Customer Reviews

The Miracle (1959) [VHS]

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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.

I was only 9 years old when I saw this movie in the theater. After that, I watched it devotedly every year on TV (no video yet at that time). Our country played this movie only during lent season (Holy Week). So, every year I waited for them to play it on TV. It's one of the best romantic and unforgettable movie in my lifetime. Roger Moore and Carol Bakker were superb.

I must have been 10 Years old when I saw that movie and it was the first and only time. Never found it after that. I remember the soldier (Moore) and Baker with her black hair instead of blonde. I remember tears and sadness and wanted to see it again but couldn't find it anywhere.

I was only maybe 12 years old when I first watched this film and fell in love with it, had a crush on Roger Moore (never thought he would be James Bond). Caroll Baker was awesome. I will never forget the story of this movie and had told the same story to my grandchildren today. Now that I can order this movie, and watch it again in my golden days.

As other reviewers here, I saw this movie when I was about 10yrs. old and found it to somehow influence my thoughts about God and romance. I had the impression that this poor girl kept turning away from her calling with God and that resulted in the deaths of her prospective lovers. It certainly instilled a fear of God in me. While I was later to find my own personal relationship with God on much better terms, the movie no doubt haunted me throughout my teenage years. Having lost my memory in an auto accident at an older age (23), I later found that recalling younger years and experiences such as viewing this movie were quite nostalgic. In the last couple of years I have attempted to find a copy of this movie to again view. I began searching video rental stores, and upon finding how rare it was, I began to search online. At first the prices for this movie on Ebay hung around $30, which I felt was too much, so you can imagine my dismay today when the only two copies available on Amazon are priced at $100. I am sure the price will go up, especially until someone will wake up and re-produce it on DVD or some manner. It is a priceless film!

I can't tell you how old I was when I first saw this, but I'm many years older & still love it. Carroll Baker & Roger Moore are really good in this lovers movie & I really recommend it to everyone/anyone. Yes it's old, the special effects are not that special anymore; however, that being said, it's still fantastic. When the statue of the Virgin Mary comes alive, they do it at an angle & you would swear that in fact, the statue is coming to life! I've watched that scene many, many times & it still delights me. Roger Moore is a stone, stone fox & his agony (along with Baker's) is real & touching. And Gustavo Rojo is absolutely hot! The music will raise up the hair on your arms. Yes, it's very dramatic & silly if you think about it too long. But if you just take it for what it is, you'll love it. Buy it right now! You won't regret adding this B classic to your library. An "over the top" but loving tribute to Our Lady, if you allow your imagination to enjoy.

I saw this film when I was about 6 years old and have been looking for it on video ever since.

A bit draggy during Theresa's (Caroll Baker) gypsy days...other wise thoroughly engaging, and thought provoking.

I remember, as a child, when the Madonna took Theresa's place in the convent, we saw the Madonna's face.....now for some reason, they superimpose Theresa's face over the Madonna's.....dont know why.

this is an exepional film and it should be done a dvd besides other movies like who will love my children and the other side of midnight