Miracle at Moreaux

Miracle at Moreaux is a 1985 Canadian made-for-television drama film based on the novel Twenty and Ten by Claire Huchet Bishop. The film stars Loretta Swit as the main character of Sister Gabrielle and was directed by Paul Shapiro.[1]

Miracle at Moreaux
Based onTwenty and Ten novel by Claire Huchet Bishop
Written byJeffrey Cohen
Paul Shapiro
Directed byPaul Shapiro
StarringLoretta Swit
Robert Joy
Ken Pogue
Music byJonathan Goldsmith
Country of originCanada
United States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producerLee Polk
ProducersJanice Platt
Seaton McLean
CinematographyRene Ohashi
EditorGeorge Appleby
Running time58 minutes
Production companyAtlantis Films
Release
Original networkPBS
Original releaseDecember 2, 1985 (1985-12-02)

Set in France, the movie was filmed in Quebec and aired December 2, 1985 on PBS as part of the series WonderWorks. It has been noted for its portrayal of a Jewish children during World War II.[2]

Plot

In the film, three Jewish children fleeing the Nazis take refuge in a French convent. The children attend a boarding school run by a Catholic nun, Sister Gabrielle (Loretta Swit). The children arrive while the school is putting on a Nativity pageant, and in a quick act of thinking, Sister Gabrielle pretends the three children are her students. The Jewish children remain in the school for some time while the Nazis that are patrolling the area, led by an SS Major (Robert Joy), hunt for them in the forests surrounding the convent. Sister Gabrielle takes great lengths to keep the children's identities a secret, but the major is suspicious and continues to believe that they are likely hiding in the school.

Meanwhile, the three children have to cope with negative attitudes towards Jews from Catholic students at the boarding school. The Jewish students are able to gradually win over their classmates by teaching them about Judaism. Eventually, the entire school helps in the escape by dressing the Jewish and Catholic children in each other's clothing during a school play. This stunt confuses and distracts the Nazi pursuers, who focus on the wrong children while the real Jewish children flee towards the border and escape into Spain.

Cast
  • Loretta Swit as Sister Gabrielle
  • Robert Joy as Major Braun
  • Ken Pogue as Sgt. Schlimmer
  • Geneviève Appleton as Jeannette
  • Milan Cheylov as The Guide
  • Simon Craig as André
  • Thomas Hellman as Louis
  • Robert Kosoy as Daniel
  • Bonfield Marcoux as The Passer
  • Marsha Moreau as Anna
  • Carla Napier as Dominique
  • Talya Rubin as Sabine

Reception

The Los Angeles Times gave a negative review for the film, saying that the film didn't contain much drama and failed make the story's setting understandable for the movie's target audience of children.[3] In contrast, the Orlando Sentinel gave a more favorable review, calling the movie a "gem".[4]

References
  1. Day, Crosby (Nov 17, 1985). "SWIT IN PBS DRAMA". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  2. Jonathan Pearl, Judith Pearl (1999). The Chosen Image: Television's Portrayal of Jewish Themes and Characters. McFarland. p. 144. ISBN 0786405228.
  3. MARGULIES, LEE (December 2, 1985). "Tv Review : No Miracle In 'Miracle At Moreaux'". LA Times. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  4. Holston, Noel (Dec 4, 1985). "MOREAUX' A GEM IN HOLIDAY LINEUP". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 23 October 2013.


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