Mother Superior Rosalind Russell has her hands full with two brats at Catholic boarding school. I wanted to like this more than I did. Russell is good as are the other adults. But the kids just irked me. Hayley Mills in particular was very annoying. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason for her bratty behavior. She was like a female Dennis the Menace. She just kept getting into trouble. For some reason there's little time spent on story here. It's like a series of vignettes instead of a cohesive plot as the movie goes from one incident after another with little room to breathe. The comedy is all very broad and seems to rely upon you enjoying the hijinks of Mills and her sidekick (June Harding). Since I didn't enjoy their antics it left me with very little to laugh at. The last half of the movie is a little better as there are more serious and touching moments. However the ending felt pretty contrived. Obviously this is a sentimental and nostalgic favorite for many. I can sympathize with that. I wish I liked it more. But I found it ultimately disappointing.

Mary Clancy (Hayley Mills) gets shipped off to a Catholic boarding school by her guardian, a wealthy, woman-chasing uncle, who doesn't want her around. Almost instantly, Mary makes her feelings about being at the school very clear to the woman in charge, Mother Superior (Rosalind Russell). She, Mary, hates it! Naturally smart and devious, Miss Clancy, with the help of new and only friend Rachel, starts to enact "scathingly brilliant ideas". This includes putting soap bubbles in the nuns' beverages, leading "tours" to the sisters' living quarters, which are strictly private, and much, much more. But, M Sup, having been witness to the teen's uncle's nature, decides not to expel her, only give Mary tons of dishes and chores. Slowly, Mary's attitude to the school begins to change, as she sees the sacrifices the sisters make for others. Especially meaningful to Mary is the day they hold a Christmas party for a women's nursing home and Mary sees how M Sup consoles and hugs a lady whose family doesn't bother to attend. Could there be angels unaware that they are angels? Yes! This is a classic Mills film which also boasts a terrific performance by Russell. Although made nearly 40 years ago, families will still get the biggest kick out of the teens' antics and the meaningful life lessons they learn from the lovely nuns. All supporting cast members are terrific, too, as is the school setting, the costumes, the amazingly great script and the equally fine direction. If you have never heard of the film or you just want to take a stroll down memory lane, Trouble with Angels is superior entertainment for any evening.

Marcey Clancy is new at St. Francis academy for girls, while there she meets Rachel Derery. Through out the three years at the school the two girls go on a series of entertaining mischief.And become close friends.What an entertaining film this was! Hayley Mills delivers a energetic and spunky performance.One of her most entertaining roles.June Harding also brings some energy to her role as Marcey's friend Rachel. One of the thing that I love most about this film is the music score by Jerry Goldsmith.His score is up-beat and adds to the light hearted tone to the film. After watching this film who wouldn't want to be friends with Marcey and Rachel and go on their series of misadventures. I seriously recommend this timeless family film for those who want a funny and feel good film. Full of laughs and drama you will love this film just like I did.

While it is a tad overlong, The Trouble with Angels is a nice film. The story is a well-constructed one, with a cosy and somewhat poignant conclusion, and the pace is brisk enough. The production values are very nice and the music is pleasant. The script has wit and edge, and Ida Lupino's directing style thankfully prevents The Trouble with Angels from falling into predictability. The acting is very good. Hayley Mills is naughtier than she usually is, and delivers a great performance. Debuting June Harding nearly steals her thunder, while Rosalind Russell steals every scene she's in, and Mary Wickes and Binnie Barnes are strong too. Overall, this is a nice film and definitely worth a watch. 8/10 Bethany Cox