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| Song of Bernadette | 
 enlarge | Director: Henry King
Actors: Jennifer Jones, Charles Bickford, William Eythe, Vincent Price, Lee J. Cobb
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Category: Video
List Price: $12.98
Buy Used: $2.94
You Save: $10.04 (77%)
New (10) Used (43) Collectible (9) from $2.94
Avg. Customer Rating:  110 reviews
Sales Rank: 7982
Format: Black & White, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), French (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: VHS Tape
Running Time: 156 minutes
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 4.2 x 1.1
ISBN: 6300246981
UPC: 086162103438
EAN: 9786300246980
ASIN: 6300246981
Theatrical Release Date: April 1945
Release Date: March 15, 1995
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: private collection cover sort of like this one original clamshell very good shape same day shipping satisfaction guaranteed plays excellent
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| Customer Reviews:
A Miracle! February 5, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
"The Song of Bernadette" is one of my favorite films. The bleak poverty, the depth of winter, the chilling remoteness of the Pyrenean village is captured magnificently, so that it appears as the most unlikely spot for miracles that would shake the world. There are few more majestic moments in cinema than when the dying baby is plunged into the newly dug spring at the grotto of Massabielle, to come forth with a hearty, healthy cry. (Such a miracle did happen at Lourdes. I always cry at that scene.) Jennifer Jones becomes St. Bernadette; she resembles her a great deal, other than the divergence in height. The tall Jennifer communicates quite masterfully the littleness of the petite Bernadette, as well as her purity and simplicity. Charles Bickford's portrayal of the crusty, skeptical Abbe Peyramale, who becomes Bernadette's indefatigable champion, inspired me to visit the Abbe's tomb in the crypt of the parish church of Lourdes. The Abbe died two years before Bernadette, and so was not at her deathbed as shown in the movie.
The film was based upon the novel by Franz Werfel, one of the greatest Catholic novels written by a non-Catholic. When Werfel, who was Jewish, was escaping the Nazis, he and his wife (the notorious Alma Mahler) stopped in Lourdes on their way to Spain. Werfel found a great deal of spiritual consolation in Lourdes, and promised the long dead Bernadette that he would write down her story. The novel and film romanticize some aspects of Bernadette's life; a few historical liberties are taken. But the portrayal of Bernadette and her family, particularly her horrified parents, already overwhelmed by trials, is fairly accurate, as is the recounting of the amazing events at the grotto.
Particularly remarkable is how both the book and film emphasize that it was not the apparitions that made Bernadette into a saint; it was rather how she accepted the trials sent by God, from the humiliations in the convent to the debilitating and agonizing health problems that killed her. In the final scene, the faith of a dying nun illuminates a darkening world. I rejoice that her moment of light is artistically captured on film for posterity.
Awe Inspiring January 31, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
There's no use repeating the synopsis, as that's been done wonderfully well by others. But, it's worth saying again what a cinematic masterpiece this film is. I've seen this movie at least 25 times, and it becomes more awe inspiring with each viewing, because the more you see it, the more you want to see it. A five star rating is simply insufficient.
Beautifully acted, marvelously directed, and wonderfully written, "The Song of Bernadette" will thrill and inspire you. If you ever wondered what a real saint looked and acted like, Jennifer Jones' incredible portrayal of Bernadette will demonstrate that to you. The music alone will take you on a journey of wonder. The heartbreaking but beautifully moving ending scene will cause you to look at yourself and the world differently, if only for a few moments.
Like the opening title says: "For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary; for those who don't believe in God, no explanation is possible." If you are a believer, this film will only strengthen your faith. If you are straddling the fence or just want to be able to believe, after watching this beautiful and fact-based film, you will.
Great Movie! January 14, 2008
Great movie. Historically factual. Entertaining, not just as a Catholic topic, but as a movie overall.
Bernadette's great response January 9, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have seen this movie any number of times and I like it more each time. Bernadette is a good example of someone coresponding to God's wishes even when doing so seems to go counter to one's life. The Blessed Virgin promised Bernadette to make her happy in the next life, but not necessarily in this life. Bernadette said that once one has seen the Blessed Virgin everything else seems unimportant in this life. When Bernadette was asked if she was sorry to have to leave this world, she shook her head NO.
 Pleased January 4, 2008
I enjoyed this movie. I bought it for my grandmother, and we watched it together. This is based on a true story about how Bernedette came to be... by seeing the Virgin Mary. Liked the story, and delivery etc was good.
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