Thursday Television Review: The Flying Nun

Sisters Jacqueline, Bertrille, and Sixto with Carlos

The Flying Nun (1967-1970)

Starring: Sally Field, Alejandro Rey, Marge Redmond, Madeleine Sherwood, and Shelley Morrison.

Summary

Sister Bertrille (Sally Field) is a novice at the Convent San Tanco in Puerto Rico. Recently arrived, she works hard and wants to do her best to help everyone else there. Reverend Mother (Madeleine Sherwood) wants Sister Bertrille to succeed, but is also very cautious and reticent about the young woman just recently arrived

Soaring high!

While exploring, the 90-pound Sister Bertrille finds out that the winds are just perfect in San Tanco to lift her up off the ground with the aid of her habit head gear. She soon begins flying all over the area, while at the same time, trying to keep it a secret.

Who needs wings to fly?

Her closest friend at the convent is Sister Jacqueline (Marge Redmond), who finds Sister Bertrille a breath of fresh air. She encourages Sister Bertrille in her endeavors, always helping her as she tries to help others. The two of them try to keep her secret, but when Reverend Mother discovers what Sister Bertrille can now do in the sky, she is appalled. When she discovers the reason why, she consents and is even willing to let Sister Bertrille continue, as long as she does it in secret.

Carolos with Sister Bertrille

Sister Bertrille is always running into Carlos (Alejandro Rey), the owner of a local casino. At first, he considers her to always be in the way and indeed, she often messes up one of his dates. However, he soon comes to like her and will put up with her “interruptions”.

The nuns

To add comic relief, is Sister Sixto (Shelley Morrison). She is native to Puerto Rico and, although she knows English, spends most of her time saying idioms wrong. Sister Bertrille will often correct her with a little chuckle.

Sister Sixto

Together, they all help the children and townspeople in the area. Always looking to help someone out. Oh, and to fly!

Sister Bertrille and Reverend Mother

Review

Sally Field does an excellent job of playing Sister Bertrille. The sweet innocent, love of children, love of life, and more is brought out in her character. Her frankness brings the other characters to conclusions they hadn’t thought of before, which makes for unique stories. Many guest stars appeared on the show as well, making for a fun series!

Cleaning the convent

Yes, Sister Bertrille can fly, but it’s nice that she always explains it from a scientific perspective. This is refreshing, as opposed to some of the other popular television shows of that time like “Bewitched” or “I Dream of Jeannie”, where there’s a lot of otherworldly power.

I can fly!

Another unique aspect of the show is that Reverend Mother Superior, although often annoyed at Sister Bertrille, she always gives her an opportunity to explain herself. Reverend Mother also gives Sister Bertrille the benefit of the doubt, believing her ability. It makes for a much more pleasant show.

Discussing life

Sister Bertrille can sometimes seem a little annoying in the way that she gets involved in other people’s lives, however she means well and it always comes out well in the end.

Many guest appearances on the show

Worth the watching! Enjoy a family fun night over an episode.

Ellen Nolan

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