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Rating:  -
Following the success of "The Sound of Music", Hollywood went a little nun crazy ("The Trouble with Angels", "The Flying Nun") in the Sixties but this inane biography is ridiculous beyond belief. Who better to play Soeur Sourire ("Sister Smile")--a Belgian nun who had a fluke hit record with "Dominique," a catchy folk song of the era--than un-nunlike Debbie Reynolds, who apparently thinks she's playing Molly Brown in a habit. See scrappy Debbie tear around the countryside on a scooter, expertly manuever a soccer field, and even go ballastic when she sees a barful of hipsters twistin' away to a rock 'n'roll version of her anthem. How inane is this biopic? For starters, the filmmakers actually change the main character's name, known here as "Sister Ann" (well at least it isn't "Sister Tammy"). Then, while preparing for an appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," the nuns explain that they're forbidden to wear makeup--even though the actresses portraying them are decked out in thick lipstick and false eyelashes a mile long! And probably figuring that movie-goers expect Reynolds to do at least a little of her nightclub shtick, the star even incorporates her famous Zsa Zsa Gabor impression into the plot. A truly stupid movie--but still very funny in ways not intended. The Lord does indeed work in strange and mysterious ways.
Rating:  -
Definitely not for the cynical, this warm and engaging story about the 'real life' Belgian singing nun is wholesome and delightful entertainment for all who desire what is good, right and clean.
Sure, Hollywood took liberties with the screenplay and the finished producted resembles practically nothing about the real 'singing nun's' life. But that is a peripheral issue. What is important here is that we have a film one can watch together as a family or a group, be enthralled by the heartwearming performances of the entire cast and have your heart lifted by the music that it contains. Beautiful melodies, simply performed with Debbie Reynolds perfect in acting and in singing voice.
To be fair, there are two minor issues that I have to nit pick. First the film is in need of tighter editing but, again, overlooking that, it is wonderful. Second, the last 1/3 of the film is lacking in music, but that is as it should be given how Sr. Ann is torn between her vocation and continuing her singing. Those two issues, notwithstanding, this film has you tapping your foot and singing along before you know it. It is a 'feel good' family film made in the sixties when America was desperately reaching for wholesomeness. On this matter the film succeeds. True, it is no "Sound of Music" and it doesn't attempt to be. But it stand on its own merits and is one film I never tire of watching, especially when I need some uplifting and edification.
What a shame that the soundtrack for this film is a rarity. I managed to obtain a vinyl disc copy through ebay and I enjoy it immensely but I wish they would release it on compact disc because the music is what sells this film.
Ignore the abysmal reviews by those who are cynical and desire more than good, clean, wholesome entertainment.
The irony of this film is that the real life singing nun tragically committed suicide in the early 1990s.
This film is pure escapism, something needed sorely today. Oh, and one more thing......let's get it released on DVD!!!
Rating:  -
This film was totally carried by the superstardom of Debbie Reynolds--it was more a Reynolds film than a biography of Belgian nun and folksinger Soeur Sourire. It strikes me that Reynolds was trying to [shadow] Audrey Hepburn's success in "A Nun's Story". Its storyline is of an evangelical ministry Soeur Sourire never did work at. The fact that the film's producers chose to name Reynolds' character "Sister Angela" was a [odd] stunt. The obvious reason was that the moviegoing public might have difficulties with Soeur Sourire's name--not being a French speaker, I can't pronounce it myself. The name Dominic (the title of Soeur Sourire's big hit single being "Dominique") was given to a small boy who had become an "adoptee" of Sister Angela's mission--in truth, the real Dominique the song was about was a Belgian evangelist and saint who figured prominently in Belgian history. To give the film its due, some of Soeur Sourire's music is featured here--for example, "Far Among the Stars" ("Entre les Etoiles"). I guess when you make a film about a person of fairly brief celebrity, you're faced with a dilemma. Tell the truth and the popcorn-munchers' hair-trigger boredom reflex will kick in. Embellish the story and you get pulp.
Rating: -
One of the favored movies of my childhood and young adulthood. This movie combines faith,love,hope and the vows of poverty,obedience and charity with the lovely voice and talented acting skills of Debbie Reynolds. A young nun learns about fame and the sometimes high price of it that can take much from you, especially when one is a nun who is seeking daily,The Will of God.This movie version may not be the true story of the real singing nun,but then neither was "The Sound of Music" the real, ture honest story of the Von Trapp family. But then,such is the way of Hollywood,at least back then in the 60's. Sugar sold better that starch or vinager.If you're a stickler for the truth,avoid this movie like the plague. Otherwise,get it and have a great,wonderful,enjoyable time with it's lightheartedness,cheer and liveliness.
Rating: -
"The Singing Nun" is a warm, sincere film, beautiful in its lightheartedness and in its honesty. The true story of a nun who went from Belgium to the Billboards is told through this film, and it is to be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
Debbie Reynolds is the sunny young nun Sister Anne, who comes to a convent in Belgium to begin her religious life, and hopes to one day continue her work in the Congo. With her guitar, "Sister Adelle", and her beautiful singing voice, Sister Anne's talent is quickly recognized by the warm Mother Superior (Greer Garson) and the enthusiastic Father Clementi (Ricardo Montalban). She is encouraged by an old friend, Robert Gerarde (Chad Everett) to record an album of her hymns. The album becomes a sensation, and "The Singing Nun" is soon making appearances at parties and engagements, even appearing on "Ed Sullivan"! At first, Sister Anne is able to take her success in stride, as she begins teaching young children and forming a friendship with one of the underprivileged children, Dominic. But as the film progresses, Sister Anne finds herself torn: Should she continue her singing, or devote herself to God?
One critic wrote that the film had "the warmth and poignancy of a child's first prayer." And "The Singing Nun" is truly, that touching. Its beautiful score includes some wonderful hummable songs like "Brother John", "Beyond the Stars", "It's A Miracle", and "Dominic-A-Nic-A-Nica-A" among them. The perfect performances of Reynolds, Garson, Montalban, Everett, and a great supporting cast lend the movie a true depth of feeling. It's a moving, heartwarming film that will bring a smile to your face every time you watch it.
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