): OK Videos Gregory Peck is King David, Susan Hayward is Bathsheba, and well, you can also guess from the title what this one is about.

*) Solomon and Sheba (1959): OK Videos Yul Brynner stars as King Solomon, Gina Lollobrigida as Sheba, keep in mind this strays widely from the Bible and to be watched simply for entertainment value.

*) The Sins of Jezebel (1954): You Tube.  The story of the ruinous marriage of King Ahab of Israel with Jezebel and their clash with the prophet Elijah.  Budget film that gets interrupted with a preachy pastor as narrator.     

*) Day of Triumph (1954): YouTube Semi-fictionalised film set around the Gospels featuring a zealot who wishes to use Jesus for political ends while witnessing His teachings and miracles.

*) The Great Commandment (1939) YouTube. Another fictionalised tale set within the historical setting of the Gospels. Two zealot brothers wish like many others to free Israel from Roman occupation while in the meantime their father's plans for their lives messes everything up and sets a tragic series of events in motion.

*) The Prodigal (1955): OK Videos An imaginary account of what the prodigal son in Christ's parable possibly got up to when he left his father's house. Invention. Still, another one of the those old colour extravaganzas that were all the rage in the golden days of Hollywood.

*) The Robe (1953): OK Videos. Fictional tale woven around the robe worn by Christ and what happened to it after the crucifixion. (Forgive the pun). Excellent performances by Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature.

*) Demitrius and the Gladiators (1954): OK Videos The sequel to The Robe. This was Hollywood's idea for a sequel to their movie and not the actual sequel to the Robe by the original novelist. (The Big Fisherman was the 'real' sequel, or rather, the 'spin-off'. ) The tale turns a bit dark as Demitrius' faith is severely challenged while the insane Emperor Caligula hungers to posses the robe believing it has magic powers.

*) The Big Fisherman (1959): OK Videos Yes, they made this movie too, the real 'spin-off' to the Robe, (eventhough the Robe isn't in the story at all in this film or the book). Features a plot line with St. Peter and an Arab princess, but frankly, doesn't make the cut as a 'believable' fictional tale inserted into historical events. Still, it is another clean film to watch if you're stuck.

*) The Power of the Resurrection (1958): YouTube One hour film that is an imaginary account of St. Peter comforting a fellow prisoner with the account of Christ and the Resurrection as they await martyrdom.

*) I Beheld His Glory (1953): YouTube: Another imaginary story, this time featuring the Roman centurion Cornelius after spearing Christ's side during the Crucifixion.

*) Barabbas (1961): OK Videos. Another 'let's make up an inventive story about a real person in the Bible'. This time, about Barabbas, the criminal whom the mob chose to set free instead of Christ. Interesting piece of fiction on what happened to the man after he was freed. Anthony Quinn plays Barabbas.

*) Give us Barabbas! (1961) YouTube. TV movie – another fictional story about Barabbas.

*) Pontius Pilate (1962) (There is an English edition, but I can't find a link, sorry). An Italian film depicting events leading to the Crucifixion from the viewpoint of Pontius Pilate.

*) Herod the Great (1959) YouTube. - Oldie about the infamous king of Judea.

*) The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964) YouTube. Not 'Biblical' as much as a great old Roman Empire flick made during the golden days of epic films with no computer graphics. Seems this should be put up here on the list too.

*) The Fall of Rome (1963) YouTube. An Italian peplum film, the story based on persecution of Christians after the death of Emperor Constantine directed by Antonio Margheriti.

*) Cleopatra. (1963) OK Video The version with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Yeah I'm sticking this here too, why not? Another colourful extravaganza set in the ancient days.

*) Alexander the Great (1956) OK Videos Ancient days epic with Richard Burton as the great conqueror.

*) Spartacus (1960) OK Video. Another great Roman Empire classic. Kirk Douglas stars as the slave who dared start a revolt and lead the slaves of the empire to freedom.

*) El Cid (1961) OK Videos Another Charlton Heston classic epic, this time recounting the story of Spain's famous intrepid and loyal Christian knight during the early days of the Spanish Reconquest in the Middle Ages.

*) Kingdom of Heaven (2005) OK Videos Epic about Jerusalem during the Crusade era and the Battle of Hattin. Of course we know historical events regarding the life of Balian of Ibelin have been mushed around a bit, but who doesn't like epic medieval battle scenes and exotic locations? (Director's cut in the link is probably the best version.)

*) The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965): OK Videos Michelangelo and his struggle to paint his famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Charlton Heston plays the artistic genius while Rex Harrison is the grumbly Pope Julius II hounding the procrastinating sculptor to finish his work. 'When will you be finished!'.

*) The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968): OK Videos Anthony Quinn stars as a (fictional) pontiff named Pope Kiril who is faced with the challenge of guiding the Church in a Cold War world threatened by real war from famine-ridden Communist China.

*) The Prisoner (1955) OK Films. A disturbing fictional film about a unnamed Eastern European country that has turned Communist. One of the patriotic WWII heroes of this country who was stood up to and was tortured by the Nazis is the Cardinal Archbishop played by Alec Guinness – but now as the country is Communist, he is seen as an enemy by the government. Yet, they simply cannot arrest him, he is loved by the people who remain staunchly Catholic and also consider him a patriot, so the government has to prove he is a criminal to the state. The tactics used are psychological mind games as they know he is conditioned to physical torture so that won't work. Still, will the Cardinal hold out against their insidious probing? A modern cautionary tale of Communism / Socialism and its attacks on the Church that will leave you with a uneasy knot in your stomach. One detail regarding the music in this – I loved the choral responses at the end of the Mass in the first scenes, (around minute 3:20 ) – if only choirs could sing the responses like this, wow.

*) The Cardinal (1963): OK Videos. Like many of the other movies here, based on a a novel. The story of an Irish American priest named Fr. Fermoyle from Boston who rises from rank to rank until finally that of Cardinal, the various struggles, challenges, temptations and tough choices he faces along the way shown via flashback starting from the turn of the last century to the eve of WWII. Not a ho-hum story as this synopsis sounds.

*) The Devil at 4 O'Clock (1961): OK Videos A tropical island is threatened by a massive volcanic destruction and the townspeople refuse to help a priest rescue leper children before the volcano blows. Will he get them out to safety before it's too late? Spencer Tracy plays the priest and Frank Sinatra a criminal who reluctantly agrees to help.

*) This Mission (1986): OK Videos. Compelling story of a Jesuit mission in South America. Due to political infighting between the Spanish and Portuguese regarding territorial acquisitions, the missionaries are forced with the decision to obey the order given them to abandon their missions for the sake of keeping the peace between the two European nations, which means abandoning their native converts to the threat of suffering slavery, or, be disobedient to the Church and their superiors in the effort to protect the natives as they are baptised Christians after all, knowing full well they face death if they disobey and stay behind. Naturally, Hollywood flubs historical events, but this is one of those powerful 'between a rock and a hard place' storylines that makes for a 'you-have-to-watch-at-least-once-in-your-lifetime' movie. Also compelling subplots about repentance and forgiveness.

*) Silence: (2016) (Sorry, can't find a free link to this. So here's the trailer video from YouTube, click here.) Film by Scorsese. Okay, be warned, this movie is very disturbing. Set in the 17^th century, a respected and admired Jesuit missionary disappears in the reclusive country of Japan. The last thing heard about him back in Europe is he has done the unthinkable – he has renounced the faith and become a pagan Buddhist. Two young priests who cannot fathom how such a great defender of the Faith could fall into apostasy, perhaps he was captured and this lie was spread to weaken the courage of the Japanese converts and strike a blow to Westerners? The two young missionaries plan to sneak into Japan to spread the faith and also to find him if they can to see if such stories are true and hopefully to free him from his captors, knowing full well it means death if they are caught. It is so dangerous they are the last two missionaries permitted to make the attempt to enter Japan. While this particular movie is based on a novel, the book was written around the real historical Fr. Ferreira, a Portuguese Jesuit missionary who apostatised when he was tortured in Japan and converted to Buddhism, and also the Italian missionary Giuseppe di Chiara who went after him, so yes, this is based on a true story. While we love and admire the accounts of those who bravely spread the faith notwithstanding the knowledge they could be martyred, rarely do we hear of the infamous 'fallen priests' of missionary history, those whose courage faltered in the face of pain and death.

As much as I don't want to give the plot away, I'd like to say why I'm listing this, which requires some plot spoilers – it is a poignant example of how Satan has become more cunning. This movie gave me the distinct impression of how he has watched the missionaries in the early centuries of Christianity and observed what made their preaching successful. He therefore 'upped his game' so to speak centuries later to ensure the Gospel is not spread to the last corners of the world. The arguments against the Faith are serpentine and insidious, just imagine Satan speaking when the young missionary is questioned by the pagan Japanese authorities for example, all under the cover of 'kindness'. Study the subtle mind games and false charity used to weaken the resolve of the missionaries and the converts, and the psychological traps employed to crush their mission. Satan has even figured out the tactic of stopping blessed objects and sacramentals from coming into the country. Sacramentals aid the work of missionaries since demons are worshipped through pagan rites and their power needs to be bound up and driven out. The presence of blessed objects helps do that and bring graces. Turn a missionary to the bad, and you have a corrupt expert ready and willing to identify and destroy these blessed objects that would be missed by the pagans. Also, the tortures have evolved too, a reminder of what future Christians possibly face when the times of the Antichrist comes, it will be worse than all previous centuries combined. Chilling. View this film as a tough lesson on what to watch out for when evil begins to play his psychological games and attempts to mess with your mind and your faith. Prepare to be disturbed.

Gospel Films

*) Jesus of Nazareth (1977): YouTube (full series in one link) OK Videos, (full series all in one), (sorry about the foreign language subtitles in the OK link, but the sound is in the original English.) Yes, this is the famous TV classic serial by Zeffirelli. Still my favourite version of the Gospels even if details are flubbed.

*) The Passion of the Christ (2004): OK Video (Sorry about the added Arabic subtitles under the English ones.) Mel Gibson's film. This portrayal of Christ's crucifixion is allegedly based on the mystical visions of the Passion of Bl. Catherine Emmerick and filmed in the original ancient languages spoken then, Aramaic, Hebrew and Latin. I'd say the plot is very loosely based on her visions, but yes, Gibson captured the brutality of what she saw and at least attempted to put in the visions of the demons that also stalked around as the Passion was happening.

*) King of Kings (1961): OK Videos. The life of Christ, however, the movie starts first with the sack of Jerusalem and the desecration of the Temple by Pompey in 63 BC.

*) The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), OK Videos. Another old classic Hollywood production of the life of Christ.

*) The Life of Christ (Mysteries of the Rosary): YouTube. This look like someone took the short movies produced by Fr. Peyton's Family Theatre representing the traditional mysteries of the rosary and put them together into one Gospel movie. 'The family that prays together, stays together.'

The Good Old Feel-Goods and Assorted Classics

*) Going My Way (1944) OK Video Fr. O'Malley, aka Bing Crosby, is sent to help a struggling parish where a stubborn little old Irish priest doesn't like change. Cute as all get-out.

*) The Bells of St. Marys (1945): OK Videos Fr. O'Malley is sent to help out nuns who run an old school that has seen better days. Will they be forced to close down? Again, bittersweet, sad, but feel good film.

*) Come to the Stable (1949) OK Videos Heart warming tale. Loretta Young stars as a nun whose goal is to found a children's hospital. A force is let loose in New England that cannot be stopped. Feels very much like the Fr. O'Malley movies.

*) The Miracle of the Bells (1948): OK Videos. An actress with her dying wish helps give hope to the people of her old run-down coal mining home town. Frank Sinatra plays the priest in this. Another old clean wholesome movie.

*) Lilies of the Field (1963): OK Videos. Homer Smith is just passing on through, or so he thinks until he crosses paths with a Reverend Mother from Germany with her bunch of nuns stuck out in a backwater in the Arizona desert with comical results. Sidney Poitier won his first Oscar for his portrayal of Homer.

*) Christmas Lilies of the Field (1979) OK Videos. A television sequel to the movie classic. I had no idea this was made until I stumbled across it in my search for new movies. Has the same feel good factor as the original film. Sidney Poitier isn't in this but still has the same spirit as the first.

*) It's a Wonderful Life (1946). OK Videos. An angel has to earn his wings and is given the mission to convince a despairing man played by Jimmy Stewart that he has not wasted his life and is not the failure he believes himself to be when financial ruin is staring him in the face. I think it is safe to say this has become one of America's most favourite wholesome Christmas movies. (Yeah, we Catholics know angels don't have to earn their wings, but well, that's Hollywood.)

*) The Miracle of Marcelino, (Marcelino Pan y Vino) (1955): Gloria,TV: original Spanish version with English subtitles. Sometimes you can find the full English dubbed version, but I can't seem to find a free link to that one. The story: an orphaned boy is raised by Franciscan monks and the monastery is never the same. No, this was not based on a true story as many assume, it is a fictional tale written by a Spanish author who loved his mother's stories about miraculous images. Lovely, bittersweet film. Bit of a tear-jerker, so get the hankies. They have also made a new version of this in Mexico, and I've found an English version on YouTube, click here, but I still like the old black and white classic from 1955.

*) Never Take No for an Answer (1951): YouTube. A little orphaned boy named Pepino has only one family member left after his house is bombed and his parents killed - his beloved donkey Violetta. He refuses to go to an orphanage and lives in a stable with his Violetta. One day his beloved friend grows sick and is in danger of dying. Little Pepino is convinced there is nothing for it but to bring her down to the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi to be cured, and he will not take no for an answer. Heart warming tale about not giving up not matter what obstacles are placed in front of you.

*) Keys of the Kingdom (1944): YouTube. Gregory Peck stars in this film as a priest who seems to fail at everything, and so is finally thrown into the deep end of things and sent off to the missions in China where he must either sink or swim. A more 'serious' than the 'Going my Way' types of films, yet also has some humour. It is one of those old classics you love to watch again and again.

*) Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) – (Sorry, can't find a link). James Cagney plays a hard-boiled gangster who is respected by the city urchin hoodlums, and he has a soft spot for them too. Does he really want the kids ending up like him? One of those old classic bittersweet films.

*) The Fugitive (1947) OK Videos. Directed by John Ford. Henry Fonda plays a priest on the run during anti-Catholic persecutions in an unnamed South American country, (but I distinctly feel this points to the times leading up to the Cristero War after Mexico outlawed Catholicism in 1917).

*) Inn of the Sixth Happiness. (1958) OK Videos. Similar story to 'Keys of the Kingdom' starring Ingrid Bergman. A young English woman is determined to become a Christian missionary to China despite all the obstacles.

 

 *) Sergeant York (1941) YouTube.  Based on a true story - Alvin York, a poor farmer from Tennessee, finds religion and believes it is against the Good Book to kill a man for any reason, but then has to come to grips with the duty to defend his country when drafted into the army during WWI.  Gary Cooper plays Alvin York.

 

 *) Hacksaw Ridge (2016)  OK Videos   Based on a true story similar to "Sergeant York".   Desmond Doss refuses to carry a weapon as it is against the Good Book to kill and insists on becoming an army medic instead during WWII - a movie about standing up for what you believe against all obstacles and showing what true courage is.  Warning, this film has a lot blood and guts.  

*) The Jeweller's Shop (1988) YouTube.  Film of a play written by St. John Paull II about young couples from Poland during and after WWII.  A wise and somewhat mysterious jeweller gives them words of wisdom at important crossroads in their lives. Burt Lancaster plays the jeweller.

 

*) The Scarlet and the Black (1983): YouTube. TV movie about the real life story of the 'Scarlett Pimpernel of the Vatican', an Irish Monsignor from Killarney who helped hide escaped POW's during the Nazi occupation of Rome. Fantastic duo in this with Gregory Peck and Christopher Plummer playing a dangerous game of 'cat and mouse'.

*) The Little World of Don Camillo (1952): (Sorry, lost the English version link I had.) :-( When Communist politics and staunch religion clash in a zany little town in Italy. A funny, 'feel good' movie about 'frenemies' as the parish priest, Don Camillo and the local Communist mayor loath each other's points of view. Orson Wells plays the 'Voice of the Lord' as he tries to get Fr. Camillo to do what is right. Another cute movie.

There were several movies made in this series that I haven't seen yet, and so I'm still looking for English links: “The Return of Dom Camillo”, “Don Camillo's Last Round”, “Don Camillo, Monsignor” and “Don Camillo in Moscow.”

*) In This House of Brede (1975): YouTube. A reflective story of one woman's journey from life in the world into the Benedictine convent of St. Brede, and the personal and spiritual struggles she overcomes.

*) Heaven Knows, Mr Allison (1957): OK Videos. WWII flick about a US solider who has never known religion or what love means until he's stuck on a remote island with a nun who teaches him the importance of remaining true to her vows. Another clean classic with a dollop of war adventure thrown in.

*) The Detective (Father Brown) (1954): OK Videos. Alec Guinness plays Fr. Brown, the detective priest who not only wants to catch the thief, but save his soul. Based on G.K. Chesterton's first story in the Fr. Brown series, 'The Blue Cross'. Charming movie, I wish Alec Guinness made a few more of these.

*) I Confess (1953) OK Videos A crime classic set in Montreál, Canada. A murderer confesses to Fr. Logan played by Montgomery Clift who then is faced with the temptation to break the seal of confession or else get pinned for the murder, which carries the death penalty. Very compelling film directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

*) The Exorcist (1973) (Sorry, can't find a link). Horror flick. The story is loosely based on a real-life exorcism that occurred. The effects in this film still feel the most realistic of what can happen during an extreme possession case judging from my research on the subject. (To get a taste, just read the booklet 'Begone Satan'. ) No fancy camera tricks for 'force shock' tactics, it feels like you're watching an exorcism being filmed as is. This is still one 'The' best exorcism movies in my opinion that even the sequels to this one feel like corny spin-offs that fall flat in comparison, so I won't put them up. Also, the other movie 'The Rite' still isn't as good as it strays far from the original non-fiction book by Matt Baglio that I'd recommend reading the book instead of watching the movie.

*) The Way (2010): OK Video. A father is upset his son has plans to quit his stint at the university. Instead he wants to satisfy his 'itchy feet' and see the world first hand rather than learn about it from books. The son takes off to the south of France where tragedy strikes. Before he knows it, the disgruntled father ends up doing the very thing that upset him as he undertakes the on-foot pilgrimage of The Way to the famous shrine of St. James at La Compestela. A bittersweet tale of finding self-forgiveness and inner peace. Father and son are played by real father and son duo Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez.

Classic Films about Famous Apparitions or the Saints

*) Paul: the Apostle of Christ (2018): OK Video. The title gives this one away of course, but St. Luke is in this too. Warning, the persecutions are grisly in this to the point it reminds me of the movie 'Silence'. Again, a possible warning of what Christians will face again in the future when the Antichrist comes.

*) Constantine and the Cross (1961): OK Videos. Italian made 'sword and sandal' film about the famous vision of the Emperor Constantine.

*) St. Patrick, The Irish Legend. (2000) YouTube. Yep, says it all in the title, Ireland's patron saint.

*) Francis of Assisi (1961): OK Videos. Classic film about the life of one of the Church's most beloved saints.

*) Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972): OK Videos. Zeffirelli production about St. Francis of Assisi. Okay, the scenery in this with all the fluffy animals and birds is gorgeous, and while I can appreciate the attempt to portray the saint's spiritual simplicity, the rest is a bit bonkers with its weird stylised 'art house' medieval costumes and other oddities. Since this was filmed in the 70s, there is a definite 'hippy', 'love the planet and the animals' element complete with 'la la' song ballads that feels in keeping with the 'spirit of Vatican II'. Maybe this is just me, but it feels like a film attempt to make the Traditional Church look like a 'cruel', 'corrupt' relic of the past with its 'pompous' medieval decorations and rites. Also, went a little too realistic in the scene when St. Francis divested himself of all his clothes to where the audience is mooned for quite a considerable stretch - this scene is not for the kiddies. Stuck watching thus in desperation during the lock down, so I thought I'd at least give a warning about this one. I much prefer the other film version of St. Francis listed above, but if you're really stuck for a new movie, at least you can say you've seen this version and gave it a shot.

*) St. Anthony of Padua (1931) YouTube. Lovely old silent film about St. Anthony, the Wonder Worker. (PS: he was from Lisbon Portugal, not Padua!)

*) Little Margaret of Castello (1980): YouTube. This biography is heart wrenching. Born blind and crippled, little Margaret was abandoned by her well-to-do parents and lived a life of extreme poverty and suffering, but never once did say have a bad word to say about anybody, including her parents. She only returned hatred and cruelty with love and forgiveness. (P.S. I just found out she was finally canonised in April 2021 - at long last!)

*) Joan of Arc (1948), OK Videos. The classic with Ingrid Bergman. Still one of my favourite versions.

*) Beckett (1964): OK Video. Based on a play about the events leading up to the martyrdom of St. Thomas Beckett. With Peter O'Toole As King Henry II of England and Richard Burton as St. Thomas Beckett, the performance of these two together is epic. Some scenes will nail you to the spot, like the old rite of excommunication not seen these days. Awesome gothic-y stuff. Warning, there are somesemi-nude scenes in this before St. thomas is converted, so not exactly for the little kiddies either.  

 

 

*) A Man for All Seasons (1966): OK Videos. Movie version of Robert Bolt's play. As they say history repeats itself. Again we have a Thomas and a King Henry at loggerheads with each other in England. This time it's St. Thomas More and Henry VIII. St. Thomas is practically the last hold out regarding the King's invalid marriage to Anne Boleyn, yet, refuses to say why. Henry and his scheming minster Cromwell does everything to get him to bend. Also, a 'must watch' is the version starring Charlton Heston as Sir Thomas More, (1988 film, click here: YouTube).

*) Seven Cities of Gold (1955): OK Videos. I accidentally stumbled across this one and was pleasantly surprised to find a saint in the storyline. Spanish conquistadors in the New World set out on an expedition to search for the fabled seven cities of gold in the uncharted territory of what is now California. Who travels along with the mission to spread the Gospel? Why, St. Junipeiro Serra of course. This movie centres on the founding of San Diego. Although loosely based on history since the script itself is based on a novel, this was a rather interesting find. I'd say this golden oldie slipped under the radar for most of us.

*) The Reluctant Saint (1962) YouTube. Of course, not completely accurate to biographical details, but a classic movie about the life of St. Joseph of Cupertino played by Maximilian Schell with Ricardo Montalban as one of the Franciscan friars who thinks St. Joseph is nothing but a useless bumbling failure not fit for the monastery. But, never judge by appearances! The music was composed by Nino Rota, who composed the score for the Godfather. The mother of St. Joseph is unforgettable in this. This film just gels together. You'll watch it again and again.

*) The Song of Bernadette (1943): OK Video. This was based on a novelization of the story, but still is arguably one of the most favourite Catholic movies based on true events regarding an apparition. Jennifer Jones, who was introduced in this film, plays Bernadette of Lourdes, the young girl who sees a mysterious beautiful Lady that no one else can see. Vincent Price plays the Imperial Prosecutor who does everything to stop the wave of events that happens afterwards. Excellent film.

*) The Wizard of Heaven (1949) YouTube. French film about the Curé of Ars and his lifelong struggle to convert a miserable peasant parish spiritually decimated by the French Revolution to the most heavenly place on earth. You'll have to read English subtitles, but personally I think this captured the feel of an old French village and what the humble saintly priest had to put up with, including attacks from the devil. Wonderfully atmospheric early black and white film.

*) A Time For Miracles (1980): YouTube. A film about North America's first canonised saint, St. Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton and her conversion from Protestantism and the founding of her teaching order. Featuring Kate Mulgrew as St. Elizabeth.

 

*) Don Bosco (1988) OK Videos: (RAI / Leandro Castellani version - English dubbed) - the story of the mystic priest St. John Bosco  who took abandoned and abused boys off the streets.

 

*) Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (1999) OK Videos. The story of St. Damien of Molokai, a missionary priest who ministered to forsaken lepers in the Kingdom of Hawaii before it was annexed to the US.

*) The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (1952): YouTube. OK Videos. (English with foreign subtitles in the OK Videos link.) Yes, some details were definitely flubbed, yet still one of the best film renditions of the Fatima apparitions that occurred to three shepherd children in Portugal in 1917.

*) The Miracle of St. Therese (1952) YouTube. Lovely old atmospheric movie about St. Theresa of Lisieux.

*) Brother Andre: (1987) YouTube. The story of St. André Bessett of Montreal, his devotion to St. Joseph, the tradition of St. Joseph's oil and the building of the shrine to the great Patriarch told through flashbacks as Br. Andre's niece pesters him to tell the story of his life.

*) St. Padre Pio: Miracle Man (2000) YouTube, The life and miracles of the famous stigmatist Franciscan priest, St. Padre Pio. Full Italian epic dubbed in English. Unfortunately, the movie adds the fantastic element St. Pio was found passed out in a pool of blood when he received the stigmata, which one of his close monk confidants in the monastery said was not true, he said St. Pio just left the chapel and went about his business as usual. But still, it's nice to have a biopic about St. Pio.

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