Lack of good storyline.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Despite being a huge classic film fan, it took me a while to get round to watching 'The Song of Bernadette'. Partly because of being so busy, but also, although being an admirer of a lot of the cast and crew, finding that the subject matter didn't appeal to me for a while.Goodness knows why though, because finally getting round to it 'The Song of Bernadette' was a miracle of a film. Sure it is a long film, perhaps a little too long (the only thing that counts as a debit against it for me, and it is so small because what it does right is enough to fill a novel), but contrary to one might think its point of view that it portrays is valid and very sincerely put across, not heavy-handedly or in a way that's biased. It also, from personal view, doesn't contrive to move audiences, or convert viewers and sceptics to its way of thinking. The emotional impact comes from how well it explores its subject matter and how much the sincerity and poignancy shines through every frame and performance.Before one forgets, 'The Song of Bernadette' is a surprisingly quite faithful account of the story of Bernadette Soubirous, which is an amazing story in itself, some may ask how idealised it is, actually considering other films based on true stories/history etc and the subject matter it doesn't actually feel that idealistic. It manages to do the seemingly impossible in making capture the main events, spirit, background and atmosphere of Werfel's novel and making everything cohesive while condensing things necessarily to the point from a book so rich in detail to the point of bloat.There are so many that make 'The Song of Bernadette' a film miracle. The luminous black and white photography wholly deserved its Oscar, that, the atmospheric lighting and sumptuous production values help make 'The Song of Bernadette' one of that year's (that half of the decade even too) most visually beautiful films. Alfred Newman's score adds so much to the film to the extent that the film may have been a completely different one without it, and it's hardly surprising it's garnered a soundtrack album of its own considering how well it stands up as music on its own. It's stirring and achingly gorgeous music, some of my favourite work of his.Scripting doesn't resort to preachy sermonising or bias, instead it's very intelligently written and as aforementioned the argument it makes is valid and sincere, and it makes sense. The dialogue itself does provoke thought some time after. The story is incredibly moving and inspiring, also being careful not to paint its characters too black and white. Despite being a long film, the production values, music and performances are so wonderful, Henry King's direction so sensitive and the emotions so high that one is riveted throughout.Jennifer Jones, in her debut performance (in her own name that is, having done a few other previous projects under a different name), seldom gave a more touching or better performance, of her five Oscar nominations this was the only time she won one and it was a very deserved win from personal view.In support she is particularly well aided by Gladys Cooper, on fiery form, Vincent Price, impeccably giving his character menacing colour and unusual restraint, and Charles Bickford, suitably sympathetic. The Virgin is sincerely portrayed as a symbol of hope by Linda Darnell, am also of the opinion that the film and role were not trying to say anything comparing who was greater between Mary and Jesus, it was just a symbol.Overall, a miracle of a film. Whether one is converted is very dependent on the person, personally I watched 'The Song of Bernadette' expecting to be challenged but still admire it a good deal, finished it feeling very moved and inspired. 10/10 Bethany Cox

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.

Watched this movie when I was 9 years old. The hook of this narrative for me personally was the classroom scene as Bernadette (Jennifer Jones) was being Hammered by her Teacher Sister Marie Therese played to perfection by Gladys Cooper. The Socratic method was the norm in Catholic School teachings and Bernadette was put on the spot to answer a question pertaining to the holy trinity and the poor girl was unprepared to answer. Fact is that Bernadette Soubirous was not a particularly good student coupled with her malady, Asthma. Enter Father Peyramale the Dean of the school played by rugged actor Charles Bickford who is associated with more violent physical roles. It's a strange anomaly for that famous character actor to play a man of peace. The Dean enters the classroom and has a gift for each of the recipients of their communion. Each student received a card from the holy Father but Sister Marie grabs Bernadette's card away from her as she tell the stunned Dean that Benadette is not worthy of this and it would be unfair for her to receive it in front of the other students who work hard in her class. I felt as though I was looking in a mirror of my own precarious circumstances. For I was attending a parochial school and not doing very well. Like Bernadette, I was struggling and constantly being badgered by my teachers. I also suffer from asthma and wondered where this story was headed. Maybe my fortunes would change. Of course you know the rest of the story as Bernadette in searching for fire wood stumbled across the Holy vision in the grotto next to a garbage dump. Jennifer Jones portrayal was so credible as she is so genuine,reserve in her answers against heavy criticism by the local officials. In addition to her plausibility as the simple teen with her openhearted way she carried her self without boasting or being overly pretentious about her heavenly vision. The main antagonist in this movie who hammers our simple teenager Bernadette to no end and tries to contradict her claims of the vision is the colorful prosecutor Vincent Price. This story is about belief, blind faith and being chosen despite deficiencies in a person. Throughout this movie Bernadette never complains and never expects anything for her own personal gain.Honorable mention for actress Anne Revere who plays Bernadette's Mother. I do want to visit the town of Lourdes someday and sample some spring water. Hey you never know?

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.