In 1939, an actress named Phyllis Isley arrived in Hollywood. She promptly found work in two forgotten films in supporting roles. She then married Robert Walker, today best known as the demented murderer in Strangers on a Train. She had children, and stopped making films.
By 1943, she had changed her name to Jennifer Jones. She was getting divorced, and she resumed her acting career. Her 'comeback' was in a big way, as the lead in The Song of Bernadette. The film won her an Oscar for Best Actress. She would have a long and successful Hollywood career, often paired with Joseph Cotten as her romantic interest. Many of her films were produced by David O. Selznick (of Gone With the Wind fame), whom she subsequently married. Now in her eighties, she is still alive today.
Jennifer Jones had an ethereal, otherworldly quality about her. That, and her beauty, made her well cast in roles requiring a character who was spiritual, mysterious, or passionately in love. Although an unknown actress, she landed the role of Bernadette over Anne Baxter, who had been one of the leads in The Magnificent Ambersons the year before.
The Song of Bernadette was based on a true story. Born to a humble, poor family in the sleepy French village of Lourdes, Bernadette is a simple, sickly, innocent teenager. One day in 1858 she sees a vision of the Virgin Mary near the town dump. Although she is the only person who can see the vision, her daily pilgrimage to the site inspires many followers.
This leads to consternation and embarrassment in the local officials; nonbelievers who feel the town is now the laughingstock of all the intellectuals of France. These include the capitalistic mayor (Aubrey Mather) and the condescending Imperial Prosecutor (Vincent Price). Their schemes are not enough to overcome Bernadette's faith. Neither is the skepticism of the local clergyman (Charles Bickford) and a hostile nun (Gladys Cooper). Bernadette's vision was eventually confirmed by the Catholic church. She was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1933.
A behind-the-scenes scandal erupted over the casting of the Virgin Mary. Controversial actress Linda Darnell won the uncredited role, although she is nearly unrecognizable due to the intensely bright light she was filmed in.
It isn't necessary to be a devout Catholic to appreciate The Song of Bernadette. Written and directed with sensitivity and respect toward its subject, there is also unexpected comic relief at the expense of the local officials. The supporting cast is excellent, with Bickford, Cooper and Anne Revere (who played Bernadette's careworn mother) all receiving Oscar nominations for their roles. The Song of Bernadette is one of those old time, magic Hollywood films in which everything comes together. The film deserves far better than its relative obscurity in this more cynical era. (91/100)
Jennifer Jones won a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her screen debut in this true story. Jones plays young French peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous who...More at Family Video
An asthmatic 19th-century French girl sees the Virgin Mary at a grotto in Lourdes. Directed by Henry King. Best actress Oscar for Jones.More at HotMovieSale.com
Drama - general DVD - The Song of Bernadette is a reverent recounting of the life of St. Bernadette of Lourdes. As a teen-aged peasant girl growing up...More at Barnes and Noble
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