Lee Eisenberg OK, so you may have heard about Jeanine Deckers, the Belgian nun who achieved worldwide fame with her performance of "Dominique". "The Singing Nun" is purportedly about her, but Deckers apparently called the movie fiction. The movie obviously wasn't allowed to show that Deckers was a lesbian. Basically, it's one of those movies that I rent just to heckle like the characters on "Mystery Science Theater 3000" do to the crummy movies that they have to watch. To me, Sally Field's high-flying Bertrille is popular culture's only jolly nun worth taking seriously.And the cast. Debbie Reynolds was always known for wholesome roles, which is why I far prefer her, um, unusual roles: "What's the Matter with Helen?", "In & Out" and "Behind the Candelabra" (one of Steven Soderbergh's best movies). Since Reynolds's daughter played a certain princess in a galaxy far, far away, that makes it even easier to come up with snarky comments. Whenever Ricardo Montalbán's priest appeared on screen, I felt tempted to shout "Khan!" (and knowing that Nichelle Nichols auditioned for a role adds to the idea of a nun boldly going where no nun had gone before). I kept calling Agnes Moorehead's stodgy nun Endora and telling her not to encourage Tabitha to use witchcraft. And can you really watch Katharine Ross and not think of Elaine in "The Graduate"? I understand that Belgium made a serious movie about Deckers called "Soeur Sourire". I'd like to see that one. No doubt it'll show the discrimination that she likely suffered as a lesbian. "The Singing Nun" is a movie at which I can only roll my eyes.

jfarms1956 This movie is basically a family movie. Although children under the age of ten probably would not appreciate it. The Singing Nun will leave you with positive messages and upbeat feelings. Wholesome Debbie Reynolds is perfect for a nun. Other great actors such as Greer Garson, Ricardo Montalban, Agnes Moorehead, and Katharine Ross further lead to the enjoyment of the film. It is hard to picture Ricardo Montalban as a priest. He is totally handsome and debonair in whatever he does. However, it is Debbie Reynolds who is the star. The Singing Nun has picturesque scenes and you feel warm and fuzzy throughout the film. The music is very good as well. It's a film that the whole family can watch together. Sit back, relax and enjoy. I give it four thumbs up.

hollisnaptown the singing nun is a refreshing trip back in time -- when movies were uplifting and you left the theater feeling good about yourself and inspired.any commenter can check off a list of flaws, unbelievable characters, improbable plot lines, etc. the fact that this story is based on a real-life nun is irrelevant. it's an inspiring story in it's purest form. real-life has a way of intruding on our dreams no matter what our intentions or who we are. same with the real singing nun. if you watch this movie with an open mind and check your cynicism at the door, you'll be rewarded with an uplifting experience.debbie reynolds is in fine voice, as all the other comments seem to point out. the cast is strong and good. the music, if you grew up in the catholic church or any number of protestant churches in the 60's and 70's, will be familiar.as a bonus, my 9 year-old daughter watched it with me recently on tcm and loved it. i didn't have to worry about any questionable scenes, a refreshing change nowadays.so, there you have it from a rock and roll dad, still no saint, but touched nonetheless by a simple movie with a simple message. helping people less fortunate than us. what a concept.

billsav57 I was a very young Catholic school student when this movie came out (see my comments about the TV show "The Flying Nun"). At the time, it was STRONGLY suggested by the sisters teaching us that we go to see this movie. It was playing right down the street. At the time, it seemed so light and breezy, and the music was so in tune with what we were being taught. Of course, since then, A LOT has happened, and the true-life story of the real "Singing Nun" took such a bizarre turn and ended in such weird fashion, that I think I'd have a hard time watching this version now.