Ida Lupino is generally best remembered as a noir-ish actress of the 1940s and 1950s--but she was an accomplished director as well, and THE TROUBLE WITH ANGELS possesses a remarkably stable feel that bespeaks Lupino's talents. The script is funny without being frantic and spiritual without being sentimental and the cinematography is simple yet often elegant. But the real sparkle of the film comes from the extremely enjoyable performances offered by an ensemble cast led by Rosalind Russell as the formidable Reverend Mother and Haley Mills and June Harding as her problem students. Russell gives one her best performances here, Haley Mills is her equal every step of the way, and June Harding is equally enjoyable; the truly memorable supporting cast includes the likes of Binnie Barnes and Gypsy Rose Lee. A truly fun and sometimes touching film to which you will likely return again and again, well worth the investment. Recommended.

The original tagline for this film was that it was "a habit forming comedy," which is a rather ironic description given the film's rather surprise ending. Like Rachel, at first glance what happens at this end of this film is a complete shock. But upon reflecting-or watching the film a second time-it becomes clear that this is a film about finding something better. It is not surprising that Rosalind Russell captures the comedy of the Reverend Mother, but what might surprise you is how she provides the heart and soul of the film as well. I also want to recognize Jerry Goldsmith's score for this film and the way he takes the title theme and turns it into both the St. Francis marching band's song and appropriately religious sounding music for a key moment in the film. An excellent use of a basic theme in myriad ways. The title sequence was created by Fritz Freleng and David H. DePatie.

"The Trouble with Angles" is a not a great film, but it is a solid, moving story that sneaks up with its message through the laughter and tears. I find myself watching this film every time I come across it on television, which probably speaks more to its strengths than anything, because I have never been a big Haley Mills fan. You should recognize Mary Wickes as Sister Clarissa, seeing as how she played another albeit more memorable nun in the "Sister Act" movies. Of course the movies are quite similar in terms of having a large cast of nuns who as distinct and interesting characters (who can ever forget Marge Redmond as Sister Liguori?). Finally, keep an eye out for Gypsy Rose Lee as Mrs. Mabel Dowling Phipps, who teaches interpretive movement...