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The Nun's Story

Director: Fred Zinnemann
Writer: Robert Anderson, Kathryn Hulme (book)
Cast: Audrey Hepburn, Peter Finch, Edith Evans, Peggy Ashcroft, Dean Jagger, Mildred Dunnock, Beatrice Straight
Photography by: Franz Planer
Music by: Franz Waxman
Runtime: 149 min.
Year: 1959

About: Gabrielle Van Der Mal gave up everything to become a nun. But her faith and her vows are forever being tested: first in the missionary Congo hospital where she assists the brilliant and handsome Dr. Fortunati and then at the mother house in France when World War II has broken out and the nuns are forbidden by the order to take sides.

Trivia:
¤ An often-reported legend surrounding this movie is the story that Hepburn demanded a bidet be provided for her on location in the Congo. Hepburn always denied this, wondering how such an extravagance could even be hooked up in the Congo..
¤ The film was based on the novel of the same name, that told the story of the real-life "Sister Luke," Marie-Louise Habets. In the film, Audrey Hepburn's sisters were named Marie and Louise.
¤ Zinnemann arranged for Audrey to meet the real-life Sister Luke at Hulme's home near Los Angeles. Audrey consulted than the ex-nun on every detail of her character.

Awards:
Oscars: nominations: Best Actress in a Leading Role (Audrey Hepburn), Best Cinematography - Color, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Music - Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Best Picture, Best Sound, Best Writing - Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.
Golden Globes: Outstanding Merit; nominations: Best Film Promoting International Understanding, Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Motion Picture Actress - Drama (Audrey Hepburn), Best Motion Picture Director, Best Supporting Actress
BAFTA: Best British Actress (Audrey Hepburn); nominations: Best British Actor, Best British Actress, Best Film from any Source, nomination for UN Award
Laurel Awards: Top Female Dramatic Performance (Audrey Hepburn - 2nd place), Top Drama (3rd place), Top Score (3rd place)
New York Film Critics Circle Awards: Best Actress (Audrey Hepburn), Best Director
San Sebastian International Film Festival: Golden Seashell (F. Zinnemann), Best Actress (Audrey Hepburn)

           

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