The Nun’s Story is a 1959 drama film based upon the popular novel of the same name by Kathryn Hulme. It was a production of Warner Bros., directed by Fred Zinnemann and starring Audrey Hepburn, Peter Finch, Edith Evans and Peggy Ashcroft. The story, based on the life of Belgian nun Marie Louise Habets, centered around Gabrielle Van Del Mar, who decided to leave her wealthy family to become a nun. However, she constantly found herself struggling with her vows of silence, strict humility and obedience. Gabrielle’s effort to maintain her devotion took a turn for the worse upon receiving the news of her beloved father murdered by the Nazis. Realizing that she could not remain neutral against the enemy, she chose to leave the Order.
Upon releasing, The Nun’s Story received favourable reviews, it was also a major box office success in its day. Hepburn herself often cited the film as her favourite. According to detailed correspondences from the Kathryn Hulme collection at Yale University, both Marie Louise Habets and Kathryn Hulme felt contented with the production and its success. The Nun’s Story was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Actress in a Leading Role (Audrey Hepburn), Best Director, Best Cinematography, Color, Best Film Editing, Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Best Sound, Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium and Best Picture.
Below are the photos of a radiant Hepburn wearing habit for her role in the film:
Audrey Hepburn wardrobe test shot for the 1957 Warner Bros. film ‘The Nun’s Story.’
Audrey Hepburn wardrobe test shot for the 1957 Warner Bros. film ‘The Nun’s Story.’
Audrey Hepburn wardrobe test shot for the 1957 Warner Bros. film ‘The Nun’s Story.’
Audrey Hepburn wardrobe test shot for the 1957 Warner Bros. film ‘The Nun’s Story.’
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