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The Song of Bernadette (1943)
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Movie Review by BillyBob
October 25th, 2009
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IT'S A GODDAMN MIRACLE!
Oh, Lord, I confess! - I totally detest religiously-based flicks, big time. There is, of course, one exception here. It's the only one that I can tolerate without getting that old, familiar reaction of pure disgust churning away in my guts. And that exception is - THE SONG OF BERNADETTE (TSOB).
If nothing else, it's the absolutely spellbinding performance of JENNIFER JONES, as Bernadette, who makes this flick certainly well worth a view. JONES was perfectly cast for the role of Bernadette. (I'm not exaggerating here) JONES literally glows in her part with an absolutely breathtaking radiance of pure conviction and innocence. It's true.
It's no surprise that JONES won a well-deserved Oscar for her awesome portrayal of this naive peasant girl of 16 who experienced a series of supernatural (or 'miraculous') visions.
Set in the year 1858 - TSOB recounts the life of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes. This story is actually based on documented events that really took place at a nearby grotto (garbage dump) just outside the French village of Lourdes.
Bernadette's 'vision' at the grotto was clearly described by her (right down to the last detail) as being that of a 'lady'. Bernadette never once claimed that this vision was, in fact, the Virgin Mary. This was done thanks to the ignorant, over-excited townsfolk who had the sickness of 'religion-on-the-brain'.
As expected - The Political and Religious 'experts' of Lourdes refused to accept the validity of Bernadette's inexplicable visions, outright. Their fierce public renouncement of her backfired right into their smug, little faces, turning the whole situation into a political hot-potato.
When it came to the performing of 'so-called' miracles, Bernadette's were few, and far between. This wasn't a young woman who was trying to draw attention to herself.
Bernadette's most remarkable miracle was the uncovering of an underground spring at the grotto. What was truly amazing about this particular spring was that the waters actually seemed to have certain recuperative powers that apparently healed some of the sick and lame, but not others.
At this location, just outside of Lourdes, a permanent shrine was built in Bernadette's honor.
Always in poor health, Bernadette died at the age of 30. She was canonized as a Saint.
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