"The Nun's Story" Review

 

by Daniel White

A friend of mine who is an ardent Audrey Hepburn fan recently admonished me for not reviewing any of her movies. Unlike him, I do not share his keen admiration for the gamine mega star. However, seeing how she placed 3rd on AFI's list of the greatest film actresses of all time, my hand was forced (Have these knuckleheads ever heard of Myrna Loy? Jean Arthur? Rosalind Russell?).

Hepburn is a unique screen personality, truly one-of-a-kind. And while I don't think she's a great actress, there's no denying she's makes for an iconic screen presence. An effective answer to the big boobs, butts and bouffant gals who were so popular in Hollywood in the early 50's, Audrey's waifish charm was the antidote. In The Nun's Story (1959), little cleavage is on display.

Directed by Fred Zinnemann, Audrey plays Sister Luke, a Belgian nun struggling to conform to a life of obedience as a member of a religious order. The film is beautifully rendered, with an intelligent, unbiased screenplay by Robert Anderson. A fair portrayal of the difficulties and rewards of religious life, Hepburn is very, very good. I can't think of an actress who could have handled it better. Though running two and one half hours, it rarely lags, and manages to remain engaging. Hepburn has been surrounded by an extraordinary cast of (mostly) female acting heavyweights. Edith Evans, Peggy Ashcroft and Mildred Dunnock superbly support our leading lady. Hepburn is convincing as she brings to fruition the fledgling sister and her attempts to subdue her considerable spirit and follow the rules of the convent. Though willing, the novice nun fails time and again.

Based on a true story, the real Sister Luke was Marie Louise Habets. She would eventually leave the order, forming an intimate relationship with the woman who wrote the novel the film is based on, Kathryn Hulme. While the movie only hints at her sexual orientation (she develops a close attachment with a fellow novice), at least it doesn't do her a grave disservice by fabricating a romantic liaison with Peter Finch. Finch plays Dr. Fortunati, a surgeon in the Belgian Congo where Sister Luke has been sent to work as a nurse. An atheist, Fortunati mocks Sister Luke's religious scrupulosity and suggests she is too worldly to remain a nun.

The Nun's Story benefits from its high-caliber production values. A project that demonstrates all that was right about the studio system, it's gorgeous in sight and sound. Meticulously crafted, deftly acted and consummately directed, it's a finely made flick that remains worthy of one's attention.

Distributed by Warner Bros., the movie contains an intriguing film debut by Colleen Dewhurst. Playing a psychotic mental patient who believes herself to be the archangel Gabriel, big-boned Colleen manhandles svelte Audrey in a wrestling match that is one of filmdom's more exciting cat fights of all time! (My money's on Gabe). The Nun's Story is currently available on YouTube.