The Singing Nun [VHS]
One of the unlikeliest pop stars of the 1960s gets the bio treatment inThe Singing Nun, a fictionalized account of the Belgian nun dubbed "Soeur Sourire" (Sister Smile). The cute tone is regrettable, and it's difficult to adjust to Debbie Reynolds in a habit, but the movie isn't bad for its kind. It's the light version ofThe Nun's Story, with Hollywood conflicts substituted for spiritual angst. The supporting cast brings in some camp appeal: Agnes Moorehead as a cranky nun, Chad Everett, and "Ed Sullivan as Himself." The best sequence has Sullivan's CBS crew showing up in Belgium to tape the Singing Nun for his TV shew--er, show--and sending the irresistibly catchy "Dominique" on its way to international success. It's the same breakthrough sequence found in every rock & roll movie, except the song happens to be about a Catholic saint. Doesn't matter: what works, works.--Robert Horton