The Nun's Story

The Nun's Story is a 1956 novel by Kathryn Hulme, which was later adapted by Robert Anderson for the 1959 film of the same name directed by Fred Zinnemann.

Hulme wrote the book based partly upon the experiences of her friend, Marie-Louise Habets, a Belgian nurse and an ex-nun. The lead character of the book, Sister Luke (real name Gabrielle Van Der Mal) finds her faith tested in Africa where she finds herself at odds with headstrong Dr. Fortunati, operator of a remote Congo hospital, with whom she gradually builds respect, and again during World War II when she is ordered not to take sides. Ultimately, Sister Luke is forced to decide whether to remain in the convent or return to the outside world.

The film version follows the book fairly closely, although there is an added level of sexual tension present in the relationship between Dr. Fortunati and Sister Luke that is absent from the novel. The film stars Audrey Hepburn as Sister Luke and Peter Finch as Fortunati. Also appearing in the film were Edith Evans, Peggy Ashcroft, Dean Jagger, Mildred Dunnock and Beatrice Straight.

It was nominated for several Academy Awards including Best Actress in a Leading Role (Audrey Hepburn), Best Cinematography, Color, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Best Picture, Best Sound and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.

The Nun's Story was a major box office success in its day and was considered, for a time, to be the most financially successful of Hepburn's films and one the actress often cited as her favorite. Hepburn met Marie-Louise Habets while preparing for the role, and Habets later helped nurse Hepburn back to health following her near-fatal horse-riding accident on the set of the 1960 film, The Unforgiven.

The Nun's Story is scheduled to receive its first official North American DVD release on April 4, 2006.