Singing Nun The (1966)
Singing Nun The (1966)
Loosely based on Soeur Sourire a Belgian nun who had a hit record the catchy Dominique ("Dominique a neek a neek") this average biographical drama features Debbie Reynolds in the title role as Sister Ann who’s named her guitar Sister Adele. It was directed by Henry Koster (The Bishop’s Wife (1947)) and features a screenplay written by John Furia Jr. and Sally Benson (Anna and the King of Siam (1946)) that was based on Furia Jr.’s story. Its Score was nominated for an Academy Award Harry Schuman’s (Song Without End (1960)) last Oscar nomination. The cast also includes Ricardo Montalban as Father Clementi Greer Garson as the ‘liberal’ head nun of the mission – Mother Prioress Agnes Moorehead as the mission’s ‘cranky’ cook Sister Cluny Chad Everett as Robert Gerarde a friend of Ann’s before she’d joined the convent who’s now a record producer that ‘discovers’ her with his friend Father Clementi’s help Katharine Ross as Nicole Arlien the ‘struggling to make ends meet’ older sister of the song inspiring youngster Dominic (Ricky Cordell) whose alcoholic father is played by Michael Pate and Juanita Moore as Sister Mary. Sister Ann’s album is such a success that Ed Sullivan himself with his assistant Fitzpatrick (Tom Drake) comes to Belgium to broadcast the song Dominique to his (worldwide?) live television audience. Jon Lormer appears (uncredited) as the Bishop who approves the marketing of Sister Ann’s songs. Reynolds’s character struggles with her commitment to God vs. the recognition she receives for her singing; meanwhile Everett’s character tries to influence her to give up her vows for continued fame and (her own vs. the mission’s) fortune and him; her interaction with the Arlien family particularly one specific incident (late in the film) helps her to decide her future and choose her path.