What is there to love about this film?

For me, it was the fact that the Gantry character was so dynamic and domineering. The rest of the cast HAD to play second to Lancaster's portrayal; it would not have "worked" as a film otherwise. Yet, Simmons (as Sister Falconer) and Jones (as Lulu Bains) played their roles perfectly.

I went into the film expecting that a sham religion would be exposed. And many times I thought that was precisely what was going to happen. Yet, every time we come away from a particular scene wondering if the principal players are totally sincere in their beliefs, even though they make mistakes. Gantry's seduction of Falconer did not change her faith. Bains betrayal of Gantry did not ruin him, indeed, he recovered and forgave.

The most interesting tableau to me was the spontaneous healing of the deaf man. Even Gantry was not sure it would happen. Yet, the wonder of that moment is destroyed in the fire that ultimately kills Sister Falconer. The question of true faith and actual healing is never answered to satisfaction, or perhaps, it is a given that when a miracle is bestowed there is a high cost.

This is an entirely human story. But by the end we can only conclude that all the players were believers of some sort. Even though Gantry and Falconer had a carnal relationship, it did not prevent either of them from believing and attempting to make believers of others.

Watta ya lookn here for?