Sister Act - Edition Speciale

Recently I had to attend a function at an exclusive club in Indianapolis. I had been to this club before (always dressed very well, three-piece suit or sharp business-formal double-breasted, etc.) and had always been stopped at the door, asked who I was and where I was going, etc. This last time I was wearing my collar. The door was opened, I was greeted ('good afternoon, Father') and left to wander about the club as I pleased.

A few days later, at a retirement party for faculty members from my seminary, I again wore my collar for the formal event. As the serving staff were putting out the plates for us, I noticed that they served the women first (proper etiquette), but then they served me as a separate stage before proceeding to the other gentlemen at the table (none of whom were wearing clericals).

People are far more deferential to me now. I can get away with a lot more. Hmmmm...

Oh well. Just a brief observation. On to the movie...

I've loved this film since the first time I saw it. From the beginning transition of Delores as a schoolgirl to Delores (Whoopi Goldberg) the casino show girl, to the exciting chase of nuns and villians throug the casino, and the 'happy ending' packaging, it all works.

Delores van Cartier (as anyone of that name probably should be!) is a showgirl in a casino. She has had the misfortune to fall into a love affair with a casino-owner being investigated by the police for various crimes, including murder (I know, unheard of, surely, but hey, this is fiction!).

Delores is an eye witness to one murder, and thus goes on the run. She contacts the police, and one particular policeman places her in a convent in another city, where she, masquerading as a nun, would live a quiet and cloistered life, out of public view, and safe from the criminals who are by this time scouring the country looking for her, dead or alive.

When Delores arrives at the convent, it is as much of a culture shock to her as she is to the culture of the convent, especially as that is envisioned and embodied by the Reverend Mother (played astutely by Maggie Smith). After a period of 'adjustment', the Reverend Mother finally decided that there is no place in the convent that 'Sister Mary Clarence' really fits into well, but perhaps she could, given her musical career, do something with the rather disastrous choir at the convent.

Delores/Mary Clarence does so reluctantly, but after a few false starts, instills confidence in the choir members, and introduces a 'showtune' element into their repertoire as well (much to the amazement, nay, horror of the Reverend Mother). It has the side effect, however, of drawing people and attention to the church. The church grows, and the choir continues its ascending popularity, while the Reverend Mother grows increasingly worried over the changes in her convent and the jeopardy such attention may bring to Delores' need for a safe haven.

The musical variations, combinations of hymnody and popular songs, really helps carry the story through its hilarious stages. 'I will follow him' is perhaps my favourite combination piece. According to the promotional material, she turns the nuns' tone-deaf choir into a soulful chorus of swingin', singing sisters. In the end, the music draws such attention to the church of St. Catherine that the Pope decided to visit.

Supporting casts members include Havey Keitel as the casino-owner; Kathy Najimy as Sister Mary Patrick; and veteran actress Mary Wickes as Sister Mary Lazarus.

A happy ending is assured, as indeed is a sequel, with yet more nunnery nonsense.


Genial   Juin 5, 2002
8 sur 8 ont trouvé ce commentaire utile

Sister Act est un moment de pur bonheur !! Si vous n'allez pas bien et que vous voulez vous remonter le moral eh bien regardez Sister Act !! Whoopi Goldberg est formidable en soeur, l'humour va bon train sans oublier l'action tout ceci rondement mene par une bande sonore parfaitement adaptee. Tres tres sympa !!