Watch Saint Joan

The 1957 film, Saint Joan, directed by Otto Preminger, is a cinematic adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s play of the same name. In its essence, the movie explores the final days of Joan of Arc, the French heroine, who led the French army to several historic victories during the Hundred Years’ War. The movie opens with Joan, played by Jean Seberg, living in her small village in France, where she is renowned for her deep faith and strong sense of purpose. When she hears the voice of Saint Michael instructing her to go to the Dauphin, Charles VII (played by Richard Widmark), and help him to become the King of France, she immediately sets out on her journey. However, her arrival at Charles’s court is met with skepticism, and she struggles to convince the French court of her divine visions.

Richard Todd plays the role of the Earl of Warwick, who is a staunch supporter of the English and attempts to thwart Joan’s plans at every turn. However, as Joan’s powerful speeches and sheer force of will begin to win over the French army, the English become increasingly desperate to bring her down.

Throughout the film, Joan is portrayed as a woman with unwavering conviction and courage. Despite being mocked and doubted, she never gives up on her vision of freeing her countrymen from English tyranny. Her strength of character and her relentless determination are evident in every scene of the film, making her a compelling character to watch.

The film is brought to life by the incredible performances of the cast, particularly Jean Seberg’s portrayal of Joan. Seberg, who was only 19 years old at the time of filming, brings a youthful innocence and raw emotion to the role that captivates the audience. Richard Widmark also delivers a strong performance as Charles VII, the uncertain and indecisive king, who is torn between his duty to his people and his own selfish desires.

Anton Walbrook, who plays the role of the Inquisitor, adds a layer of tension and unease to the film. As he questions and interrogates Joan, the audience is left wondering whether or not she will ultimately be branded a heretic and burned at the stake.

The film also features stunning cinematography, which captures the beauty of the French countryside and the splendor of the medieval French court. The costumes and production design are also noteworthy, with detailed attention paid to recreating the historical setting of the film.

Despite being released over 60 years ago, Saint Joan remains a compelling and powerful film that explores themes of faith, conviction, and the struggle for freedom. Joan’s story is one that continues to captivate audiences to this day, and this film is a testament to the enduring strength of her character and her legacy.

In conclusion, Saint Joan is a classic film that tells an important story about a remarkable woman who defied convention and fought for her beliefs. With its strong performances and stunning cinematography, this film is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in history, faith, or the power of the human spirit.

Saint Joan is a 1957 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.