The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film: 158 Minutes

Rated: Approved

Genre: Biography, Drama, War

Director: Mark Robson

Starring: Ingrid Bergman, Robert Donat, Curt Jurgens, Michael David, Athene Seyler, Ronald Squire, Moultrie Kelsall

IMDB Rank: 7.3/10

Part 1 Time:  98 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  60 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Captain Lin Nan (Curt Jurgens) makes a last ditch effort to convince Gladys Aylward/Jen-Ai (Ingrid Bergman) to leave China prior to the Japanese invasion.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Let’s leave it this way Jen-Ai” states Captain Lin Nan as they embrace each other.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Look mother!” child yells to Jen-Ai as Japanese planes fly overhead.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, there is some tension as to what will befall the Christian missionary once the Japanese army arrives. But due to Jen-Ali’s allegiance to China she decides to stay. What will happen to the missionary once the Japanese invade?

Which part is better? Overall the film has a very slow pace. In part one the audience is introduced to the customs of Chinese culture and the importance of this Christian Missionary for those living within the village. In part two, we see the determination of Gladys Aylward/Jen-Ali’s in protecting the families apart of the missionary by taking the children of a village on a expedition to a more secure location. For this reason part two is given the advantage.

Academy Awards: Best Director (Nominated)