A 1966 biopic of Francis of Assisi presents him as a troubled rebel and champion of radical brotherhood, reflecting the spirit of 1968 student protests. Praised and condemned, the film sparked controversy for its bold, dissenting portrayal of faith.

For ten days, Earth has been without contact with the Centaurus, a spacecraft orbiting Mars with a crew of four. Newscaster Jane O'nion announces that re-contact should be established soon. First, the news report reviews the way Mars' surface will be penetrated, profiles the four crew members, and interviews the NASA flight manager. Jane's questions cast things in dire ways, a style she continues when contact is reestablished. Jane interrupts the excited report of the flight commander regarding their recent discoveries, to ask how everyone feels. Then, when a problem arises, Jane's intrusions threaten the flight's safety. Is there any justice?