Darlings, I Have A Bone To Pick With The Pope!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          No, it is not about issues surrounding abortion or homosexuality.  It is about the choice of the Pope's favorite movies; or at least the omission of one, thereof.

                           On the surface, I have no problem with his choices.  It is pretty forward thinking to list 1980's "Ordinary People," which deals with suicide and mental illness, not to mention an unfit mother and the breakup of a marriage over a child's death.

                               No argument from me, either, about "The Sound Of Music."   Julie doing that twirl, the Alps, Charmian, Heather, the nuns--what more could one ask for?????????????

                                 "It's A Wonderful Life" is more problematic.  I maintain that it is a beautifully written, photographed and acted story.  It deserves to be called iconic.  But its paean to small town virtue makes me a bit squeamish, especially concerning the characters of Mary (Donna Reed) and Violet (Gloria Graham).  Still, I can accept the choice.

                                     Even though "Life Is Beautiful" did not do it for me, I can live with it.  Roberto Benigni won the Oscar for Best Actor, and deservedly so.  Those looking for a better film with a similar message had best look to Vittorio De Sica's 1952 "Umberto D."  Its climax and ending speak volumes.

                                     Still, I can live with the Pope's choices.  But one film is conspicuously missing from this list.

                                       Where is "THE SONG OF BERNADETTE?"

                                       I mean, Jennifer Jones, that cast, cinematography and Alfred Newman score; it does not get much better than this.  And for not only a clergyman, but the highest one in the land--Jesus' representative on earth--to overlook this masterwork is disappointing, to say the least.

                                      Take a look at this film, and see for yourself, Padre!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     

                                    

                                          Take a look and this image and tell me it is not worthy to be listed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I dare you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          I wonder what Father Guido Sarducci's list of favorite movies would have been????????????????