Hard as nails church officials try to stand in the way of possible justice in this thriller that on a dark and stormy night shows once again how horrible people can when standing up for one's conviction the person who ends up being right faces a lot of blockades. Claudette Colbert is a questionable choice to play a nun in a hospital who becomes convinced that a convicted murdereress Ann Blyth is actually innocent. She is far too glamorous even in her nun's habit, her well groomed lashes and clear face distracting.
From the very beginning of this film there are some characters who will have the audience hissing at them, particularly a nasty nurse (Phyllis Stanley) and the controlling doctor (Robert Douglas) who gossip and try to stand in Colbert's way. Gladys Cooper, as the mother, superior is a bit more understandable, but she even has a few moments where a good shake might wake her up to her prejudices. Then there's the simplistic handyman (Michael Pate) who the audience will cheer on as he goes after Stanley, obviously very loyal to Colbert.
Blyth, accused of murdering her dying brother, Is tough as nails at first, but when she comes to see that Claudette is on her side begins to change her attitude. This film deals with showing the difference between stubbornness assuredness, and the script strongly makes the case for Colbert's actions truly honorable. To most viewers, the most satisfying elements of this film will be to see these oh so righteous people put in their place, and even a few who ends up being humbled by their mistakes. Definitely a good thriller, but the choice of the leading lady still bothers me a little.
From the very beginning of this film there are some characters who will have the audience hissing at them, particularly a nasty nurse (Phyllis Stanley) and the controlling doctor (Robert Douglas) who gossip and try to stand in Colbert's way. Gladys Cooper, as the mother, superior is a bit more understandable, but she even has a few moments where a good shake might wake her up to her prejudices. Then there's the simplistic handyman (Michael Pate) who the audience will cheer on as he goes after Stanley, obviously very loyal to Colbert.
Blyth, accused of murdering her dying brother, Is tough as nails at first, but when she comes to see that Claudette is on her side begins to change her attitude. This film deals with showing the difference between stubbornness assuredness, and the script strongly makes the case for Colbert's actions truly honorable. To most viewers, the most satisfying elements of this film will be to see these oh so righteous people put in their place, and even a few who ends up being humbled by their mistakes. Definitely a good thriller, but the choice of the leading lady still bothers me a little.