The life of St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) as related by followers who gather after his death to tell stories so that Leone can record them: a privileged and virile youth, a prisoner of war, an heir who turns away from his father and gives all to the poor, a beggar for others, and an inspiration to friends who accept the Gospels' life of poverty.

Mickey Rourkeas Francesco
Helena Bonham Carteras Chiara
Andréa Ferréolas Francesco's Mother
Peter Berlingas Bishop Guido
Hanns Zischleras Pope Innocent III
Mario Adorfas Cardinal Ugolino
Paolo Bonacellias Francesco's Father
Fabio Bussottias Leone
Riccardo De Torrebrunaas Pietro Cattani
Ennio Guarnieri
Giuseppe Lanci