The Trouble with Angels
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Movie Reviews of The Trouble with Angels
Movie Review: "One of us may have to go, but I guarantee you, it won't be me!"
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw "The Trouble with Angels" when it first opened in 1966; I was an eleven year old boy attending a Roman Catholic grammar school in Long Island, NY, where I was taught primarily by nuns. As such I could certainly relate to the students of Saint Francis Academy, even though they were teen-agers and girls! At that age, it was the humorous parts that made me love the film, especially the more slapstick parts!
Many, many years later this film is still a favorite of mine, but I can appreciate it on an entirely different level now, not just for the comedy. It's a nostalgic reminder of my good childhood Catholic school education, the movie nuns in most cases were not too far removed from the teaching order of the Sisters of Mercy; I knew identical counterparts at my school for Sisters Ligiouri and Prudence. I can also appreciate the strong role in education and nurturing the various orders of nuns supplied through the ages to Catholic students, especially in the United States, teaching the children of immigrants. "The Trouble with Angels" stands a fitting tribute now that so many of the Catholic schools have closed, my own included, and the ranks of all the religious orders are so depleted. The sisters are portrayed in primarily a positive light, but they are real flesh and blood human beings, and are not overly sanctimonious. My mother-in-law went to a Sacred Heart convent boarding school in Noroton, CT & she found the movie for the most part fairly true to life.
The story is episodic in nature; it concerns the high school years from freshman to senior of two rebellious teen-age girls, Mary Clancy (Hayley Mills) and Rachel Devery (June Harding) at the convent boarding school known as Saint Francis Academy. Once there, they clash time and again with the dignified, poised Mother Superior (Rosalind Russell), but through the years the girls change and mature, and Mother Superior mellows as well revealing glimpses of a kinder, gentler side. Both sides come to respect and tolerate one another, appreciating the other's strengths and good qualities, perhaps even grow fond of each other.
The great Rosalind Russell was nearing the end of her illustrious career when this film was made, and after the film version of "Gypsy" in 1962, the role of the Mother Superior is her best performance of the 1960's. Watching her (for the most part) unruffled serenity, it's hard to believe this is the same actress who romped gleefully through "Auntie Mame". Her Mother Superior is strong, tough, and resourceful but not hard, there is a loving heart underneath, and a sharp sense of humor. If her standards and expectations for her students are high, they are no higher than those she sets for herself. She is self-aware enough to recognize aspects of her younger self in Mary Clancy's character at a crucial moment in their relationship, and make a right decision for the two of them.
In Ms. Russell's posthumous autobiography, she mentions Hayley Mills didn't like her during the filming, but put it down to teenage hormones and Ms. Mills being tired of ingénue roles. Whatever it was, it works to the advantage of Ms. Mills performance as Mary Clancy in the first half of the film, she is quite the devilish angel, one Lucifer would certainly welcome in his ranks! She is bright, assertive and has a fertile, creative imagination in a quick brain that makes her a formidable adversary for Mother Superior. Yet, she is endearing in her mischief, you can't help applauding her ingenuity, and liking her all the more. Like the Mother Superior, there is a caring nature beneath the insouciant devil-may-care attitude.
June Harding as Rachel Devery makes a worthy accomplice in crime, a devout disciple always following Mary's lead, no matter the consequences. The actresses playing the nuns include Marge Redmond, Portia Nelson, Binnie Barnes, Camilla Sparv and Mary Wickes. Each has a little personality trait or quirk to establish their individuality as for example Sister Ligiouri (Marge Redmond) using horseracing and betting as a way to teach Math! All are good, but particular standouts are Marge Redmond and Mary Wickes as Sisters Ligiouri and Clarissa. The girls in the student body look and act like regular issue high schoolgirls not little starlets, and Barbara Hunter has some amusing moments as Mary's sloppy, peevish cousin Marvel Ann.
The script by Blanche Hanalis skillfully adapts Jane Trahey's autobiographical book " Life with Mother Superior" (well worth a read after viewing the film) deftly balancing the chuckles and the tears. The noted actress turned director Ida Lupino shows a sure hand in pulling all the elements together. A special mention to Jerry Goldsmith for his wonderful evocative score, particularly his creative use of the central theme. This is used over the credits and in moments of both elation and poignancy most effectively. I also love the use of the animation in presenting the opening credits.
Given what a charming, ingratiating film this is, it's a pity it's so shoddily presented in the full screen not letterbox. There is not one extra connected to the film, not even the trailer, though trailers for other forgettable films are included. The crowning insult is that the photo of Rosalind Russell and Binnie Barnes on the front cover is from the less than satisfactory sequel "Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows". This is yet one more film that needs rescuing, in the meantime do what I do & try to catch it in all it's letterboxed glory on the best cable network on television, Turner Classic Movies.
Movie Review: An Uproarious Journey to a Spiritual Awakening
Summary: 5 Stars
From Director Ida Lupino's reverent 1966 comedy, based on the novel, "Life With Mother Superior" by Jane Trahey, we learn that the trouble with angels is that they don't become so over night, but rather over time.
We first encounter the antiheroine of this story, the chic-looking orphan, Mary Clancy (Hayley Mills with her blonde hair dyed to strawberry blonde) as she travels by train to the St. Francis Academy for Girls, smoking a cigarette to the consternation of an elderly lady( Madge Blake) to whom she gives a flippant response when the lady expresses her objections to her behavior.
Soon, she meets her classmates-to-be most notably the gentle and easily swayed Rachel Devery( June Harding), whose given first name, appropriately means "Lamb", and it isn't long before the mischief begins.
The two begin by trying to dupe bus driver Sister Clarissa(Mary Wikes) into thinking that the wrong names are on the attendance list. But soon, the two girls encounter their main foil, a cooly comedic, but firm Reverend Mother, played to perfection by Rosalind Russell.
Mary and Rachel lament their new situation, and amid smoking in the Girls'Room, trespassing in the nuns' private quarters, trying an alternate route while hiking in the snow during gym class, and using every excuse Mary can concoct to avoid going into the pool during swimming lessons, Rachel contacts a teacher from her previous school, Mr. Petrie (Jim Hutton), who gets quite a dressing down by the Reverend Mother.
During their years there, however, Mary, despite her rebelliousness, is observant of the sister's kindness in little ways such as when Sister Ligouri(Marge Redmond), who is the Reverend Mother's chief assistant and also the math teacher, gives her a cushion for her knees as she does penance in chapel( and does not hide her awareness of Rachel's unseen presence there), and in larger ways when she sees the Reverend Mother comforting an elderly retirement home resident ( Jessalyn Fax) who laments her children's inability to spend Christmas with her. We observe how the young students learn about later life as they voluntarily tend to these ladies who are clad in various shades of purple and lavender as they share their hopes, dreams, amusements, their pasts, and financial difficulties. Mary's statement, "I hope I die young and very wealthy!" shows how affected she is.
We view Mary's reaction to watching the sisters engage in the simple act of strewing a statue of the school's Patron Saint with bird feed, a gesture of which the Great Preacher to the Birds would have approved, to the horrific story of the German Sister Ursula's(Marjorie Eaton) heroism during World War II, to Sister Constance's(Camilla Sparv)willingness to travel overseas to teach at a leper colony at the risk of ravaging her "flawless beauty", their joyous celebration of Christmas, and a time of lamentation. We learn, too, of the Reverend Mother's one-time ambitions prior to entering the convent, which make her more complex and well-rounded.
Dolores Sutton's comically vulnerable Sister Rose Marie presides over an episode that illustrates the frenzy into which young girls largely confined to one environment can be whipped while on a rare outing.
Accompanying Mary on this journey are her cousin, Marvel-Ann(Barbara Hunter), top student Valerie( Bernadette Withers), the fainting spell-prone Charlotte(Vicky Albright), Kate Davis( Vickie Draves), and Sandy Mackey( Wendy Winkleman).
After one of their more serious felonies, Mary's Uncle George (Kent Smith), and Rachel's father ( Pat McCaffrie) are called in for a conference with the Reverend Mother, who, consequently comes to understand her most trying students better than she did previously.
Gypsy Rose Lee (whose mother was portrayed by Russell in another notable film) plays the interpretive dance teacher, Mabel Dowling Phipps, who is charged with giving the girls more poise and grace, and Jim Boles plays the Jewish band uniform salesman Mr. Gottschalk, who suits the school band up for a noteworthy competition.
The finale of this comical and reverent piece finds Mary making a not altogether surprising decison, given the undertones of her developing spiritual depth despite her mischeivous streak. She may risk the loss of Rachel's friendship, however.
Those curious about the outcome might find viewing this classic to be a scathingly brilliant idea!
Movie Review: The Trouble The Angels Give Makes For Holy Entertainment!
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this movie on video as a teenager, because Hayley Mills was (and still is) one of my idols. It is a funny, touching, and absorbing blast from the past, and I would recommend it to anyone, even if they are not Catholic.
Let me just say that it's such a treat to see so many talented actors working together on this family film. I had seen Rosalind Russell in "Auntie Mame" and thought her to be wonderfully eccentric and comedic. Hayley, is, as always, lovely, charming, mischievous and funny, and the cameo of Gypsy Rose Lee as Mrs. Phipps - (and in 1962, Russell had played her mother in the movie "Gypsy" - coincidence? I think not!!) is priceless. The line, "In the springtime we'll put on a festival. By then you'll all be as graceful as young willows!" Is so campy yet undeniably priceless and hilarious!!! Mary Wickes in one of her many performances as a nun, is the embodiment of the sisters who taught at Catholic schools, and any film that features her is worth watching!!! Portia Nelson played Sister Berita in "The Sound Of Music", and again, she was a wonderful choice as the short-tempered, impatient and uptight art teacher, Sister Elizabeth. Camilla Sparv is gorgeous and touching as Sister Constance, teacher of languages and "a flawless beauty" who leaves the school to teach children with leprosy in the Phillipinnes. Her scene with Hayley's Mary Clancy is poignant as she explains why she has made this risky but rewarding decision. Binnie Barnes, a veteran of stage and screen, shines as Sister Celestine, appropriately named, the conductor of the school band.
The friendship between Mary Clancy, an orphan who lives with her playboy, businessman, neglectful uncle George, and Rachel Devery, the progressive school educated, easily influenced sidekick, is an interesting and identifiable study of female friendships, one that many recent films have neglected. The opposition from the Mother Superior against their pranks and youthful exuberance, and her compassionate understanding, her confiding to Sister LaGorie, even to Mary, makes us understand her calling. Babara Hunter, as Mary's equally neglected, annoying "drop-dead" cousin is absolutely hysterically funny, and the other students provide excellent support, and bring authenticity to the Catholic school environment of the time (and I'm fairly certain that it doesn't exist anymore). In conclusion, the decision Mary makes at the end, a huge sacrifice, shows the viewer how she has grown and learned in these three years in the convent school. The tearful farewell scene at the train station is a real tear-jerker. And the final line? I'll let you decide for yourself, but I adore it. Mary: "Just think, Reverend Mother, maybe one day Rachel will come back and join the order." Mother Superior, not even remotely in jest: "If she does, I quit!!!"
Sure it's a bit dated, but rewarding. If you're up to it, don't pass it up. Share it with your children, your friends, and most of all, with the child that you were. It's great family entertainment all the way!!!
Movie Review: wonderful
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great comedy about two reluctant girls, Mary and Rachel, who meet up and become best friends when they are sent to a convent school. Mary is a very head-strong, mischievous girl and comes up with several 'scathingly brilliant ideas' for her and Rachel to get up to and more often than not these escapades get them in trouble with mother superior. The girls are your average delinquents, skipping out on classes and trying to spice up an otherwise unpleasant experience, but they put their hearts into everything they do, which more often than not ends up in their scrubbing pots.
I guess one of the first things I'd like to say about this movie is that though it takes place in a convent, there's no more religion in it than there is in The Sound of Music. When I attempt to recommend this movie to people, the one who aren't religious don't want to watch it because they think it will be all about religion and the ones who are want to watch it for the same reason. But it's not a religious film at all. There's more focus placed on the trouble the girls get themselves into and the situations they're faced with than there is on this movie try to convert you. Yes they talk about God and how great religion is, but that's how society was back then, and many older films will have religious sentiments expressed' but unless you are very insecure about your own stance on morality, there is no reason to avoid an otherwise pleasant and comedic film.
Onto the film itself. I really enjoyed the characters. Mary was such a headstrong girl and was very reluctant to be sent to the school in the first place, but she never had any malicious thoughts or intentions about anybody. Her schemes that got both her and Rachel into trouble were only thought up out of boredom. She's one of those people in your life that will leave a mark on your memory. She's like a shooting star, a bright, energetic person who will always be proactive and optimistic no matter the situation. Rachel on the other hand was more of a follower, but was just as energetic and rebellious as Mary.
The film is a comedy, but is not slapstick humour, nor is it like present day cheesy Hannah Montana ish comedy either. It's more situational humour, like I Love Lucy. It's not all comedy either. There are a few serious moments, and actually one very sad moment that always makes me tear up. The scene when they're in the old folks home and Mary overhears mother superior consoling an old woman whose family won't be visiting her this Christmas. Gets me every time. But the serious moments make the funny moments that much funnier, and make the film over all that much more memorable.
Movie Review: Roz Russell is Mother Superior to Hailey Mills Troubled Angel
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the original Sister Act. But in this case there is no hip sister to solve the problems. Rosalind Russell plays the stern ever knowing Mother Superior of the St. Frances Academy, an all girl Catholic school.
The head girls are Mary Clancy (Hailey Mills) and Rachael Devery (June Harding in her film debut) with Mary's cousin Marvel Ann (Barbara Hunter) as their chief target. Th sisters include Sister Lavorie (Marge Redmond - who would continue in the cloth in the Flying Nun), Sister Celestine (Binnie Barnes - who will return) and Sister Clarissa (Mary Wickes - who continued in the sequel and the Sister Act films).
Mary is the rebel who is always challenging authority and Rachael is her stooge (or as Mother Superior puts it is "the Devil's agent". But in the middle of each caper or as Mary puts it "the most scathingly brilliant idea", you know that Mother Superior will appear. The film takes place over three years. Of course, the girls come to see the Mother Superior's ways in the end.
This movie was definitely aimed at the growing Disney market who wanted a little more (or a little less sanitation) from their family fare. Hailey Mills was looking for more grown up roles while keeping her audience from her Disney days. Rosalind Russell was at the transition point in her career and she was looking for a role that could use her talents and found it in Mother Superior. Unfortunately, she could only do one sequel as the failing heath (crippling arthritis) confined her. Rosalind was a comic genius as well as a great dramatic actress. This film gave her a chance to use both - usually comic followed by dramatic.
In a special guest appearance Gypsy Rose Lee appears as a modern dance teacher brought in to give the girls some grace. For Roz fans, you'll know she played Gypsy's mother in the film version of Gypsy.
This film is a pure joy. While a lot of the jokes are dated, it should keep you laughing.
DVD EXTRAS: None
Only negative for the DVD is the full screen presentation but it appears that it was probably originally 1.65 aspect ratio to begin with and the difference is not major.