The Singing Nun

The Singing Nun


MGM, 1966, Color, 97 minutes, ***½

General release April, 1966



Academy Award nominee Debbie Reynolds (1964 Best Actress, The Unsinkable Molly Brown) shines in this upbeat drama based on the true story of the singing Belgian nun.



As Sister Ann, Reynolds defies all stereotypes with her delightfully shocking habits. She rides a motor scooter, rarely travels without her guitar, and is at times too quirky for her spiritual calling. When enthusiasm backfires while struggling to help the poor people of the community, her music consoles her. When parish priest Father Clementi (Ricardo Montalban of "Fantasy Island") arranges a recording session and Sister Ann becomes an overnight success, forcing her to choose between the convent and a music career, she surprises everyone by making the ultimate sacrifice.



Classic melodies such as "Dominique" and "Brother John," and an outstanding cast including Oscar winner Greer Garson (1942 Best Actress for Mrs. Miniver) and Agnes Moorehead ("Bewitched"), make this uplifting film one you won't want to miss!

Remember Soeur Sourire, the "Singing Nun"? She had a phenomenal hit with "Dominique" in 1963 (no. 1 on the charts for 12 weeks). Debbie Reynolds does a wonderful job with the part, and sings many wonderful songs written by Sourire and Randy Sparks.



Produced by: John Beck

Co-Produced by: Hayes Goetz

Associate Producer: Hank Moonjean

Directed by: Henry Koster

Assistant Director: Kevin Donnelly

Screen Play by: Sally Benson and John Furia, Jr.

Story by: John Furia, Jr.

Musical Composer: Harry Sukman

Music Director: Harold Gelman

Music Score: Harry Sukman

Songs: "Dominique" lyrics and music by Soeur Sourire, English lyric by Randy Sparks; "Sister Adele," (Soeur Adele) "It's a Miracle," (Une Fleur) "Beyond the Stars," (Entre Les Etoile) "A Pied Piper's Song," (Petit Pierrot) music by Soeur Sourire, lyrics by Randy Sparks; "Father John," "Lovely" lyrics and music by Randy Sparks; "Raindrops" lyrics and music by Randy Sparks inspired by "Chante Riviere" by Soeur Sourire; "Je Voudrais," "Mets Ton Joli Jupon," "Avec Toi," "Alleluia" lyrics and music by Soeur Sourire

Music Supervisor: Harold Gelman

Choreography by: Robert Sidney

Art Direction: George W. Davis and Urie McCleary

Set Decoration: Henry Grace, Jerry Wunderlich

Make-Up by: William Tuttle

Recording Supervisor: Franklin Milton

Director of Photography: Milton Krasner

Filmed in Panavision and Metrocolor

Film Editor: Rita Roland



Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Score (Harry Sukman)



Cast: Debbie Reynolds [Sister Ann], Ricardo Montalban [Father Clementi], Greer Garson [Mother Prioress], Agnes Moorehead [Sister Cluny], Chad Everett [Robert Gerarde], Katharine Ross [Nicole Arlien], Juanita Moore [Sister Mary], Ricky Cordell [Dominic Arlien], Michael Pate [Mr. Arlien], Tom Drake [Fitzpatrick], Larry D. Mann [Mr. Duvries], Charles Robinson [Marauder], Monique Montaigne [Sister Michele], Joyce Vanderveen [Sister Elise], Ann Wakefield [Sister Brigitte], Pam Peterson [Sister Gertrude], Marina Koshetz [Sister Marthe], Nancy Walters [Sister Therese], Violet Rensing [Sister Elizabeth], Inez Pedroza [Sister Consuella], Ed Sullivan [Himself]



Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:16] Brother John (sung by Ricardo Montalban, Debbie Reynolds and Nuns); [0:17] Sister Adele (Soeur Adele) (sung by Debbie Reynolds and Nuns); [0:29] Beyond the Stars (Entre les etoiles) (sung by Debbie Reynolds and Monique Montaigne); [0:30] She's My Baby, Yeah! (sung by The Mexican Marauders); [0:43] With You I Shall Walk (Avec Toi) (excerpt sung in English by Debbie Reynolds); [0:44] Mets ton joli jupon / Avec Toi (excerpts sung in English by Debbie Reynolds); [0:45] Raindrops (sung by Debbie Reynolds); [0:58] It's a Miracle (Une fleur) (sung by Debbie Reynolds); [1:00] Brother John (sung by Debbie Reynolds and Ensemble); [1:09] Dominique (sung by Debbie Reynolds, Monique Montaigne and a third unidentified Nun); [1:16] A Pied Piper's Song (Petit Pierrot) (sung and danced by Debbie Reynolds and Children)