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If you haven't seen this movie, this review (or perhaps reflection) definately has spoilers.
This movie has been a part of my life since I first saw it in the theater when it came out in 1966. I lived pretty close to where the exteriors where filmed (now the Villa, a program for troubled youth and families) in Ambler PA and whenever I go by there, I still look to see "the Castle".
In the 50+ years since it came out, I've seen this movie countless times, from when it would be broadcast on local TV to owning it though Amazon video. In the past, I would always hope it would be shown in late autumn as the movie always had an autumnal feel to it for me. The segue from Marvel Ann's sick room to the large lighted tree in front of the Castle with the snow falling and the singing of "Angels we have heard on high" by the nuns always put me in an anticipatory Christmas mood.
So what makes this movie special?
Everything.
The cast is perfect - with Rosalind Russell who is both very controlled (can anyone roll their eyes like she can?), yet deeply moving; I had a crush on Hayley Mills before this movie came out - so did many other boys my age. And June Harding is under-appreciated - it wouldn't be the same movie without her. She really is Rachel and she holds her own with Hayley. It's a realistic and moving portrayal.
Then we have the direction by Ida Lupino, a wonderful dramatic actress from those film noirs. In different hands, this movie could be overly sentimental or more of a zany comedy. But all the scenes are played straight which heightens their impact. The directing for such a movie makes it so much more than it has any right to be.
Then there's the music. When I would watch it over the years, one of the things that would bring me immediately into the spirit of the movie was the opening music and the music through out the movie so brings out the feeling of the movie. Again, the impact of the movie wouldn't be the same without Jerry Goldsmith's contribution.
And that's just the point: this little movie from 1966 has deep emotional impact. Yes, there's the "scathingly brilliant ideas" but those are placed within movie of deep richness showing real and moving relationships and, in the case of Mary, the real development of her humanity. It's understated insights don't cease to amaze and move. My favorite scenes are those where the main characters are just being with each other in special ways - Mother Superior with Liguori after Mother Superior decides not to expel the girls, Mother Superior with Mary as she is finishing up Rachel's dress (the moving "finding something better" speech), Mary and Rachel at the window late at night as graduation approaches. Even Mary's "harsh" statement at the "Home for the Aged" at Christmas shows that she is on her way - she is effected by what she sees and experiences - and Reverend Mother sees it. These are real relationships movingly portrayed. And these relationships make the scene with Reverend Mother in the chapel after the loss of her closest real friend and confidant (and she probably didn't have many) so devastating and moving - I've never not cried at this scene- the sense of deep loss and grief is very real.
So we have this silly little movie from 1966 which judging from the reviews here on Amazon is more special and rich than it may initially appear on the surface. Yes, there's a nostalgia for my childhood, but I saw a lot of other movies at this time, and few have I had the relationship with over the years as I have had with this - this silly little movie, that is so much more.
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This is a SCAM
I bought this Blu-ray copy of this movie hoping to get a true Widescreen version of this classic movie. I already own the 4:3 DVD version which when watched in a new Up-scaling Blu-ray played comes out very good. This Blu-ray version is only a Zoomed in version of the 4:3 version. I could have done the same thing on my player by just hitting the Zoom button. I have included two pics. The first is from the Blu-ray copy the second from my 4:3 DVD copy so judge for your self, but you have been warned.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2017
- Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2024
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2020
Top reviews from other countries
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- Robyn B. McgormReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 28, 2014
Trouble by the dozen
