Matthew_Capitano Bernadette is a waifish sickly soul, but producer Dave Selznick hired Jen Jones (by 'Special Appointment'... ooooo!!!), to play the part, not because she was any good (she's an untalented big-boned broad), but because Selzie wanted to do her -- and he did (he later married her).Hank King's strange direction confuses the audience and makes it even harder to believe in this fairy tale. Ermadean Walter who portrays Bernie's sister is hot, especially when she lifts up her dress so she can wade across the shallow river... BUTT CHEEKS! Is that a thong she's wearing? YEAHHHHHH! A really long flick. Have a jumbo size amount of popcorn so you don't miss any of the movie -- and a fifth of vodka so you can forget you ever saw it.

mark.waltz True miracles come through spiritual enlightening, not earthly gifts. For Bernadette of Lourdes, she was already suffering-from asthma and in her own words, her own stupidity. Humiliated in her catechism class by imperious nun Gladys Cooper, she is the last person whom the zealots of the Catholic church would seem worthy of a visit by the "immaculate conception", in short the virgin Mary herself.Newcomer Jennifer Jones became an instant star in what wasn't necessarily her film debut, but her introduction to A films. And what a prestigious film it was, taking her to Oscar gold and in her own right, film immortality. But Bernadette, as delicate a flower as she seems, takes on her fate with strength and nobility, standing up to authority with respect but silencing them with divinely inspired words.Among those she finds herself up against are Gladys Cooper as a psychotically envious nun who believes in extreme suffering rather than spiritual joy; Charles Bickford as the initially disbelieving priest who eventually becomes one of her biggest champions, as well as Vincent Price and Charles Dingle as two political big wigs who fight to stop her besmirching of their community.On her side are Anne Revere and Roman Bohen as her hardworking parents, going from embarrassed to willing to risk everything to aid her, and Blanche Yurka as her extremely supportive aunt who dares any disbeliever to stand up to her when she escorts Jones to the grotto. They are all outstanding, but perhaps of the supporting cast, it is Cooper whom you will be mesmerized by as she becomes increasingly angry, then falls apart over realizing her sins.Non believers need not bother with this if their hearts and minds are closed to the possibilities. This is for those who live by faith, not by sight, and for those who are either desperate to find spiritual enlightenment or truly believe in the words of the son of the immaculate conception, the greatest gift to the world from God who has allowed the world to continue to live the way they see fit, yet with hope that through the lives of people like Bernadette of Lourdes.

Desertman84 The Song of Bernadette is a film which tells the story of Saint Bernadette Soubirous,who reported eighteen visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary from February to July 1858 in Lourdes, France.It stars Jennifer Jones as Bernadette together with William Eythe,Charles Bickford and Vincent Price. The film was adapted by George Seaton from a novelization of Bernadette's story,written by Franz Werfel; and was directed by Henry King.The movie is a reverent recounting of the life of St. Bernadette of Lourdes. As a teen-aged peasant girl growing up in the tiny French village of Lourdes in the 19th century, Bernadette experiences a vision of the Virgin Mary in a nearby grotto. At least, she believes that she did. The religious and political "experts" of the region cannot accept the word of a silly little girl, and do their best to get her to renounce her claims. Her vision becomes a political hot potato for many years, with the authorities alternately permitting and denying the true believers' access to the grotto. No matter what the higher-ups may think of Bernadette, there is little denying that the springs of Lourdes hold some sort of recuperative powers for the sick and lame. Eventually, Bernadette dies, never faltering in her conviction that she saw the Blessed Virgin.Years later, she is canonized as a saint, and the Grotto of Lourdes remains standing as a permanent shrine.The Song of Bernadette is not a great film, but it is a very good film. It is characteristic of the kind of earnest prestige or super-spectacle picture that was always inspire people to have faith in God.Jones was truly outstanding in her portrayal of a French girl who saw visions of Virgin Mary in 19th century France.Overall,it is one movie that can truly touch a person's heart and make one examine his/her relationship with God and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.As one would put it,"To those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary.To those who do not believe in God, no explanation is possible"

Reb9 This film simply could not be made in this day of Hollywood anti-religion, anti-Christian bias. It is a faithful adaptation of the Werfel book and, although a long film, is consistently high quality. All of the elements come together to elevate the film to a position in the top rank of films of the period.Casting is one of the strongest facets of the film. Jennifer Jones gives a performance that is quiet, self effacing yet filled with a core of strength entirely suitable for the young Bernadette. She is surrounded with an astonishing group of character actors -- twelve of the best Hollywood had to offer at the time. Charles Bickford, Anne Revere, Roman Bohnen, Lee J. Cobb, and Vincent Price head the list, but even fairly small roles are played by first rank pros. Gladys Cooper (later to play Henry Higgins mother brilliantly) is outstanding as a bitter, covetous Nun who fails to understand Bernadette.Even though long, the pacing is tight throughout. I have watched the film several times and have never felt that it dragged at any point. Photography is excellent and even the "visions" of the Virgin Mary, though primitive by todays high technical ability, is acceptable. (One bit of trivia to smile at, the Virgin is played by Linda Darnell, later to be a popular sex symbol) The Song of Bernadette will not be every one's cup of tea. It requires focus and attention. It is thoughtful. It respects the religious point of view of the central figure, Bernadette. In some ways, the film has a sort of European sensibility. If any of that represents barriers to your enjoyment of a film you'd best pass on this gem.