I felt I should feature a movie about France today since yesterday was Bastille Day and on Wednesday we covered a classic French Grand Cru but I’ve had Hayley Mills on my mind for weeks. We were recently chatting about her on twitter, then Gaye over at Little Augury mentioned her and Liz Lange cited Pollyanna as inspiration in her recent BEHIND THE Q.
So as you see, I’ve given into temptation. It was a tough choice – I just adored all of Hayley Mills’ films – but I’ve chosen one of my personal favorites. The Trouble with Angels. This 1966 comedy chronicles the antics of two teenagers in an all girls Catholic convent school. The great Rosalind Russell is fabulous as the exasperated Mother Superior. Mills plays Mary Clancy, the rebellious half of the duo with June Harding as the more innocent Rachel Devery, her companion in mischief.
Ida Lupino, one of the few female directors of her era, did an excellent job behind the camera on this film. There are a few other interesting tidbits in play as well. Gypsy Rose Lee has a small part as Mrs. Mabel Dowling Phipps. Also, as a perfect example of type casting, three of the actresses who play nuns in this movie, repeat their performances in later films. Marge Redmond goes on to play Sister Jacqueline in the TV show The Flying Nun, Mary Wickes stars in Sister Act and its sequel and Portia Nelson had the year before portrayed a nun in The Sound of Music. On the other hand, one of the nuns is played by Camilla Sparv, who three years later stars as Robert Redford’s glamorous love interest in Downhill Racer.
Also, the original subtitle of the movie was “a habit forming comedy” – don’t know why they changed it – I think it’s perfect.
This is a movie you could definitely enjoy with your children. The pranks are relatively harmless and include such behavior as setting off fire alarms, smoking cigars in the basement, putting bubble baths in the nuns’ sugar bowls and other such “scathingly brilliant ideas”. Several times the girls come close to expulsion, but the Mother Superior always gives in, knowing their histories and having faith that the school will ultimately help them mature. Of course by the conclusion, the girls have indeed grown, and Mary, in particular, has developed a fondness for the place.
Although dated and the religious overtones (and ending) notwithstanding, this is a charming coming of age tale that showcases Hayley Mills’ particular brand of 60’s appeal, not to mention the great Rosalind Russell who shines in this scene. “To bend, but not break. To yield, but not capitulate. To have pride, but also humility.”
What great memories this brings back. I had just started high school and so wanted the nuns to be like the sisters in this film. By the way it’s Hayley Mills, not Haley.
Oh thank you so much for catching that – I actually knew how to spell her name – I blame the late posting hour!!
I think we all have a touch of Mary and Rachel in us!! Wonderful movie… have a great weekend, Stacey!! ox
Wish I had your handy movie list with me on my trip – everything on tv was so uninspiring! Hope you have a great weekend Q and will be adding Angels to my list!
xxoo
Oh, this one has been totally off my radar. Another good one for the Netflix queue. Haley Mills is adorable.
Have a lovely weekend!
How I wanted to be Hayley Mills when I was little. SO many great lines in this movie clip – “I think I’m going to kill myself – Catholics aren’t allowed to”
“The world is not yet ready for you” and “they’re French” – and so many more.
Was that a young “Ellery Queen” cameo I saw?
Rosalind Russell and Hayley Mills, how could it get much better? Seriously.
Another great choice Stacey! Haven’t seen this in years!
xo Cathy
Sounds like a good movie to watch… I’ll put it on my list.Thanks.
Stacey, I loved this movie. I remember it very well. I was a Hayley Mills fan and saw most of her films. And I was just talking to my daughter about “The Parent Trap,” which I have seen many times. These films were a big part of my youth.
So glad you gave in to it Stacey! pgt
Who can resist a “habit forming comedy”? Thanks for the recommendation and have a lovely weekend!
xoxo,
Chic ‘n Cheap Living
Can’t wait to pick this one up! Maybe next weekend!
I hope that you are having a great weekend, q.
Teresa
xoxo
It’s so nice to know a fun movie I can watch with my daughter. Thanks for posting!
I’ve never seen this one and based on your reviews, it sounds like it’s a must see! Hope your weekend was a fab one:)
That darling Hayley Mills!!! This looks perfect for my boys. I’d better hide Grant’s cigars though! :)
Putting this one on my list too! You always have the best movie recommendations!
Thank you for this recommendation, it looks like the perfect little movie to watch for some pure relaxing enjoyment. Hope your weekend was a good one!
xo Mary Jo
Stacey– Love movies you can watch with the whole family, and this one looks fun!
(We just did E.T. last month!)
Loretta
Darling movie choice, but I sometimes have trouble finding these classics. (netflix sent a very scratched and unwatchable Philadelphia Story) . What is your source?
Xo, Lynn
What a happy memory this was! One of my childhood FAVES. The ending was pitch perfect and broke my heart every time!