Better than I expected. George Seaton's screenplay takes pains to make the unsympathetic characters believable and redeemable, and the film avoids coming down firmly on the side that says miracles were taking place in Lourdes. Just that amount of respect for the audience is all that's needed to make the miracles seem miraculous and stoke our endurance for Jennifer Jones' beatific expression, which is sustained for over two and a half hours, and won her an Academy Award.

A straightforward piece of hagiography, the filmmakers withstand the temptation to make clear pronouncements about the reality of the miracles. Even more impressive is that Bernadette retains her simplicity throughout. This allows the audience the opportunity to engage the elements of the story without feeling the need to take sides in a debate. No doubt the film remains sympathetic to a faith viewpoint, but that is far different than ramming it down our throats.

Ordet >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> this

Directed with tenderness and carefully cast, and appealing to religious and sentimental susceptibilities.

Very good religious movie -- with Vincent Price in a juicy supporting role, no less. Not at all what you might expect