Come to the Stable

Come to the Stable is a 1949 American drama film directed by Henry Koster and starring Loretta Young and Celeste Holm as two Catholic nuns who come to a small New England town to build a chapel and establish a convent. The film features a strong supporting cast, including Hugh Marlowe, Elsa Lanchester, and Thomas Gomez, and was produced by Samuel G. Engel and written by Oscar Millard. The movie was released by 20th Century Studios and premiered at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with Marilyn Monroe, Gene Tierney, and Tyrone Power in attendance.

Plot

The film tells the story of two Catholic nuns, Sister Margaret (played by Loretta Young) and Sister Scholastica (played by Celeste Holm), who arrive in the small New England town of Barkerville to build a chapel and establish a convent. The nuns face opposition from the local townspeople, including Amos Hugenot (played by Dooley Wilson) and Ted (played by Regis Toomey), but eventually win them over with their kindness and dedication. Along the way, they meet a variety of characters, including Professor Kathryn Nash (played by Dorothy Patrick) and Anthony Ross (played by Gary Gray), who become involved in their mission. The film features a range of locations, including the University of Notre Dame, Yale University, and Harvard University, and showcases the nuns' interactions with notable figures such as Pope Pius XII, Archbishop of New York Francis Spellman, and Cardinal Francis Joseph Spellman.

Production

The film was produced by Samuel G. Engel and directed by Henry Koster, who had previously worked together on films such as The Bishop's Wife and Harvey. The screenplay was written by Oscar Millard, based on a story by Borden Chase and Claire Boothe Luce. The film features a range of notable Hollywood talent, including Cinematographer Joseph LaShelle, who had worked on films such as Laura and Mildred Pierce, and Composer Alfred Newman, who had composed music for films such as The Song of Bernadette and Captain from Castile. The film was shot on location in Connecticut and New York, with additional scenes filmed at 20th Century Studios in Los Angeles.

Cast

The film features a strong cast, including Loretta Young as Sister Margaret and Celeste Holm as Sister Scholastica. The supporting cast includes Hugh Marlowe as Ted, Elsa Lanchester as Amanda, and Thomas Gomez as Luigi. The film also features appearances by Dooley Wilson, Regis Toomey, Dorothy Patrick, and Gary Gray, among others. Notable Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Gene Tierney, and Tyrone Power attended the film's premiere, which was held at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The film's cast and crew also included notable figures such as Producer Darryl F. Zanuck, Director John Ford, and Actress Maureen O'Hara.

Reception

The film received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of Loretta Young and Celeste Holm. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $3 million at the box office and becoming one of the top-grossing films of 1949. The film's success can be attributed to its strong cast, including Hugh Marlowe, Elsa Lanchester, and Thomas Gomez, as well as its talented crew, including Cinematographer Joseph LaShelle and Composer Alfred Newman. The film's premiere was attended by notable figures such as Pope Pius XII, Archbishop of New York Francis Spellman, and Cardinal Francis Joseph Spellman, and was covered by major newspapers such as The New York Times and Variety.

Awards

The film received several awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for Loretta Young. The film also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for Loretta Young and the National Board of Review award for Best Actress for Celeste Holm. The film's success can be attributed to its strong cast and crew, including Director Henry Koster, Producer Samuel G. Engel, and Screenwriter Oscar Millard. The film's awards and nominations were covered by major publications such as The Hollywood Reporter and Boxoffice, and were recognized by organizations such as the American Film Institute and the Library of Congress. Category:American drama films