Customer Reviews

The Staircase

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Based on a true story, THE STAIRCASE is one of those uplifting Christian movies heavy on morals and faith, and thanks to an intelligent script and very good performances, it works.
Barbara Hershey gives a smooth and touching performance as Mother Madeleine, a dying nun who wants to see the completion of a chapel in the Santa Fe territory before she dies. This seems impossible when the architect "forgets" to put in a staircase to the choir loft. Without the funds necessary to complete the staircase, that dream seems unlikely...until a mysterious stranger named Mr. Joad shows up out of nowhere and offers to build a spiral staircase with no charge. CSI's William Petersen gives a strong understated performance as Joad, whose mission becomes both a blessing and a curse as the original contractors (David Clennon and Justin Louis) don't want Joad to do the staircase. It may all play out with predictable results but it's sincerity is so genuine, it's a fine little film.

This movie would be good for everyone to see.It was about a spiral staircase which was built by a stranger.There were no nails used and the type of wood was a pine that only grows in about 10 locations on the Northern continent.The construction of the staircase was that of a helix design.This means the steps revolved around and around a single core (helix)which also was springy vertical depending on how much weight was on the staircase.The staircase was completed many years ago in Santa Fe, New Mexico and still stands today,and maybe visited.A real good movie.

I remember hearing about this staircase when I was a teenager. A staircase built without using nails. It really moved me to tears, but not really sad tears. Barbara Hershey and William Petersen give an excellent performance in this movie. The movie left me believing in miracles and the strength of the human spirit. A carpenters work of art...............

The other reviews outline the plot, so I won't retell it. I'll just tell you what I like about it.

What is interesting to me, is that the staircase is really there and it really was built by a mysterious stranger with technology and techniques that were rarely practiced at the the time.

I don't know if it was a miracle, or just a kind man that wanted to help those in need. Either way, it is an inspiring story.

On the question whether or not it was a miracle, there is something that took place historically that doesn't appear in the movie. The nuns had been praying to St. Joseph the carpenter for nine days. On the ninth day, the stranger showed up and subsequently started working on the mysterious staircase. This "coincidence" has caused many people to believe that the mysterious stranger was St. Joseph himself.

The movie is very inspiring because, whether you believe there is a divine or saintly intervention or not, it is refreshing to see people help each other. If there is one thing that I love to see, it is the charity and care that some people glady give to their fellow human beings. It other words, whether divine or humanistic, it is a tale of kindness.

It is nice to see something like this on your television screen and a great family movie.

I bought this dvd because I heard so much about the story of the"staircase"in Santa Fe,New Mexico.I loved it so much I bought a second one to give as a gift for xmas. Barbara Hershey is wonderful in it. Based on a true story,it proves that miracles do happen,It leaves you with an enlightened feeling. I plan in the near future to see the staircase in person.

This film relates the importance of prayer, not just in Church, but, in life, when someone earmestly prays for some need ( not a want ), God will tend to it and send an answer, sometimes it is wait, or even No, but, in His infinite wisdom and timing, sometimes we will get to see the answer to our prayer as do the Nuns in this film. Very warm, not over the top,,, good for all ages...

I bought this movie originally because I am a huge fan of William Petersen and because I was happy to see that he did a Christian film. It was an excellent true story filled with Faith and hope. I recommend this for anyone. It is my favorite movie of his along with Long Gone.

I love this movie. It is uplifting to watch how the nuns have faith that the staircase can be built when the builders said it was impossible. I hope to go see the chapel someday. Highly recommended l wholesome movie. The whole family can watch this.

The story of the Staircase to the chior loft was well known to me before I saw the movie and this played everything out very well. Barbara Hershey and Diane Ladd are wonderful as the leaders of the community that builds the chapel. The only problem with the beautiful stone chapel is the chior loft was completed without stairs. Out of no where a man comes and builds a beautiful staircase without any nails or supporting columns. William Petersen plays this part beautifully, as if he has been sent from god to answer the sisters prayers. He portrays a warm, loving and almost spiritual character. I highly recommend this movie and it should be shared with children to teach them to belive in themselves and others.

This is a very well done story depicting the events surrounding a historical and religious legend about the construction of a chapel staircase in Santa Fe. It is so well done it makes you want to visit the chapel. A great family movie experience.