The Reluctant Saint Reviews

Semifarcical story about the village idiot who becomes a saint has Schell playing a happy-go-lucky youth who can't manage a job because of his ineptitude. To get rid of him, his mother packs him off to a monastery. Schell proves a further menace there as he breaks a statue of the Madonna, and he is then confined to the stables. Passing bishop Tamiroff takes a liking to the lad when he notices his strong affection for the animals. Schell is sent through training as a priest, but when he is spotted floating while praying, everyone thinks he's possessed by the devil. An exorcism is called for, but the boy continues floating and is promptly declared a saint. A light-hearted tone is kept throughout, but the stereotyped performances, unbelievable settings, and lifeless direction hurt whatever promises are inherent in the material.