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“The Trouble With Angels” (TTWA) can be perceived on multiple levels. It combines slapstick comedy with melodrama. Some reviewers have rated other films ahead of TTWA because they had grosser gags. But TTWA is not an attempt to transfer Animal House to a convent. TTWA is really not so much a comedy as a serious portrayal of growing up, and of the forces that can bind, but also the forces that can separate, friends. We follow this process through the experiences of the two principal characters, Mary Clancy (Hayley Mills) and Rachel Devery (June Harding), and their interaction with the Mother Superior (Rosalind Russell). Russell plays the master of ceremonies, alternately dignified, angry, reflective or amused, and with a cultivated sense of timing. Mills and Harding were a sort of cinematic odd couple. Mills was a scion of a prominent English theatrical family, who at 19 had already been in 10 films, usually as the star. Harding on the other hand, was the 27-year-old daughter of a wholesale meat packer in a tiny southern Virginia town, now making her first major film. Watching them on screen, however, we are not conscious of these differences. In fact, Mary and Rachel have similar reactions to life at St. Francis Academy, and soon become best friends. But beneath the surface forces are developing that will threaten their friendship. These forces are partly a reflection of their different backgrounds. Mary was brought up as a Catholic (in a summer vacation, Mary visits the Vatican and sees the Pope). But Rachel pretty clearly was not. Apart from this, the two begin to experience St. Francis Academy in different ways. Mary increasingly sees the nuns in a favorable light. But Rachel, having heard the Mother Superior characterize her as the “devil’s agent,” and denigrate her previous school (which she liked) and its headmaster (whom she admired), retains her unfavorable view of the school. And when the Mother Superior makes a rather bureaucratic announcement of a sister’s death, Rachel wonders, “How can she be so cold?” It gradually becomes clear to us that Mary and Rachel may be going separate ways. When she learns of Mary’s plan to become a nun, Rachel is shocked—she considers Mary a “traitor.” In the final scene, Rachel must decide which forces will win out, those of friendship, or those of enmity. Harding’s contemporary letters (now accessible on Harding’s website), addressed to “Dear Mama,” reveal Harding as a sincerely modest person occasionally overwhelmed by her star status. She seems to have been on a first name basis only with Mills and perhaps the other girls; she tended to speak deferentially of the older actresses. Especially interesting is Harding’s relationship with director Ida Lupino. Harding was not an obvious choice to play the part of Rachel. At 27, Harding was much too old for the part. She had little background in comedy, and she occasionally made the wrong impression on motion picture executives (“too ‘New York,’” in the words of producer William Frye). Yet, almost from their first meeting, Lupino wanted to cast Harding as Rachel. And this decision seems to have been justified. Harding is featured in the film’s most comical and emotional scenes. For Mills, the script was more confining, and she comes across (perhaps unfairly) as a less engaging character. This film is not as frivoulous as its publicity might suggest. It has substance as well as comedy.Read full review
The Trouble With Angels is a superb family movie with a stellar cast and a terrific storyline. Rosalind Russell is fantastic as the Reverend Mother and shows yet again why she was one of America's actress treasures. Haley Mills so rocks in her role as Mary and her performance truly is "scathingly brilliant" herself! Watch The Trouble With Angels with your kids for a grand time with a story that shows that life is about change and that one's calling in life can come when we least expect it... A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I love Hayley Mills! This movie is a blast to watch just for the fashions worn by the girls at this private ladies academy! How times have changed! The mischief that the two leading ladies get into is so mild compared to the headlines of today...it was refreshing to relive my childhood and all it's innocence. Even the nuns attire has completely changed! This DVD has excellent sound and color and is a pleasure to watch. I'm looking forward to sharing this movie with my daughter and granddaughter as it is an excellent family movie.
This is an older movie that amazingly carries valuable lessons given in comical situations that current generations can relate to. I viewed this movie as a child and became a fan of Haley Mills who also did an excellent job in Parent Trap, now a popular remake. Haley Mills, and others bring to life the experiences of teen girls going through high school in a private school entering adulthood; the joys, the rebellion, life as it is and the thoughtful consideration of choices. I enjoy this movie with it's many hilarious situations, outcomes and interesting characters that bring the movie to life. If you can get past the 60's imaging and follow the story, you'll be entertained and perhaps your daughter's or grand daughters will also enjoy and benefit from the message given. A++ in my book!Read full review
Having gone to a Catholic boarding school, I was transported back in time... this movie has it all. Grew up with Haley Mill's movies, and this one is her best, in my opinion. Get ready to laugh at all her antics, and take a hilarious journey into an all girl's boarding school. Rosalyn Russell is the epitome of a head nun, no one could have been better suited for the role. Great flick!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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