Thunder on the Hill

It's a can-we-prove-her-innocence before the convicted murderess is executed drama set in a convent hospital in Norfolk County, England, in the 1940s. A significant rainstorm and collapsed dike have isolated the convent hospital. Major characters are the Mother Superior (Gladys Cooper), hospital matron Sister Mary (Claudette Colbert), handyman Willi (Michael Pate), Dr. Jeffreys (Robert Douglas) and his flighty wife, Isabel (Anne Crawford), and angry Nurse Phillips (Phyllis Stanley). During the downpour, Police Sergeant Melling (Gavin Muir), Prison Matron Pierce (Norma Varden), and prisoner Valerie Carns (Ann Blyth) are forced to take cover at the convent. Carns has been found guilty of poisoning her disabled brother and is on her way to Norfolk to be hanged.

The plot revolves around Sister Mary's saintliness, which some around her challenge when she begins to doubt Valerie's guilt of the crime. Slowly, Sister Mary gathers information and discerns the villain's identity despite Mother Superior's opposition.

"Thunder of the Hill" (we hear thunder during the storm) is a straightforward murder mystery and not really in the noir style that some call it. Colbert does well as the nun who searches for perfection as she feels guilt for her own brother's suicide. I was less impressed with Ann Blyth's acting; it seemed forced and brittle. The other primary actors did well, including Michael Pate, Robert Douglas, and Phyllis Stanley.

There really isn't anything to criticize about this movie. The plot was interesting and well handled; the cast was good. This is a solid movie and well worth watching.

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.

"Thunder on the Hill" is a film I thought I should like. After all, it's directed by Douglas Sirk and stars Claudette Colbert. However, all the film's many parts didn't add up to a film I particularly liked. It's a shame...it could have worked had the script been a little better...such as having more subtlety.

Colbert plays Sister Mary...a nun who works at an isolated hospital. The place has been cut off from the mainland and a prisoner on the way to her execution (Ann Blythe) arrives with her police escort. They, too, have been trapped by the storm. Soon after Sister Mary meets the condemned woman, she's completely convinced of her innocence and spends the rest of the film trying to prove this.

So why was I left flat by the film? Well,the major problem was having Sister Mary THAT sure of the woman's innocence...only moments after meeting her! It simply didn't make much sense. Had she said that she THOUGHT the woman might not be guilty it would have made a lot more sense. Likewise, nearly everyone thought there was no chance the woman was innocent...none. That sort of black/white thinking seems more like bad writing than real life. As a result, it took me right out of the picture.

After a season of heavy rains, the Norfolk dykes overflow. Refugees gather at the convent on the hill. It's not only local townsfolk who seek shelter. Convicted murderess Ann Blyth is stranded on her way to be hanged for killing her brother. Sister Claudette Colbert doesn't see how this lovely creature could have murdered anyone. She begins to investigate. Can she prove Miss Blyth innocent before the waters recede?

Although best remembered these days for his cynical depictions of middle-class America, director Douglas Sirk is adept at portraying the humble arrogance of nuns. Certainly the performances are all excellent; I was particularly impressed by Connie Gilchrist as a shrewd and sympathetic nun. DP William H. Daniels matches the lighting levels to the dark of the storms and the hopelessness of Miss Blyth's plight. Still, in the end, it's another murder mystery and you know the actual murderer will turn up among the people stranded at the convent.