In my post last week (A Great Time in the "Valley"), in order to explain why a review of "Dolls" was futile in the face of its camp appeal, I cited a quote from another film from 20th Century Fox, made in 1943: "For those who believe, no explanation is necessary; for those who do not believe, no explanation is possible".
That's the post-credit title card that precedes the start of "The Song of Bernadette", a multi-Oscar winner, including Best Actress for Jennifer Jones in her screen debut. Good job, Ben!
I now officially retire "Dolls" from this blog....until it resurfaces in the news again to delight (and corrupt) another group of excited fans. To the many readers who will see this movie for the first time after reading this Journal, I don't know whether to say "I'm Sorry" or "You're Welcome"! I am fairly confident, though, that most of you will have a guilty good time, and for that, I am happy.
And I am also quite certain that no other publication but this Journal has mentioned both "Valley of the Dolls" and "The Song of Bernadette" in the same article!
Re: Last paragraph: No one would dare, Trailblazer! But seriously, I haven't even seen The Song of Bernadette, even though my all-time favorite actor Vincent Price is in it. How is he? Ample screen time?
ReplyDeleteI'm touched.
ReplyDeleteWalter..LOL, thanks!! Hmm, never seen "Bernadette?" It's stirring, although dated, and VERY reverent. Funny: "B" actress Linda Darnell plays the Virgin Mary. Vincent Price has a supporting role, and he is in the film mostly in the last third. He plays it well, although it is not a major part.
ReplyDeleteBen, I think you have seen it...