Thunder on the Hill (1951)

Convicted murderess Valerie Carns (Ann Blyth) is being transported to Norwich to be executed when a flood strands her and her guards at a convent hospital. Nurse Sister Mary (Claudette ... See full summary »

Director:

Douglas Sirk

Writers:

Charlotte Hastings (play), Oscar Saul,

Stars:

Claudette Colbert, Ann Blyth, Robert Douglas

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Claudette Colbert	...	Sister Mary Bonaventure
Ann Blyth	...	Valerie Carns
Robert Douglas	...	Dr. Edward Jeffreys
Anne Crawford	...	Isabel Jeffreys
Philip Friend	...	Sidney Kingham
Gladys Cooper	...	Mother Superior
Michael Pate	...	Willie
John Abbott	...	Abel Harmer
Connie Gilchrist	...	Sister Josephine
Gavin Muir	...	Melling
Phyllis Stanley	...	Nurse Phillips
Norma Varden	...	Pierce
Valerie Cardew	...	Nurse Colby
Queenie Leonard	...	Mrs. Smithson
Patrick O'Moore	...	Mr. Smithson

Storyline

Convicted murderess Valerie Carns (Ann Blyth) is being transported to Norwich to be executed when a flood strands her and her guards at a convent hospital. Nurse Sister Mary (Claudette Colbert) becomes convinced of her innocence and sets out to find the real killer.

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Plot Keywords:

convent | catholic hospital | nun | mother superior | based on play

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Taglines:

Six desperate people...hiding one guilty secret!

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

September 1951 (USA)

Also Known As:

Schwester Maria Bonaventura

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie on November 9, 1953 with Claudette Colbert reprising her film role.

User Reviews

Highly charged drama of Innocence Condemned unjustly

One needs to enter into the atmosphere of this taut emotional story to really appreciate the fine acting done by all. Have seen "Thunder on the Hill" countless times and it's still riveting. The dialogue unfolds splendidly like a fine dramatic stage play of intrigue and mystery.

Claudette Colbert gives a fine performance as Sister Mary who is haunted by certain memories of her past and yet feels compelled to do what is right according to her conscience even though it conflicts with those in authority especially Mother Superior (Gladys Cooper).

Ann Blyth as Valerie really does make one feel that life is very precious - no one wants to die when there's so much to live for especially when young, very much in love and with plans to marry being dashed by this unjust verdict of guilty which will destroy everything.

Philip Friend as Sidney, Valerie's intended, is distraught with despair but eventually comes round and being convinced of her innocence tries to help in some way, offering Valerie his love and support in their emotionally charged scenes together.

Michael Pate as simple-minded Willie does add texture to the story of intrigue in the beginning - he holds an important letter - his voice and minor dialogue reveal a well-acted character role.

Robert Douglas as the doctor is suave and believable (well-oiled you might say) and he cares for his wife's delicate mental condition to the extent of becoming very possessive and controlling which becomes his downfall eventually.

It's a strong story of deep human conflict that everyone can relate to. One of my favourites.