The Song of Bernadette1943The Song of Bernadette
1943
In Lourdes in 1858, Bernadette Soubirous, a sickly peasant girl, sees a beautiful lady in a grotto. Officials, skeptics, and some of the clergy try to make her recant, but she will not deny what she saw.
The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.
Why it’s here
A humble, truthful girl who will not deny what she saw, whatever it costs her. Faith tested by scorn, and patience in suffering.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
Officials and some clergy mock and threaten Bernadette, and the film shows her honesty vindicated. The Catholic understanding of visions and redemptive suffering may need explaining for Protestant families, and her painful illness and death are sad.
The Song of Bernadette (1943)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- Why wouldn't Bernadette change her story?
- How did the dean change toward her?
- What did Sister Marie Thérèse learn?
- What do you think the lady meant to Bernadette?
Content advisory
Movieguide (via WebSearch): no foul language, violence, sexual content, or substance use; about two and a half hours long.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
The Song of Bernadette Blu-ray (Screen Archives Entertainment Exclusive)
Blu-ray · March 26, 2013
Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.