The life story of a nun who started out as a bar singer, then took the veil because she couldn't choose between two men, and now devotes herself to nursing.
Acting
Mangano's face does three movies worth of work
Cinematography
Ottolenghi makes convent corridors look sinful
Costume
The habit-to-gown transformation is *chef's kiss*

Director
Alberto Lattuada
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Silvana Mangano was married to producer Dino De Laurentiis; this was her first dramatic role after becoming famous as a sex symbol in 'Bitter Rice.'
Released during Italy's post-war Catholic revival, the film's ambivalent treatment of religious vocation scandalized some critics while delighting others.