The Miracle of the Bells (1948)

Undoubtedly one the finest performances by Fred MacMurry and Frank Sinatra, not to mention the superior supporting cast, Lee J. Cobb for starters. But because Sinatra isn't singing the "experts"; Maltin, Siskel, Ebert and Shalate overlook his REAL acting abiltiy. Sinatra is as pure a thespian as Olivier in this role as a priest (not even a church hymn from Frank's lips is hummed). Maltin's above review includes "ludicrous" plot-I'm sure the movie GHOST is on Leonard's his TOP 100 list. Trust no critic: see the this inspirational movie at once.

Based on Russell Janey's novel, the Ben Hecht/Quentin Reynolds script for this film is sometimes sappy and often uneven, but it's also a nice sentimental story, told in flashback, by William Dunnigan (played in a somber manner by Fred McMurray), a press agent who was never a very happy guy, and is burying the woman he loved (but was never able to tell her so).

The real reason to watch this film is to see Alida Valli play Joan of Arc, in a "film within a film" segment. She is luminous and incredibly beautiful, and would have made a terrific Joan. Coincidentally, the lavish "Joan of Arc" production starring Ingrid Bergman was released the same year as this film.

Another reason to view "The Miracle of the Bells" is to see Frank Sinatra, skinny as a rail, in the unlikely part of a soft spoken priest; this was five years before his success in "From Here to Eternity", and he is surprisingly good, but far from great. He sings "Ever Homeward", a cappella, as he sits among the grave stones; there's a lot of gloomy aspects to the film, one of them being that the setting is a poor coal mining town...though it all has a nice pay-off.

Lee J. Cobb is Marcus Harris, the film producer making "Joan of Arc", and he has the humorous moment in the film with his "I won't stand for any press agent miracles !" rant, which was funny enough to make me laugh out loud, a rarity for me.

Some might say it's improbable that headlines of "Nation Mourns For Movie Star" could ever happen, especially when the "movie star" is unknown, but seeing how today's media obsesses about inconsequential stories, and runs with them for days (nay, weeks !) on end, on a slow news cycle, anything could happen.

Total running time is 120 minutes.

Buy The Miracle of the Bells (1948) Now

Orginally, I saw this movie about ten years ago and it really left an impression on me. It brilliantly grabs the viewer's heart...You would have to be dead not to be touched by this film. I loved it and I'm getting ready to purchase a copy for my 15-year-old daughter to watch. I've shared with her many other classics I've valued in my lifetime, i.e. Jane Eyre (Orson Wells), Wuthering Heights, and Alice Adams. I hope she will treasure the classics as much as I do.

Read Best Reviews of The Miracle of the Bells (1948) Here

I read the first review and had to add my vote to get this great film transferred to DVD. It is a wonderful film that has a great message and is a Christmas Favorite of mine. I watched it every year at the holiday's as a child. Very well acted and worth the time spent to sit and enjoy a film that can rest on the plot and the talent of the actors. No needless sex or violence just a great story!!! Hurry with the DVD PLEASE!!!

Want The Miracle of the Bells (1948) Discount?

I was able to purchase this movie on a DVD from sales distribution Blackhorse Entertainment

I could not play it on Blue Ray but was able to play it on my old DVD player.

The movie was marvelous. I do not care what the critics say. Alida Valli does an outstanding job. Fred Mac Murray has a magical delivery in this role and the perfect voice sound to make it powerful. Frank Sinatra as a priest shows a good depth of character, plays it just as it should be. No fluff. Lee J. Cobb always a top rated professional does not let you down in this one either. He defends America with eloquent poise. I might add defending America in films today seems to be missing.

Please get the film, pass it on to your children, it is a classic.

Enjoy,

Vicki Youngelman

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