Product Details

• Actors: Carroll Baker, Roger Moore, Walter Slezak, Vittorio Gassman, Katina Paxinou
• Directors: Gordon Douglas, Irving Rapper
• Writers: Frank Butler, Jean Rouverol, Karl Vollmöller
• Producers: Henry Blanke
• Format: Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Warner Home Video
• VHS Release Date: July 7, 1994
• Run Time: 121 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302842468
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,583 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #37 in	Video > Drama > Period Piece
  #43 in	Video > Drama > Love & Romance > Romance

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

During the war of 1812, a young nun leaves the convent to search for a series of romantic adventures, and during her journey the statue of the virgin Mary descends from the pedestal and takes the young nun's place until her return.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars AN UNUSUAL DRAMA, June 16, 2002

By	Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Based upon a well known stage production of the same name, this is an unusual film about a postulant nun, who has a life defining decision to make. It is a choice between a secular life and a religious one. Her decision is to have consequences for many.

The film takes place in Spain, sometime in the early nineteenth century. At the Convent of the Valley of Milaflores stands a statue of the Madonna. Legend has it that since the statue has been there, the region has been prosperous. This is the convent where seventeen year old Teresa (Carroll Baker) is a postulant nun. One day, a group of English soldiers, sent to help Spain ward off invasion by the French, come by the convent. Led by young, impossibly handsome Captain Michael Stuart (Roger Moore), who cuts a dashing figure, Teresa falls in love at first sight. He, too, is smitten by her. As luck would have it, they fall in love, and Teresa agrees to meet him in town in order to get married.

Unfortunately, timing is everything. Teresa gets into town just as the French are invading. Believing that Michael has been killed, she leaves to wander about the world, after joining a band of gypsies. In the meantime, the statue of the Madonna literally leaves her pedestal, becoming flesh and blood. No one in the convent knows that Teresa is gone, as the Madonna has taken Teresa's place and assumed her visage.

Meanwhile, Teresa becomes a famous gypsy singer and dancer, traveling around the country and having adventures. Whenever a man falls in love with her, however, the recipe is usually disaster. One day, her faith is renewed, when she gets her dearest wish. She then finds herself making a promise that causes her to find herself back at square one. It is a life defining decision. It is a miracle.

Carroll Baker is unexpectedly moving as the angst ridden young woman. She does a wonderful job with the role of Teresa, as she evolves from an innocent, wide-eyed seventeen year old to a world weary, somewhat bitter, young woman. Roger Moore is a joy to behold as the English Captain, so very handsome is he, and so in love with Teresa. The rest of the supporting cast is equally good, with a stormy, passionate performance by Katina Paxinou as La Roca, Queen of the Gypsies. Vittorio Gassman gives a fine performance as Guido, Teresa's gypsy lover, as does Gustavo Roja with his portrayal of Cordoba, the broodingly handsome and intense matador who loves Teresa. Walter Slezak adds a sly comedic touch as the Spanish gypsy, Flaco, who befriends Teresa.

The only discordant note in the film is the superimposition of Carroll Baker's visage over that of the Madonna, when the statue first becomes flesh and blood. It looks odd due to the fact that the visage is clearly superimposed in a garish yellow color that stands out like a sore thumb. I suspect that the film did not always have this garish superimposition. Other than that, the movie is an enjoyable one for those who like this genre of film. Those viewers who enjoy films such as "The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima", "Song of Bernadette", and "The Miracle of Marcelino" will, undoubtedly, enjoy this one, as well.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Entertainment, May 15, 2003

By	S. Doyle (Dublin 6, Ireland Ireland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is one of those Hollywood dramas that escaped most peoples attention over the years and I found it hard to get on video and I never seen it on TV. Despite the critics panning of the movie (religious tones etc)it has superb production values,great score and the storyline broken into vignettes make it a must see. I'll hold on to this video for future viewing and hopefully it will be released sometime on DVD

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the Divine Mercy can touch us, too, August 6, 2002

By A Customer

When I was a young boy I remember seeing this film in black and white and was fascinated that the world of the supernatural could take such a personal interest in ordinary mortal life. I also was intrigued by its plausibility since it is based on an ongoing legend. I think the movie is best seen and taken in with profit as a sort of modern parable that can go on speaking to us. Although beautiful with a bit of sentiment yet it presents all of us as a blur of good and evil, and not just so cleanly one or the other, and in need of redemption. And....that redemption is in itself something wonderful and a marvel. Both of the chararcters, Teresa and her beloved played by Roger Moore demonstrate that we all in one way or another seek that Divine Love...whether in its human face or in its purity.