2. The Sound of Music (1985)
3. A Man For All Seasons (1966)
4. The Song of Bernadette (1943)
5. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
6. The Ten Commandments (1956)
7. The Scarlet and the Black (1983)
8. Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
9. Schindler's List (1993)
10. The Bells of St Mary's (1945)
The list is fairly unsurprising, given that it was generated by open polls and not by critics. I'm no critic myself, but it seems to me some of those included made the list more because they are simply enjoyable than because they are particularly Catholic, or particularly good. Of course, I'm happy to see 'A Man for All Seasons' up there. 'The Scarlet and the Black' was more profound than it seems, and I'm glad to see it appreciated. 'The Bells of St. Mary's' I found somewhat superficial, 'It's a Wonderful Life' even more so. And I'm sure someone out there will anathematize me for proposing that 'The Song of Bernadette' wasn't really that great of a movie, as far as quality storyline, acting and character development go. I mean, I like hagiography as much as the next guy, but I could barely stay awake for this one. Seemed a bit too oversaturated with saccharine piety. I dimly remember voting in this survey, and I think I put 'Becket' near the top: Becket's character is much more well-rounded, in my view, than Bernadette's. And where were 'Quo Vadis?' and 'The Robe'? And why is it that postwar sentimental melodramas seem disproportionately represented?
(From Against the Grain.)
