The Song of Bernadette (film)

The Song of Bernadette (film)
Norman Rockwell · Public domain · source
Name	The Song of Bernadette
Director	Henry King
Producer	William Perlberg
Based on	The Song of Bernadette, Franz Werfel
Screenplay	George Seaton
Starring	* Jennifer Jones * William Eythe * Charles Bickford * Vincent Price * Lee J. Cobb * Gladys Cooper * Anne Revere
Music	Alfred Newman
Cinematography	Arthur C. Miller
Editing	Barbara McLean
Studio	Twentieth Century-Fox
Distributor	Twentieth Century-Fox
Released	1943, 12, 21, New York City, 1944, 01, 26, United States
Runtime	156 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

The Song of Bernadette (film) is a 1943 American drama film directed by Henry King and produced by Twentieth Century-Fox. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Franz Werfel, the film dramatizes the story of Bernadette Soubirous, a peasant girl in Lourdes who reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. Featuring an acclaimed performance by Jennifer Jones in her first major role, the film was a major critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards and receiving twelve nominations.

Plot

In 1858, the impoverished, asthmatic Bernadette Soubirous lives with her family in the town of Lourdes in southern France. While gathering firewood near the Massabielle grotto, she experiences a vision of a beautiful lady. Despite intense skepticism and opposition from her family, the local clergy, and civil authorities like the Imperial Prosecutor Vital Dutour and Police Chief Jacomet, Bernadette insists on returning to the site. The lady instructs her to drink from a spring, leading Bernadette to uncover a previously unknown water source. As news spreads, the spring is associated with miraculous healings, drawing crowds and increasing official hostility. The narrative follows Bernadette's unwavering faith through interrogation by the Church, represented by the stern Dominican theologian Father Peyramale and the more sympathetic Abbé Peyramale, and her eventual entry into the Convent of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers.

Cast

* Jennifer Jones as Bernadette Soubirous * William Eythe as Antoine Nicolau * Charles Bickford as Father Peyramale * Vincent Price as Vital Dutour * Lee J. Cobb as Dr. Dozous * Gladys Cooper as Sister Marie Thérèse Vauzou * Anne Revere as Louise Soubirous * Roman Bohnen as François Soubirous * Mary Anderson as Jeanne Abadie * Patricia Morison as Empress Eugénie * Aubrey Mather as Mayor Lacadé * Charles Dingle as Jacomet * Edith Barrett as Croisine Bouhouhorts * Sig Ruman as Louis Bouriette * Blanche Yurka as Bernarde Casterot * Ermadean Walters as The Virgin Mary (uncredited)

Production

The project was initiated by producer William Perlberg and Twentieth Century-Fox head Darryl F. Zanuck, who acquired the rights to Franz Werfel's novel shortly after its 1941 publication. Director Henry King was chosen for his skill with biographical and location-based films, having previously directed *The Black Swan*. Extensive research was conducted, including consultations with the Archdiocese of New Orleans and a visit to Lourdes by King. The San Gabriel Mountains in California stood in for the Pyrenees, with a detailed replica of the Massabielle grotto constructed at the Twentieth Century-Fox studio. Jennifer Jones, under contract to David O. Selznick, was cast after an extensive search; her performance was guided by King's meticulous direction. The score was composed by Alfred Newman.

Release and reception

The film premiered in New York City on December 21, 1943, with a general release in January 1944. It was a significant box office hit, earning approximately $8 million in worldwide rentals. Critical reception was overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for its reverent treatment of the subject matter, Arthur C. Miller's cinematography, and the performances, especially that of Jennifer Jones. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times called it "a film of great spiritual beauty," while *Time* magazine noted its "sincerity and taste." The film's release during World War II was seen by many as offering a message of hope and faith to contemporary audiences.

Awards and nominations

At the 16th Academy Awards, the film won four Academy Awards: Best Actress for Jennifer Jones, Best Black-and-White Cinematography for Arthur C. Miller, Best Black-and-White Art Direction for James Basevi and William S. Darling, and Best Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture for Alfred Newman. It received eight additional nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Henry King, Best Supporting Actress for Gladys Cooper and Anne Revere, and Best Screenplay for George Seaton. Jones also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.

Legacy

*The Song of Bernadette* solidified Jennifer Jones's stardom and established her as a major dramatic actress. The film remains a landmark in the genre of religious film, influencing later works such as *The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima*. Its success demonstrated the significant commercial potential of faith-based stories for major Hollywood studios. The film is frequently broadcast during Easter and Christmas seasons and is held in high regard by the Catholic Church. It continues to be studied for its technical achievements and its cultural impact during the war years.

Category:1943 films Category:American drama films Category:20th Century Fox films