The Song Of Bernadette, directed by Henry King (Vern)

It had been about a million years since I had seen The Song Of Bernadette, so when I saw it on the shelf I jumped at the chance to see it again. I'm really happy I did!

The film is about a teenage peasant girl in mid-1800s France who sees a vision of a beautiful woman, who assures Bernadette that if she carries the message to the townspeople, she will live a pain-free eternal life. Miracles begin happening around her after she spreads the messages from her vision. Everyone around her assumes she is speaking of the Virgin Mary, and that assumption sweeps everyone into the drama. Of course, there are plenty of skeptics, since Bernadette is the only one having visions. She is punished for blasphemous antics. She doesn't give in to the authority figures around her, for the lady told her she was answering a higher call. That faith leads many of her fellow townspeople to stick up for her, even as the non-believers paint her as a liar looking for attention.

Without ruining the ending, I will say this movie is a very inspirational story, based on true events. I highly recommend The Song Of Bernadette. Jennifer Jones gives an Oscar-worthy performance, and a young Vincent Price plays the lead prosecutor in the trial. 9 out of 10 stars from this critic.