The Song of Bernadette

The Song of Bernadette (1943) starring Jennifer Jones. In 1858 in France, young peasant girl named Bernadette (Jones) has a vision of a lady who talks to her. Bernadette does not claim the lady is the Virgin Mary, but others in her village make that assumption. Naturally, the authorities in the town try to oppose her at every turn. The movie tells the story of the Miracle of Lourdes in a very moving and convincing fashion -- enough so that the film won 12 Oscar nominations and four wins, including Best Actress for Jones. A quote used twice in the film is telling: "For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who don't believe, no explanation is sufficient." The movie is two and a half hours long, but doesn't seem that long -- a rarity with me. It has good subtitles, as well as closed captions. Grade: A