Left on the doorstep of a monastery as an infant, Marcelino was raised by the monks. He was well-cared for but lonely and missed having a mother. One day he found a special friend in the forbidden attic, hanging on a cross. A friend that would repay Marcelino's kindness by granting him one heart-felt wish.
Acting
Pablito Calvo's enormous eyes carry the whole film.
Cinematography
Golden-hued monastery glows like a faded holy card.
Score
Nostalgic strings that know exactly when to swell.
Director
Ladislao Vajda
Pablito Calvo
Marcelino
Rafael Rivelles
Padre Superior
Antonio Vico
Fray Puerta
Juan Calvo
Fray Papilla
José Marco Davó
Pascual
José Nieto
Civil Guard Commander
Fernando Rey
Monje narrador
Juanjo Menéndez
Fray Giles
Adriano Domínguez
Monk
Mariano Azaña
Fray Malo
Joaquín Roa
Fray Talán
Isabel de Pomés
Madre de Marcelino
Carlota Bilbao
Mujer de Nicolás
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
One of only four Spanish films to win the Golden Bear at Berlinale; Franco-era cinema had strict religious oversight.
Pablito Calvo became Spain's biggest child star but quit acting at 15 to become an industrial engineer.
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