The Hour of St. Francis

About This Movie

The Hour of St. Francis is a little gem from 1962 that dives into the struggles of a high school student on the path to priesthood. It has this reflective tone, almost meditative, that pulls you into the character’s inner world. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for moments of introspection, which is quite different from the more frantic narratives of the time. The Santa Barbara locations add a unique authenticity, subtly enhancing the film's themes of faith and self-discovery. Nicholson's performance, though not widely celebrated, captures a raw sincerity that feels genuine amidst the quiet backdrop. It’s definitely one of those lesser-known films that has a charm all its own, worth exploring.

The Hour of St. Francis is often overshadowed by more prominent films of its era, making it somewhat elusive for collectors. It has been released on a few formats over the years, but original prints or early VHS editions can be hard to come by. There’s a niche interest in Nicholson's early career, which adds to its appeal among dedicated film collectors, especially those with a focus on lesser-known dramas from the 1960s.