Saint Ralph (2005)
A scrappy Canadian underdog story where one boy's impossible dream of winning the Boston Marathon becomes an act of pure, desperate faith.
Saint Ralph - Movie Information
- Original Title: Saint Ralph
- Release Year: 2005
- Directed by: Michael McGowan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: Running Miracles Productions, Alliance Atlantis, Amaze Film + Television
- Production Countries: Canada
- Alternative Titles: Saint Ralph – Wunder sind möglich (DE), Святой Ральф (RU)
Saint Ralph - Plot
This Canadian made comedy/drama, set in Hamilton, Ontario in 1954, is a sweet and - at times - goofy story that becomes increasingly poignant as the minutes tick by. It's the fictional tale of a wayward 9th grader, Ralph (Adam Butcher), who is secretly living on his own while his widowed, hospitalized mother remains immersed in a coma. Frequently in trouble with Father Fitzpatrick (Gordon Pinsent), the principal of his all-boys, Catholic school, Ralph is considered something of a joke among peers until he decides to pull off a miracle that could save his mother, i.e., winning the Boston Marathon. Coached by a younger priest and former runner, Father Hibbert (Campbell Scott), whose cynicism has been lifted by the boy's pure hope, Ralph applies himself to his unlikely mission, fending off naysayers and getting help along a very challenging path from sundry allies and friends.
Saint Ralph - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Ralph's extraordinary journey begin:
He's hoping for a miracle. He doesn't have a prayer.
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Saint Ralph - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Michael McGowan
Main Cast
- Adam Butcher
- Campbell Scott
- Michael Kanev
- Gordon Pinsent
- Tamara Hope
- Keir Gilchrist
- Boyd Banks
- Jennifer Tilly
- Shauna MacDonald
- Frank Crudele
Writers
- Michael McGowan
Producers
- Teza Lawrence
- Andrea Mann
- Seaton McLean
- Michael Souther
Saint Ralph - FAQs
Is Saint Ralph based on a true story?
Saint Ralph is a fictional story, though it draws on the real history of the Boston Marathon and the cultural atmosphere of 1950s Catholic Ontario. Writer-director Michael McGowan invented the central characters and premise, but grounded the film in authentic period detail and the genuine spirit of the legendary race.
Who are the main actors in Saint Ralph?
Saint Ralph stars Adam Butcher as the determined teenager Ralph Walker and Campbell Scott as Father George Hibbert, the priest who coaches him. The supporting cast includes Gordon Pinsent, Jennifer Tilly, Tamara Hope, Keir Gilchrist, Shauna MacDonald, Michael Kanev, Boyd Banks, and Frank Crudele.
What is Saint Ralph about?
Saint Ralph follows Ralph Walker, a mischievous 14-year-old at a Catholic school in 1954 Hamilton, Ontario, who becomes convinced that winning the Boston Marathon would constitute a miracle capable of waking his comatose mother. Guided by a skeptical but moved priest, Ralph trains against all odds in this warmly comic and quietly moving underdog story.
Where can you stream Saint Ralph?
Saint Ralph is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, YouTube Free, Kanopy, Hoopla, and Plex at no extra cost. It can also be rented or purchased through Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
What is the age rating for Saint Ralph?
Saint Ralph is rated PG-13 in the United States. The rating reflects some mature thematic content, including a child living alone while his mother lies in a coma, as well as mild language and situations typical of a coming-of-age drama. It is generally suitable for teenagers and older viewers.
Who directed Saint Ralph and wrote the screenplay?
Saint Ralph was both written and directed by Canadian filmmaker Michael McGowan. It marked a notable entry in his career, earning praise for its warm tone and period authenticity. McGowan drew on themes of faith, perseverance, and youthful idealism to craft this affectionate portrait of 1950s Catholic Ontario.
How long is Saint Ralph?
Saint Ralph has a runtime of 95 minutes, or 1 hour and 35 minutes. The film's brisk pace keeps its blend of comedy and drama moving steadily, allowing the story to build emotional momentum without overstaying its welcome. It is a comfortable single-sitting watch for audiences of most ages.
What are similar movies to Saint Ralph?
Viewers who enjoyed Saint Ralph may also appreciate Give Them Wings (2021), Free to Run (2016), The Edge of Seventeen (2016), and Amélie (2001) for their blend of heartfelt storytelling and underdog spirit. The Mixtape (2021) and Bigger Fatter Liar (2017) offer similarly lighthearted coming-of-age entertainment.
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