The Song of Bernadette

source: The Song of Bernadette

Trailer—The Song of Bernadette

The Song of Bernadette

David Selznick was captivated by Jennifer Jones when she appeared in his New York office with her two small boys. Married at the time to Robert Walker Selznick became obsessed with Jennifer Jones (whose real name was Phyllis Isley). Selznick placed her under contract and loaned her to 20th Century Fox for her first movie role under his stewardship the Song of Bernadette (it should be noted that Jones made to films for Republic under her real name before Selznick crafted her image and made her an international movie star. Henry King directs this film beautifully and Jones gives an outstanding performance as the meek Bernadette. I recommend this film for its artistry and also because of its deep reverence. Only in Hollywood! Linda Darnell who was Darrell Zanuck's mistress plays the Virgin Mary.

In 1858 France, Bernadette (Jennifer Jones), an adolescent peasant girl, has a vision of "a beautiful lady" in the city dump. She never claims it to be anything other than this, but the townspeople all assume it to be the virgin Mary. I suspect religious folks and non-religious folks might get two different things out of this film. From a religious point of view, there is definitely a theme of religion versus the state, and how you have to be firm in your beliefs when the state comes to challenge you. Even if threatened, stay strong. Now, I am not religious, but I think a more general theme can be taken from this. And that is to believe in yourself when others doubt you or call you stupid. It may be easy to believe in yourself when the Mother of God is telling you to do things, but it need not be so dramatic. Oh, and Vincent Price is in the movie. So that automatically makes it worth watching.

Having just gotten back from Lourdes, I am amazed at how accurately the sets were for this film. Since it was made in 1943, it is impossible that it was shot on site (and most films weren't in those days). The grotto and the setting in the town were just as it is today. Even the souvenir shops are the same!

It has been a long time since I viewed this great film masterpiece with its cast of great actors who will live on forever. When this film was shown in 1943, there was a great deal of mixed reviews among the Catholic and Non-Catholic religions at the time. This film even showed how the Catholic clergy had their deep doubts about such events ever happening. The great acting of Jennifer Jones and Charles Bickford along with the great cast made this a film for all generations. Today, we have seen many amazing discoveries in medicine and how all faiths and religions are growing to respect each other. This film touches the very heart and soul of a person and you will need lots of tissues through out the entire picture!

I can not say anything bad about this movie. It held me spellbound for its entire length and it is a long one, 2 3/4 hours. My 4 year old son woke me up at 5:30am and, not being able to go back to sleep, I found this movie starting at 6am. I will forever be grateful to him for the interruption in my slumber. The acting, backdrop, sound track and content was wonderful. The look on Bernadette's face when she sees the beautiful lady was amazing. I cried a few times and wondered why, when people belive in God so much, they would doubt this young lady's vision. The innocence portrayed by Miss Jones was so moving and I am very happy to hear that Mary Bernard was chosen to be a saint. If you haven't seen this movie please look for it for you will not be disappointed.

I'm not Catholic, but this film makes you want to believe the whole thing. I've never been so moved by a story demonstrating the incredible power of innocence and simplicity as performed by Jennifer Jones in this faithful adaptation of the true story of the now-canonized Bernadette Soubirous. Beyond this story, the sets, performances, narrative flow, and in particular, the heavenly-inspired music of Alfred Newman is nothing short of transporting. Some may find the movie overlong, but I cherished every character and angle to the story--much like enjoying the book with all of its detail. This effort demonstrates more than just the quality of the golden age of cinema and 20th Century Fox, but it adds a cast and crew clearly inspired to tell this true story like no other has been told before or since.

I recently bought this movie, and just finished watching it the first time. All I can say is, WOW! Why doesn't Hollywood make movies like this anymore? I know, there's more money in showing gratuitous sex and violence...at least that's what they tell themselves. But for my hard-earned dough, nothing tops a film about the purity and innocence of faith, and that's what 'The Song of Bernadette' is all about. It's also good for quite a few laughs, as you see the imperial prosecutor's scheming against Bernadette fail time and time again. :) My only complaint is that toward the end of the movie, I found myself wondering what was left to tell. Thankfully, I liked the answer and won't be complaining next time I watch it. This film is a must-see, especially for my fellow Catholics. It's made my top 10 list...why not give it a chance to make yours?