Watch The Nun and the Sergeant

The Nun and the Sergeant is a 1962 drama film that tells the story of a World War II veteran, Sergeant Paul Ryker, who is suddenly faced with the responsibility of taking care of an orphaned Bulgarian nun named Sister Marie-Thérèse. The film is directed by Franklin Adreon and stars Robert Webber as Sgt. Ryker and Anna Sten as Sister Marie-Thérèse.

The story is set in post-war Germany, where Sgt. Ryker is stationed with the US Army. While on a mission, he chances upon Sister Marie-Thérèse, a young Bulgarian nun who has been orphaned by the war. She has been wandering around aimlessly, without any food or shelter, until Ryker comes across her.

At first, Ryker is hesitant to help the nun. Being a sergeant in the army, he is stern and unrelenting, with little time for anything other than his job. However, as he sees Sister Marie-Thérèse’s plight, his heart softens, and he decides to take her under his wing.

Sister Marie-Thérèse, on the other hand, is naive and innocent, with little knowledge of the outside world. She is committed to her religious duties and is initially hesitant to leave her orders to stay with a stranger. However, as Ryker assures her of his intentions and takes care of her, she begins to trust him.

As Ryker and Sister Marie-Thérèse spend more time together, they grow closer. Ryker sees the world through the nun’s eyes and begins to question his own beliefs. Sister Marie-Thérèse sees the goodness in people even in times of war and becomes a guiding light to Ryker.

Their bond is put to the test when Ryker’s commanding officer orders him to leave the area and move on with the army. This leaves Sister Marie-Thérèse without a home, and Ryker is overcome with guilt for having let her down. The sergeant decides to go against orders and returns to the area to take care of Sister Marie-Thérèse.

The film's plot is marked by a strong emphasis on the characters of Ryker and Sister Marie-Thérèse. While Ryker's character is initially stubborn and unsympathetic, he goes through a significant transformation throughout the film. Sister Marie-Thérèse, on the other hand, is guided by her faith and her own convictions throughout the film.

The film's themes deal with the aftermath of war, the importance of compassion and empathy, and, to some extent, the conflict between religious duties and worldly obligations.

The performances in the film are commendable, with both Robert Webber and Anna Sten delivering powerful and nuanced portrayals of their respective characters. The film's visuals, too, are impressive, with the director making good use of the film's settings to set the tone of the film.

In conclusion, The Nun and the Sergeant is a poignant drama that deals with complex themes and features strong character development. The relationship between Sgt. Ryker and Sister Marie-Thérèse is at the heart of the film, and the performances of the lead actors bring their characters to life. Despite being made over five decades ago, the film's themes are still relevant today, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.