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(More customer reviews)Based upon a well known stage production of the same name, this is an unusual film about a postulant nun, who has a life defining decision to make. It is a choice between a secular life and a religious one. Her decision is to have consequences for many.
The film takes place in Spain, sometime in the early nineteenth century. At the Convent of the Valley of Milaflores stands a statue of the Madonna. Legend has it that since the statue has been there, the region has been prosperous. This is the convent where seventeen year old Teresa (Carroll Baker) is a postulant nun. One day, a group of English soldiers, sent to help Spain ward off invasion by the French, come by the convent. Led by young, impossibly handsome Captain Michael Stuart (Roger Moore), who cuts a dashing figure, Teresa falls in love at first sight. He, too, is smitten by her. As luck would have it, they fall in love, and Teresa agrees to meet him in town in order to get married.
Unfortunately, timing is everything. Teresa gets into town just as the French are invading. Believing that Michael has been killed, she leaves to wander about the world, after joining a band of gypsies. In the meantime, the statue of the Madonna literally leaves her pedestal, becoming flesh and blood. No one in the convent knows that Teresa is gone, as the Madonna has taken Teresa's place and assumed her visage.
Meanwhile, Teresa becomes a famous gypsy singer and dancer, traveling around the country and having adventures. Whenever a man falls in love with her, however, the recipe is usually disaster. One day, her faith is renewed, when she gets her dearest wish. She then finds herself making a promise that causes her to find herself back at square one. It is a life defining decision. It is a miracle.
Carroll Baker is unexpectedly moving as the angst ridden young woman. She does a wonderful job with the role of Teresa, as she evolves from an innocent, wide-eyed seventeen year old to a world weary, somewhat bitter, young woman. Roger Moore is a joy to behold as the English Captain, so very handsome is he, and so in love with Teresa. The rest of the supporting cast is equally good, with a stormy, passionate performance by Katina Paxinou as La Roca, Queen of the Gypsies. Vittorio Gassman gives a fine performance as Guido, Teresa's gypsy lover, as does Gustavo Roja with his portrayal of Cordoba, the broodingly handsome and intense matador who loves Teresa. Walter Slezak adds a sly comedic touch as the Spanish gypsy, Flaco, who befriends Teresa.
The only discordant note in the film is the superimposition of Carroll Baker's visage over that of the Madonna, when the statue first becomes flesh and blood. It looks odd due to the fact that the visage is clearly superimposed in a garish yellow color that stands out like a sore thumb. I suspect that the film did not always have this garish superimposition. Other than that, the movie is an enjoyable one for those who like this genre of film. Those viewers who enjoy films such as "The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima", "Song of Bernadette", and "The Miracle of Marcelino" will, undoubtedly, enjoy this one, as well.
Click Here to see more reviews about: The Miracle (1959)
During the war of 1812, a young nun leaves the convent to search for a series of romantic adventures, and during her journey the statue of the virgin Mary descends from the pedestal and takes the young nun's place until her return.
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