The Trouble with Angels Reviews

• WIDESCREEN

  
  By AWBTQUQTTID97 on 2003-10-31
  It is wonderful that they are bringing out The Trouble with Angels, but it should have been done letterboxed. The problem is , it probably won't be released again. All movies should be released in their original aspect ratio or given the option on the dvd.
  
  

• Funny and Very Charming Film For The Entire Family

  
  By ACIBQ6BQ6AWEV on 2002-06-13
  Smartly paced direction and sparkling performances highlight this extremely funny and ultimately touching story of two prankster teenage girls who run riot through a Catholic boarding school--and who, almost in spite of themselves, develop in maturity and spirituality in sometimes unexpected ways.

  Ida Lupino is generally best remembered as a noir-ish actress of the 1940s and 1950s--but she was an accomplished director as well, and THE TROUBLE WITH ANGELS possesses a remarkably stable feel that bespeaks Lupino's talents. The script is funny without being frantic and spiritual without being sentimental and the cinematography is simple yet often elegant. But the real sparkle of the film comes from the extremely enjoyable performances offered by an ensemble cast led by Rosalind Russell as the formidable Reverend Mother and Haley Mills and June Harding as her problem students. Russell gives one her best performances here, Haley Mills is her equal every step of the way, and June Harding is equally enjoyable; the truly memorable supporting cast includes the likes of Binnie Barnes and Gypsy Rose Lee. A truly fun and sometimes touching film to which you will likely return again and again, well worth the investment. Recommended.
  
  

• 5 star movie....but....pan and scan???

  
  By A326R2P2MC732S on 2003-10-14
  Come on Columbia Home Video, do justice to this and its sister movie "Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows" and release them in "widescreen"!!!! These are such great, vastly underrated movies, it appears even Columbia doesn't think enough of them that they would give them this shabby treatment.

  Anyway, if you get a chance to see them (on Turner Classics), they are WONDERFUL movies.
  
  

• The important thing in life is not to yield, but to choose

  
  By A2NJO6YE954DBH on 2002-09-22
  "The Trouble with Angels" is one of those films where the whole is greater than the sums of the part. Worldly Mary Clancy (Haley Mills) constantly has "scathingly brilliant" ideas and drags her innocent best friend Rachel Devery (June Harding) into all sorts of hi-jinks at the St. Francis Academy for Girls, a Catholic School lorded over by one of the more formidable Mother Superiors in movie history, played by Rosalind Russell. Mary has modern views and has never seen a rule she was not interested in breaking, while Rachel wishes with all of her heart to be more like her friend. Based on the novel by Jane Trahey, the screenplay by Blanche Hanalis offers by a very episodic story as Mary and Rachel get in and out of trouble over and over again. Yet every time Mary and Mother Superior butt heads each earns a bit more respect from the others. More importantly, they come to understand each other.

  The original tagline for this film was that it was "a habit forming comedy," which is a rather ironic description given the film's rather surprise ending. Like Rachel, at first glance what happens at this end of this film is a complete shock. But upon reflecting-or watching the film a second time-it becomes clear that this is a film about finding something better. It is not surprising that Rosalind Russell captures the comedy of the Reverend Mother, but what might surprise you is how she provides the heart and soul of the film as well. I also want to recognize Jerry Goldsmith's score for this film and the way he takes the title theme and turns it into both the St. Francis marching band's song and appropriately religious sounding music for a key moment in the film. An excellent use of a basic theme in myriad ways. The title sequence was created by Fritz Freleng and David H. DePatie.

  "The Trouble with Angles" is a not a great film, but it is a solid, moving story that sneaks up with its message through the laughter and tears. I find myself watching this film every time I come across it on television, which probably speaks more to its strengths than anything, because I have never been a big Haley Mills fan. You should recognize Mary Wickes as Sister Clarissa, seeing as how she played another albeit more memorable nun in the "Sister Act" movies. Of course the movies are quite similar in terms of having a large cast of nuns who as distinct and interesting characters (who can ever forget Marge Redmond as Sister Liguori?). Finally, keep an eye out for Gypsy Rose Lee as Mrs. Mabel Dowling Phipps, who teaches interpretive movement...
  
  

• Totally Heart Warming Excursion into a Simpler Time

  
  By A2TOU0N8XE68W4 on 2003-09-02
  "The Trouble With Angels", is one of those films that takes you back to your own childhood when life seemed alot simpler and nicer than in our present day hussle and bussle. I have always had a particular fondness for this charming story set in a Girl's Catholic Boarding School because of the terrific characters, the sentimental yet wise message it puts across and because it came along just as cinemea was moving into more adult themes leaving behind forever the innocence of alot of early 1960's movie making. I think all of us who have been through the school system in any part of the world can at least partly recognise things from our own school days in this funny and touching story.

  "Angels" relates the story of the misadventures of two young girls, wilful Mary Clancy (Hayley Mills in one of her most endearing roles) and her offsider Rachel Devery (June Harding) who reluctantly join the convent school of St. Francis. During the course of their years there the two rebels proceed to turn that establishment upside down with many madcap schemes that are always based on a "scathingly brilliant idea" to borrow Mary's usual exclamation, much to the utter despair of the Convent's formidable Mother Superior (Rosalind Russell in a wonderful performance). Being the leader of the two Mary finds herself locking horns on repeated occasions with the Rev. Mother until both begin to see and indeed admire aspects of each other's characters not at first evident. This appreciation however only develops after many trying clashes of personality usually at the Rev. Mother's expense ranging from smoking in the toilets, to placing bubble bath in all the sister's tea, to falsely calling out the fire brigade, to getting very revealing costumes for the school band etc. However in the course of all these clashes Mary and Rev. Mother both start to see the real individuals under the outward facade. Mary begins to realise that Rev. Mother has a warm heart and a creative side as seen in the beautiful dress making scene, and Rev. Mother begins to realise that Mary is just someone who is desperate to be loved and cared for. The surprise twist of an ending which I wont reveal here brings the characters full circle and provides the story with its wonderfully sentimental conclusion after much merry high jinks.

  What makes this beautiful little film such a great viewing experience is the great talent brought together in this story. Ably directed by former actress Ida Lupino, she here displays a wonderful understanding of female characters and how they best relate together. Rosalind Russell had I feel one of her best later day roles as the stern but caring Rev. Mother and displays a wonderful comic timing in her scenes with the girls and the other nuns. She is really one of the best parts of "The Trouble With Angels", and brings her years of expert comedy experience to the role without demeaning the characters overall integrity one bit. Hayley Mills and June Harding as the two rebellious students do fine work and bring all the necessary dimension to their two characters to make their development throughout the story entirely believable. The actresses who play the various nuns in the story also add tremendously to the quality of this film. Foremost Mary Wickes as the wacky Sister Clarissa, Marge Redmond as the lovely and untimately tragic Sister Liguori, and Binnie Barnes, Dolores Sutton and Judith Lowry all in their own unique way bring special qualities to the story. The film even boasts a cameo appearance by non other than Gypsy Rose Lee as an Avant Garde Movement teacher in a very funny sequence which once again drives the poor Rev. Mother to distraction. Each in turn either make us laugh or cry and are the special people that make watching "The Trouble With Angels", such an enjoyable experience. Like all good comedies there are moments of sentiment and drama in among the laughs and Mary's viewing of the Nuns at prayer during the Christmas season and in particular the scenes after Sister Liguori's death really succeed in creating quiet special moments in among the mayhem.

  This type of innocent storytelling from our childhood really couldn't be made today as effectively and it's that "time capsule" quality to "The Trouble With Angels", that makes it required viewing for me at least during each Christmas Season. It reminds me of simpler times and the values we were hopefully brought up with. If you enjoy veteran actresses in quality roles or just enjoy sentimental comedy of a very innocent kind then it would be a "scathingly brilliant idea" to check this little comedy out, you wont regret it!!! Enjoy
  
  

• Love the movie, hate the "pan and scan"
  By on 2003-10-30
  This is one of those unsung, "It's a Wonderful Life" movies .. so why is it not offered in widescreen? The "pan-and-scan" destroys its original character. Wait to purchase until in comes out in widescreen, but rent it and watch it now! It's wonderful.
  
  
• Oh, BROTHER!
  By AORGKBNQZ83O8 on 2004-10-01
  I can't believe that Sony released a pan-and-scan edition of this and that I didn't catch it before purchasing it. Please, Sony, if you're going to assign a $24.95 list price to a DVD with NO EXTRAS WHATSOEVER, at least have the decency to offer pan-and-scan as an option (for those who'd actually want such a thing) along with an anamorphic widescreen print in the correct aspect ratio, as you did with The Long Gray Line, for instance. I'm really disgusted that this charming, hilarious film was accorded such shabby treatment, and the high list price adds insult to injury. Not surprising, given that the Columbia catalog is owned by the same folks who screwed up with Betamax, and are the last label to offer hybrid SACD's, despite their having pioneered the technology.
  Incidentally, this film is based on a true story written by Jane Trahey titled Life with Mother Superior. The movie is faithful to the spirit of the book, which is devastatingly funny. Grab it if you can find it.
  
  
• To bend but not to break... to yield but not capitulate... to have pride but also humility.
  By ARMSF621HHMTS on 2005-07-10
  Back when The Trouble with Angels was released (back in the olden days of the sixties), I recall one reviewer writing it was a run of the mill cutesy poo movie with cutesy poo nuns or words to that effect. Can't remember who the critic was, but they not only missed the boat on this one, they weren't even at the dock. Sister Act had cutesy poo nuns, this movie had nuns that had personality, character, and a story to tell. Perhaps this critic saw the cartoonish titles and decided not to give it a chance. Could be that's all they actually watched of this terrific film, that can be viewed by young and old alike.
  
  Hayley Mills plays orphaned teenage girl, Mary Clancy, who is sent by her Uncle George to the St. Francis Academy For Girls, because he believes it will straighten her out. On the train to the school, she strikes up a conversation with Rachel Devery (June Harding)), whom is also being sent to the school by her parents. They quickly become friends and co-conspirators, who at the very outset seem to have one thing in mind-give the nuns one big giant size headache. So much so that as soon as they arrive the school they find theirselves in Mother Superior's (Rosalind Russell)office and bad graces.
  
  If this movie had been made today, I have no doubt that the whole film would taken place during one school year, and be only about Mary and Rachel playing one prank after another (of course in this day and age the pranks would probably just be gross out gags), and tidy things up with some silly ending. Ida Lupino, who skillfully directed this film from a script by Blanche Hanalis, gives us so very much more. We follow these young ladies through three different years at St. Francis. With each year we see their characters grow and mature. The majority of the pranks they pull occur in the first year, tapering off until in their final year, the only two pranks we get are one that is a leftover from something they had been doing for three years (won't give it away)and the other trouble they get into in their last year is because they were actually trying to help the St. Francis. Seems, they were indeed maturing.
  
  Rosalind Russell gives a very underrated, and more often then not overlooked performance. She has a tough exterior, but there is so much more to her than meets the eye as Mary and Rachael find out over the course of the movie. There are some very telling scenes in this story about her character, when she is ready to expel Mary but thinks better of it after meeting Uncle George, after Mary mimics Sister Ursula's German accent and Rev. Mother begins to tell Mary about what happened to the Sister during the war, when Rev. Mother helps Rachel with a sewing project and tells Mary about her own past after Rachel has fallen asleep, and a terrific scene that takes place in an old folks home. There is one more scene with Rosalind Russell that will bring tears to any but the most cold-hearted viewer, that shows more emotional depth than you could get in all the current summer blockbusters stacked on top of one another.
  
  In the early part of this movie, one might mistakenly believe they are getting Hayley Mills in a run-of-the-mill kids movie with no substance. As the movie progresses, we find we are getting so much more than that. Her character doesn't suddenly change from one scene to another. We see her mature and grow gradually, from the prankster, to the young woman who matures and finds not only what life has to offer, but also what she can give in return. When people talk about Hayley Mills, most of the time they think of Parent Trap or Pollyanna, and while she gave excellent performances in both of those films, she was not required to bring the depth of character she brings to Mary Clancy. If she hadn't been able to do that, then the ending of this movie wouldn't have been at all believable. It is Hayley's performance that brings the whole thing together.
  
  June Harding is excellent also. As Rachael, we believe in her friendship with Mary, we know how much the two of them really care about each other. She also lets us see that Mary is not just her friend but also her idol, which helps us understand why she believes Mary is committing an act of betrayal.
  
  I could go on and on about this movie. All the nuns have their own distinct personalities, but they are never made to be caricatures. Marge Redmond as Sister Liquori stands out in her role as Rev. Mother's closest friend and confidant. Mary Wickes as the gym teacher and bus driver, may seem a little daffy, yet we know she loves doing what she's doing. (Mary Wickes also played the nun who drove the bus in Sister Act II, coincidence or paying homage to this character?) Camilla Sparv as the beautiful Sister Constance has a great scene with Mary, explaining why she is leaving St. Francis.
  
  Checking Ida Lupino's biography, I find that while she directed many episodes of television series, this is the only feature film that I can find with her as director. I don't know the reasons, it could have been a prejudice against women directing feature films at the time, or maybe something else. I wish she had been given the chance to do more feature films. It would have been interesting to see the result. Unfortunately, as so often happens in the movie world we will never know. I just wish I could thank her for having us brought this truly remarkable film.
  
  On the other hand, I have not bought this disc. There's really no excuse to release just a pan and scan version of any film these days. Until Sony can see the light, I'll settle for my widescreen copy of the film burned onto a DVD from Turner Classsic Movies. Wise up, Sony.
  
  
• Bum DVD of Great Movie
  By on 2003-10-26
  Was so glad to see that TWA was finally getting some DVD respect, but when I read here that this DVD will not be letter-boxed I cancelled my pre-order.
  
  
• Reverend Mother says: "Pots. Till the end of the term."
  By A2JNUIG0H2SZ0C on 2003-12-09
  There is no point for anyone to purchase this DVD! A video tape of the film can be found for less money and the same pedestrian pan and scan presentation.

  Though I don't know what "extras" from the film are available, I have my own "Dream Version" of "The Trouble With Angels". TTWA should be teamed with its sequel on one disc. Both the film and the sound should be digitally enhanced, impoved, and restored for clarity. (The music soundtrack from TTWA is wonderfully haunting and Mr Goldsmith's composition deserves the best sonics). Both films need to be presented in their original aspect ratio, which I'm sure is anywhere from 1:66 to 1:85. Trailers from each film are needed. Any "Featurettes" or "Making Of" documentaries would be icing on the cake. A running commentary featuring Hayley Mills, June Harding, and Stella Stevens would be a "blast". If bios of the cast and Ida Lupino, the director, were included, I would click the "Buy" button instantly, even at twice the current prices.

  However, I most definitely will NOT be purchasing this useless DVD version. I even HATE the covers! My "dream" TTWA uses the cartoon and characters from the credits for the clamshell front cover with the back cover showing the cartoon window and candle listing all the wonderful new, additional features in this "Special Edition" release.

  Come on Columbia/TriStar! Show a little respect for a film about an era when it was "OKAY" to be educated and disciplined at school. A modernized version of these films may make people long for such attentions. Or is that the entire point of this inept release? You don't want its return or you're too young to know what it was like? That's your loss. I want to remember.

  This DVD version is severely disappointing. I hate to think what Reverend Mother would say. It'll be pots for you for the rest of your life. Ah, but what could've been...
  
  

• TROUBLE WITH ANGELS - Wide Screen
  By AWBTQUQTTID97 on 2004-01-28
  It is great to have Trouble with Angels come out in DVD, but why did it not come out in it's original aspect ratio. It is not an inexpensive DVD. It was either filmed in 1.66 which is not much to worry about, but if it was filmed in 1.85 we have lost some of the feel and picture.
  It definately was not filmed in 1.33, as when the movie starts it states "made to fit your t.v." , plus almost every movie after 1953 was letterboxes with exceptions.
  I hope the movie is released again in letterbox, but it is doubtful since it has already been released.
  
  
• a wonderful movie
  By A2FEGRJQNU51P9 on 2004-03-11
  A film by Ida Lupino

  "The Trouble with Angels" is a very charming movie and it remains one of my favorites. The story is simple, but sweet. It takes place at the St. Francis Academy for Girls, where Mary Clancy (Hayley Mills) and Rachel Devery (June Harding) are enrolling as students. This is a parochial school run by nuns and is also the Mother House of their order. The school is run by the Mother Superior (Rosalind Russell). Mary and Rachel become fast friends on the train ride to the school and when they arrive they are inseparable. They love to pull pranks and just try to have a good time and get by for as long as they have to be at that school. Mother Superior tries to keep the girls in line and run the school as well as she can.

  As the movie progresses, we get to see how Mary reacts to the school and how she grows. The film quickly covers several years of their education but it doesn't feel as if it is jumping around too much. We see the transformation of Mary Clancy and while the ending comes as a little bit of a surprise, it really shouldn't.

  "The Trouble with Angels" is a wonderful, good-hearted movie that is perfect for the whole family. There are complaints that this DVD is in the pan and scan format rather than the widescreen OAR that it should be in, but knowing that that is the only format available we have to understand that this is likely the only opportunity to own "The Trouble with Angels" that we will have. The purist in me wants the widescreen, but the rest of my just loves this movie and is glad to have it available at all
  
  

• The trouble with Angels
  By A1N25GV3JELHTA on 2000-11-26
  I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I would consider this my all time favorite movie.It is very funny and very real to me. I am a male and product of a Catholic education during the 1960's.I learned under the tutelage of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. My great aunt was a nun for 75 years when she finally died. Haley Mills and Rosalind Russell did an outstanding job of acting in this classic film. The moments of joy, sadness and sterness were acted out with such realism. Mother Superior was strict as well as witty. She was well respected. That is how she won the heart of Mary Clancy. If you are Catholic you will love this nostalgic film and learn to appreciate what the good sisters sacrificed for us.It was by their good example that many followed in their footsteps. The gothic sets which represent the interior of the convent and chapel are beautifully decorated. The exterior of this medieval convent was also very ornate. The convent grounds were also nicely landscaped. The Convent itself is located somewhere in Pennsylvania. I would love to go there and see if the old convent is still standing. You can view more of the school grounds in the sequel. The sequel is good but the original film is better. Watch this film once and you will want to watch it again. It is a classic!
  
  
• Pan & Scan DVD - how disappointing!
  By A9AVWPLJ21O92 on 2003-09-30
  Rosalind Russell is without doubt my favourite actress. What a versatile performer and genuinely good person she was. Roz appeared in many great films (she made 51 films in total), of which only a handful is available on DVD. These include "Auntie Mame", "His Girl Friday" and "Picnic". So, when the release of this delightful film and its sequel, "Where Angels Go...Trouble Follows", was announced as coming soon on DVD I was ecstatic. Coming from Columbia Home Video (who released both "Picnic" and "His Girl Friday") I expected the very best in preparation and presentation.

  What a disappointment to learn that this film and its sequel are to be released in pan and scan versions only. My question is...WHY??? In this day and age where widescreen televisions are so popular and where we have come to expect fully restored versions with plenty of bonus features on DVD Columbia offers what is essentially only part of each film. And, at full price! Additionally, "The Trouble With Angels" is regularly shown on cable TV in a widescreen print so one is available! Roz deserves much better!

  I for one will not be purchasing this release. My advice: don't buy only part of this film. Columbia Home Video, if you read this review, do right by Roz and release both these films in their entirety!
  
  

• Great Movie, Below Average DVD
  By AXD1N6BGQ5VUR on 2006-03-23
  I highly recommend this movie. Having a great cast and being directed by Ida Lupino, this film is a real treat. It is really funny in some parts and emotionally heavy in others. For anyone who if now fiftyish in age, this movie will definitely remind you of being a kid in the middle to late 1960s era. That was definitely a simpler time. However, the DVD treatment of this release is very disappointing. Sony Home Entertainment really did this movie wrong with only a full screen release. There are also no special features of any kind. Even a little cast bio section would have been nice, but nothing extra is included. This movie most definitely deserved the theatrical wide screen release format. Given the burgeoning market in wide screen TVs, even in late 2003 when this disc was issued, it is hard to imagine why Sony chose a full screen release. Too bad this movie is not the property of another studio that would give it the respect it deserves.
  
  
• This Movie Deserves Better
  By on 2003-12-01
  I will not purchase this wonderful film until it is available in widescreen.
  
  
• Please Relesae A Widscreen DVD!.
  By on 2005-10-17
  I first saw the Trouble with Angels on TV in widescreen and I was happy when I read that this delightful movie was finally coming out on DVD but that was until I found out that it wouldn't be in widescreen but instead an edited pan and scan. What a letdown! This movie is funny and delightful and stars Rosalind Russell and Hayley Mills as a nun and student at an all girls Catholic boarding school who clash from the get go as Hayley's character is a real handful! I don't want to have an edited pan and scan DVD so I think I will wait until a widescreen DVD comes out so until than I will just tape The Trouble with Angels from that classic movie channel that always shows the movie in widescreen.
  
  
• All-time family favorite!
  By on 2000-02-23
  If you grew up going to Catholic school, you gotta love this one! Hayley Mills as a troublesome student in cahoots with her gawky best friend to outwit Mother Superior (Rosalind Russell)and break all the rules. Funny, warm, and touching. Some priceless scenes and dialogue. Whatever happened to June Harding? My sister and I watch this movie every time I'm home for Christmas. We know every line by heart but are still in tears at the end! I met Hayley Mills a few years ago in London and got an autograph. She still has that 'Angelic' charm. Highly recommend this video!
  
  
• Scathingly brilliant comedy
  By A2SX6VNPSJPGP7 on 2000-10-09
  Bubbles floating out of teacups. Nuns jumping into swimming pools. All part of everyday life at St. Francis Catholic School... since Mary Clancy and Rachel Deverey joined the school. In this clever and witty movie, Hayley Mills (Mary) and her pal June Harding (Rachel) come to the "perfectly medieval" St. Francis Catholic School. Running the school is a no-nonsense Mother Superior (played to perfection by Rosalind Russell) who is intent on running the school with a firm but patient hand. However, her patience is severely tested when Mary and Rachel use some of Mary's "scathingly brilliant ideas" as practical jokes on the unsuspecting Sisters. The convent is soon turned upside down by the two infamous youngsters, and the driven-to-distraction Mother Superior contemplates expelling the pair. But there may still be a shed of hope for the girls... The script makes for many golden scenes, and Ida Lupino's straight-to-the-point direction keeps the film interesting even when it moves slowly. The supporting players are also memorable: Mary Wickes is great as the gung-ho Sister Clarissa, Marge Redmond is warm and charming as Sister Liguori, and a post-"Sound of Music" Portia Nelson plays another nun, the uptight Sister Elizabeth. And Gypsy Rose Lee makes a most memorable (but sadly brief) cameo appearance as an eccentric dance instructor. This is a rare film that will have the viewer rolling on the floor and finding a heartwarming story among the glorious chaos. A great film, one to watch with the whole family.
  
  
• "The Sixties at it's Sweetest!"
  By on 2002-03-01
  "The Trouble with Angels" is a good basic movie that everyone can watch. Not a new story, but the cast dose make it very funny.
  Children who watch it will no doubt remember then 18 years old Hayley Mills from much of her Disney movies.
  Mills (along with new comer, June Harding) are determand to turn St. Frances up side down with their silly pranks. Most of which are targeted at Mother Superior played by the legendary Roz Russell. (whom is very good in the role. Particularly after years of her very Auntie Mameish and buisness women characters. And a good movie to get your little one's exposed to Miss Russell. I was a sceptic at first, but she pulled it off. But the again, was there any doubt?) Also in the cast is very funny Mary Wicks, Binnie Barns and one great scence with Gypsy Rose Lee. (Strangely enough, Rosalind Russell played her mother four years before in the movie musical, "Gypsy.")

  With the fine direction of Ida Lupino, the great Jerry Goldsmith adds a nice touch with his conducting of the very sweet music .

  A nice movie for the whole family.
  
  

• Great Movie-- Unacceptable 4:3 Pan and Scan Format
  By A10KJ7J4Y3G4MP on 2003-11-25
  Wonderful movie-- and what a disappointment that it is only released in 4:3 pan and scan format. Like many others, I never liked the black bars on top and bottom of my standard television, but since buying a new widescreen TV these widescreen DVDs are just wonderful. With only a few exceptions today's widescreen DVDs are "anamorphic" or "enhanced for widescreen TV" which is the same way of saying that the picture is actually on all 480 active scan lines (no black bars). Note that until you change the set-up menu of your DVD player, the DVD player itself is supplying the black bars for use with standard TV. Once you tell your DVD player to output for a new widescreen TV, the black bars are gone and the anamorphic (or tall and skinny) picture is ready to be stretched across a wide screen. Check your DVD player set-up menu; this option is there ready for use once you have a wide screen.
  
  
• Another dvd hack job
  By A3T0BA4P3G5JPG on 2003-11-28
  What a really terrific film that was both comic and reverent at the same time. The sequel Where Angels Go Trouble Follows was equally entertaining and a lot of fun although it would have been better had the ending been different without showing modernism gaining it's hold in the church. The character of Sister George unfortunately was one who did not understand her vocation.
  Anyway, I jumped at the chance of owning these on dvd but quickly cancelled my order when I discovered these high priced dvds were not released in widescreen. I'm glad to see so many complaining about this and I wish every fan of these movies would boycott the purchase until the studios got the message to give us better quality.
  
  
• Not Widescreen?!
  By AGM3CI4MY7L20 on 2003-11-29
  I've been waiting ages for this to be released on DVD. Imagine my disappointment in discovering that it isn't available in widescreen format! Why? What a let-down. I cancelled my order immediately. I'll wait until they come to their senses.
  
  
• Great movie, but why standard screen only?
  By AHGKNXUUFUY07 on 2004-01-23
  This is one of my all time favorite guilty pleasure flicks. I'm not going to give a detailed review of the film because there are some very fine ones already here. I would just like to know, why, why, why, was this film and it's fun sequel, "Where Angels Go, Trouble follows," only produced in fullscreen format? I had been looking forward to the DVDs to see them restored, and in widescreen. I was so disappointed to find out they weren't. Were they shot with a fullscreen format? I'd sleep better knowing that was the case. If not, who dropped the ball on this one?
  
  
• Trouble With Angels
  By AL7QYLE84XP36 on 2006-02-17
  Nostalgic, touching and hilarious all in one DVD! The Trouble With Angels takes us back to a more innocent time, when "trouble" at school meant something as "serious" as skipping class!
  
  Rosalind Russell, as always, gives a strong, firm, yet likable performance as Mother Superior. She both rules her students with an iron hand, yet also deeply cares for each and every one of them. Haley Mills is spunky, defiant and coming of age in her role as Mary Clancy.
  
  The final scene, as the girls say their "good-byes" and go on to their adult lives, is touching.
  
  A good "Friday night/girls night" movie!
  
  
• The Trouble The Angels Give Makes For Holy Entertainment!
  By A2UUYORVIZ00UH on 2006-03-03
  I saw this movie on video as a teenager, because Hayley Mills was (and still is) one of my idols. It is a funny, touching, and absorbing blast from the past, and I would recommend it to anyone, even if they are not Catholic.
  
  Let me just say that it's such a treat to see so many talented actors working together on this family film. I had seen Rosalind Russell in "Auntie Mame" and thought her to be wonderfully eccentric and comedic. Hayley, is, as always, lovely, charming, mischievous and funny, and the cameo of Gypsy Rose Lee as Mrs. Phipps - (and in 1962, Russell had played her mother in the movie "Gypsy" - coincidence? I think not!!) is priceless. The line, "In the springtime we'll put on a festival. By then you'll all be as graceful as young willows!" Is so campy yet undeniably priceless and hilarious!!! Mary Wickes in one of her many performances as a nun, is the embodiment of the sisters who taught at Catholic schools, and any film that features her is worth watching!!! Portia Nelson played Sister Berita in "The Sound Of Music", and again, she was a wonderful choice as the short-tempered, impatient and uptight art teacher, Sister Elizabeth. Camilla Sparv is gorgeous and touching as Sister Constance, teacher of languages and "a flawless beauty" who leaves the school to teach children with leprosy in the Phillipinnes. Her scene with Hayley's Mary Clancy is poignant as she explains why she has made this risky but rewarding decision. Binnie Barnes, a veteran of stage and screen, shines as Sister Celestine, appropriately named, the conductor of the school band.
  
  The friendship between Mary Clancy, an orphan who lives with her playboy, businessman, neglectful uncle George, and Rachel Devery, the progressive school educated, easily influenced sidekick, is an interesting and identifiable study of female friendships, one that many recent films have neglected. The opposition from the Mother Superior against their pranks and youthful exuberance, and her compassionate understanding, her confiding to Sister LaGorie, even to Mary, makes us understand her calling. Babara Hunter, as Mary's equally neglected, annoying "drop-dead" cousin is absolutely hysterically funny, and the other students provide excellent support, and bring authenticity to the Catholic school environment of the time (and I'm fairly certain that it doesn't exist anymore). In conclusion, the decision Mary makes at the end, a huge sacrifice, shows the viewer how she has grown and learned in these three years in the convent school. The tearful farewell scene at the train station is a real tear-jerker. And the final line? I'll let you decide for yourself, but I adore it. Mary: "Just think, Reverend Mother, maybe one day Rachel will come back and join the order." Mother Superior, not even remotely in jest: "If she does, I quit!!!"
  
  Sure it's a bit dated, but rewarding. As a Catholic, of course I am going to recommend it, but if you're up to it, don't pass it up. Share it with your children, your friends, and most of all, with the child that you were. It's great family entertainment all the way!!!
  
  
  
  
• Great movie...WIDESCREEN PLEASE!!!!!!!
  By A3QQB445VTNQDA on 2006-07-20
  Why do they do this...it ruines the movie! I love this picture...it's really wonderful but the lack of letter box ruines it...idiots!
  
  
• Surprisingly Good
  By A2FEGRJQNU51P9 on 2000-01-31
  Looking for a movie to watch over Christmas break, i went to the library and picked out a few. The Trouble With Angels was a spur of the moment with no reason. As a sidenote, i'm a 21 year old male. I watched it, and was charmed. I wouldn't say the movie is perfect, but the acting fits the movie perfectly. The movie is charming. That's the best word for it. It is funny, touching, heartwarming, and a movie fit for the whole family. I even went out and bought it right after Christmas. It is now one of my favorite movies. And i'm young still.
  
  
• A movie that grows on you.
  By A32I8O6ML7OHA3 on 2001-01-25
  I first bought this movie for my children. At first I just viewed it as a lighthearted film with a nice end message. I now view it as a deep movie with an important message that builds throughout. This message is especially good for Children even young children (I can't understand the PG rating) but also for adults as well. I now use this video as a teaching aid.

  When you view the film note the reactions of Mary to being in the old folks home at Christmas. She puts up a front of anger against her already melting heart. She went from a brat to a feeling young woman, but it took a great deal of time for this to occur.

  A remarkable film. Buy it for someone young and help them to understand the complete movie and not just the pranks of the children, which is what most kids find the most entertaining part about the film, at least at first anyway.
  
  

• Great for the young and the young at heart. :)
  By A1ROYTFVKXZUY5 on 2006-12-30
  The movie that just keeps on giving! This is a personal favorite of mine. :)
  
  Once in a while I'll be standing in front of my DVD rack, puzzled expression on my face, wondering what in the heck I want to watch on a Friday night. This is always a movie I choose if I need something lighthearted and just plain fun!
  
  The always wonderful Hayley Mills stars in this classic, about two VERY mischieveous young ladies at a Catholic Convent school. The whole movie is about their years in the school causing various hijinks and making the Reverand Mother(as well as the other Sisters) absolutely insane.
  
  Hayley Mills, who plays Mary Clancy, is the really the ringleader of it all, while Rachel Devery(played by June Harding) is her eager follower and best friend. The chemistry between the two is hilarious. Mary is obviously smart and bit devious. Rachel, on the other hand, is a wee bit slow, and provides quite a few laughs(and there are no shortage of them in this film!).
  
  The movie itself is just plain adorable. Is it Oscar-worthy? Of course not, but it's a great little script with tons of laughs for the kid in all of us. The little tricks the girls play and the pickles they get themselves into are really quite funny, and it's all extremely lighthearted. The ending, which of course I shall not reveal, is really very sweet, and an appropriate happy ending to a great classic film!
  
  I loved this movie immensely when I was a child, and even now as an adult I absolutely love it. It it, for certain, in my top 5 all-time favorite films. I suppose it's just the sheer fact that it's cute, funny, and makes you smile is why it's such a winner. I find myself watching this movie when I'm feeling a bit down, and it always puts me in a better mood.
  
  Definitely get this one, it's a classic, it's light-hearted, it's fun, it's funny, and it's WELL WORTH IT!
  
  

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