Fred Zinnemann (1907–1997)

A young nun struggles with the nunly virtue of obedience.

Intelligent. And surprisingly engaging even though at times it can feel a little like going to church. Ultimately, it didn't do much for me, I think because we never get any sense of why this woman is a nun in the first place.

Concept: B
Story: B
Characters: B
Dialog: B
Pacing: A
Cinematography: C
Special effects/design: B
Acting: B
Music: C

Enjoyment: C plus

GPA: 2.8/4

In general this last film of the director Fred Zinnemann has not met with much approval, and it is not difficult to see why. The plot is extremely simple, whatever tension is established towards the end is soon dissipated; and the emotional tensions between the leads are not fully resolved. The scenery is nice; the climbing scenes interesting or scary according to one's inclinations; but overall it is not surprising that some people have ended a viewing by saying 'Is that it?'

I still find show more it worth watching again after many years in the reissued Warner archive version, and not only for Betsy Brantley's big blue eyes – for example, there is a chance for Sean Connery to show more emotional range than usual in his roles, and the period detail has a good authentic feel of the 1930s. show less

C (Indifferent).

Farmers and ranchers go to a dance.

Two and a half hours without enough story for 30 minutes. The only good things about this movie are Gloria Grahame's character (Annie), and Gloria Grahame's performance - which accounts for about three scenes.

(Apr. 2025)

A supposed-to-be-retired marshal gets no help defending a town.

It gets melodramatic at times, but it's always entertaining. The photography is conspicuously artful.

(Aug. 2009)