This film depicts the. Life of Saint John Bosco (1815 _ 1888). He dedicated his life to rescuing abandoned and exploited street children in Turin. He was the founder of the Salesian order, which today runs schools and vocational centres about the world. Ben Gazzara stars as Don Bosco, as he strives against official obstruction in Church and State to establish his refuges. Escaping an assassination attempt, he goes to Rome,, where the Pope endorses his work. He dies with his work complete. Patsy Kensit stars as a young woman who marries a young man rescued by Bosco after several reversals.