The Song of Bernadette (1943)

VHS CASE/SIDE

MPPA Certifcate Number: 9317

Length of film:  156 Minutes

Rated: Approved

Genre: Biography, Drama

Director: Henry King

Starring: Jennifer Jones, Charles Bickford, William Eythe, Vincent Price, Lee J. Cobb, Gladys Cooper, Anne Revere

IMDB Rank: 7.6/10

***According to sources the official intermission took place when Antoine runs from the grotto back to the village. The second part begins when the stone-cutter visits the doctor. (Classic Movie Hub, 2021, par 13). The music certainly complements a break, however the current editing of the film has a straight screen to screen transition rather than a fade to black or intermission title card. Nevertheless, the official intermission point will be used in this database.

Part 1 Time:  78 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  78 Minutes

Where does the first part end?  The spring has appeared. Antonie (William Eythe) runs back to tell the people of Lourdes. Bouriette (Sig Ruman) the stone-cutter rubs his face with the water from the spring.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Bouhouhorts! La Grange! Come back! Look!” shouts Antoine.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Dr. Dozous! Where is the doctor?” Bouriette runs frantically into the doctors office.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, with Bernadette (Jennifer Jones) being the only one able to see the ‘beautiful woman dressed in white,’ the emergence of a physical spring brings forth belief in Bernadette’s divine visions by some citizens of Lourdes.

Which part is better? Throughout the film Bernadette is frequently ridiculed by those in authority from both the church and state. Part two is better as we see Bernadette’s determination to continually speak the truth about her divine vision and how this will help the less fortunate moving forward. But with Bernadette’s sincerity comes suffering, which she also begins to endure.

Academy Awards: Best Leading Actress (Jennifer Jones), Best Cinematography Black and White, Best Art Direction Interior Decoration Black and White, Best Music Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Best Picture (Nominated), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated-Charles Bickford), Best Supporting Actress (Nominated- Gladys Cooper), Best Supporting Actress (Nominated- Anne Revere), Best Director (Nominated), Best Writing Screenplay (Nominated), Best Sound Recording (Nominated), Best Film Editing (Nominated)