“Where Angels Go Trouble Follows!” is a 1968 comedy film that serves as a sequel to 1966’s “The Trouble with Angels.” Directed by James Neilson, the narrative unfolds around the spirited adventures of a group of nuns from St. Francis Academy as they embark on a cross-country bus trip across the United States, highlighting a clash of generational ideologies along the way. The cast is anchored by Rosalind Russell reprising her role as the conventional Mother Superior. She is challenged by the progressive Sister George, portrayed by Stella Stevens, marking the core dynamic that propels the film’s plot and humor.
The cast ensemble combines talents of various prominent figures from the era. Binnie Barnes also features, along with notable appearances by actors such as Mary Wickes, who would later appear in “Sister Act,” portraying lovable characters that contribute to the overall charm and appeal of the film. The film’s reception historically rests on its ability to weave comedic elements with the social themes of the late 1960s, made vibrant by its cast’s on-screen performances.
Today, we look at the full Where Angels Go Trouble Follows cast.
Synopsis
“Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows” is a comedy film released in 1968, serving as a sequel to “The Trouble with Angels” from 1966. The story unfolds in the United States and retains its comedic charm while diving into the dynamic interactions between two contrasting characters: the traditional Mother Superior and the forward-thinking young nun, Sister George.
The film’s plot centers around the unique blend of personalities among the nuns and students of St. Francis Academy. The characters embark on a bus trip across the United States, leading to various adventures and comedic situations that highlight the generational gap between the nuns. The progressive views of Sister George often clash with the conservative mindset of Mother Superior, adding depth to the humor.
Major Cast:
- Rosalind Russell as Mother Superior
- Stella Stevens as Sister George
- Binnie Barnes as a supporting sister
This journey ultimately guides them to a California peace rally, providing a backdrop for the exploration of themes such as authority, rebellion, and modernity versus tradition within the film’s narrative.
The essence of the film is captured through humorous instances that are spread throughout the journey, serving as a reflection of the societal shifts occurring in the late 1960s. “Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows” not only entertains with its lighthearted storyline but also subtly comments on the cultural changes of the era it represents.
Cast
The “Where Angels Go Trouble Follows!” film showcases a diversified ensemble of actors ranging from established stars to promising newcomers. The cast brings to life the comedic yet heartwarming narrative of nuns and students on a cross-country journey.
Main Cast
- Rosalind Russell as Mother Superior
- Stella Stevens as Sister George
- Binnie Barnes as Sister Celestine
- Mary Wickes as Sister Clarissa
- Dolores Sutton as Sister Rose Marie
Supporting Cast
- Susan Saint James as Rosabelle
- Barbara Hunter as Marvel Anne
- Alice Rawlings as Helen
- Devon Douglas as Cynthia
- Ellen Moss as Sister Elizabeth
Cameos
- Milton Berle as Movie Director
- Van Johnson as The Monsignor
- Arthur Godfrey as The Bishop
Cast Biographies
Rosalind Russell (born 1907, died 1976) was an acclaimed actress with a prolific career including the notable Mother Superior role. Stella Stevens (born 1938) rose to fame through various film and television roles, including the vibrant Sister George in the 1968 comedy.
Cast List
The full cast list includes:
- Rosalind Russell
- Stella Stevens
- Susan Saint James
- Barbara Hunter
- Mary Wickes
This ensemble of Where Angels Go Trouble Follows cast is complemented by an extended group of both seasoned and emerging talent.
Character Analysis
Mother Superior, portrayed by Russell, is the traditionalist force, while Sister George, played by Stevens, embodies the modern, more liberal approach to religion and education. The supporting cast creates a dynamic mix that represents the broader societal shifts of the era.
With a diverse casting, “Where Angels Go Trouble Follows!” offers a look at the clash of old-world values with new-age thinking through the lens of its characters.
Production Team
This section explores the talented individuals behind the scenes of the 1968 film “Where Angels Go Trouble Follows!” from director to special effects.
Direction
Director: James Neilson was at the helm as the director, guiding the production with a blend of old-school sensibility and contemporary flair.
Writing
Screenplay: The script was crafted by Jane Trahey and Blanche Hanalis, translating the comedic and spirited narrative onto the screen.
Cinematography
Cinematographer: Sam Leavitt captured the film’s visuals with expertise, ensuring every frame contributed to the story’s vibrancy.
Music and Soundtrack
- Composer: Lalo Schifrin infused the film with a musical score that perfectly complemented its tone
- Songs: Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart contributed catchy tunes, including those performed by The Monkees
Editing
Editor: Adrienne Fazan meticulously pieced together the film’s scenes, ensuring a coherent and engaging rhythm throughout.
Art and Set Design
- Set Decoration: Ben Lane, alongside Carl Beringer, created settings that visually matched the movie’s thematic elements
- Production Consultant: Charlsie Bryant consulted on the intricate details that brought coherence to the film’s artistic vision
Title and Graphic Design
Title Designer: Wayne Fitzgerald designed the titles, setting the film’s tone from its opening moments with his crisp and memorable graphics.
Costume and Wardrobe
- Wardrobe: Rita Kohler managed the wardrobe, establishing the characters’ personalities through their clothes
- Associate Producer: Hannah Reiner, who likely oversaw various aspects including costume and production design, brought her expertise to the film’s tactile elements
Makeup and Hair
- Makeup Supervisor: Virginia Jones ensured the cast’s makeup was fitting for their characters and consistent throughout the film
- Hair: Coiffures were styled to reflect the era, adding to the authentic feel of the characters
Sound Department
- Sound Supervisor: Frank Tuttle oversaw the sound team to deliver clear and immersive audio
- Sound Recordist: Charles J. Rice captured the on-set audio, a critical component for the film’s realism
Special Effects
Special Effects: Chuck Gaspar was responsible for creating the visual illusions that heightened the film’s adventurous scenes.
This meticulous assemblage of professionals, from producer William Frye to assistant director Stan Wetzel and script supervisor Bill O’Sullivan, ensured that the production functioned smoothly, ultimately delivering the beloved comedic classic.
Production Companies
The film “Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows” was produced by a notable entity in the industry that contributed significantly to its creation and distribution.
Main Company
Columbia Pictures Columbia Pictures was the primary production company responsible for the development and distribution of “Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows.” Established in 1924, Columbia Pictures is a renowned American film production and distribution studio that has been an integral part of the Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group.
Location and Context
“The film Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows! is a 1968 comedy that showcases a bus trip across the United States while capturing the cultural dynamics of the era. This section details the primary setting and cultural influence contextualizing the film.
Primary Setting
St. Francis Academy serves as the main backdrop for the film’s narrative — the starting point of an adventurous bus trip. The academy is a fictional representation, yet the characters’ journey takes them through various real-life parts of the United States. Notably, Allentown, Pennsylvania and the iconic Pennsylvania Turnpike are part of the film’s on-location shooting, as well as the Eaves Movie Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Cultural Influence
The film is an exploration of cultural tension and change within the United States during the late 1960s. It juxtaposes a traditional Mother Superior and a modern, progressive nun, reflecting the transition from conventional values to more progressive views during a pivotal era in American history. The movie not only serves as a lens to the evolving American societal norms but also humorously portrays the generational gap through the microcosm of a Catholic academy and a cross-country bus trip.
Release and Reception
“The comedy film Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows! was released in 1968 as a sequel, following the entertaining dynamics at a Catholic girls’ school. The reception highlighted a mix of critic reviews from the era, hinting at the cultural context of the times.”
Release Date
Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows! premiered in 1968. As a follow-up to The Trouble with Angels (1966), it offered audiences another glimpse into the humor-filled challenges between nuns and their students during a cross-country trip.
Critical Response
The film’s reception was an amalgam of contemporary critique and audience amusement. On Turner Classic Movies (TCM), the movie found a spot, suggesting a lasting interest in its light-hearted narrative. Critics focused on performances, especially those of Rosalind Russell and Stella Stevens, and the portrayal of generational conflicts within the church. While specifics on critic reviews are scarce, the film’s ability to spark laughter while touching on the themes of change and tradition hints at a reception that was as spirited as the film itself.
Cultural Impact
“Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows” is a 1968 comedy film that, as a sequel to “The Trouble with Angels,” has left its own distinct imprint on the cultural landscape of classic film comedies.
Influence of the Film
The film is recognized for showcasing a cultural clash between traditional values and the burgeoning counterculture of the late 1960s. The narrative pits the conventional worldviews of an old-line Mother Superior against the progressive ideas of a younger nun, highlighting generational shifts. This dichotomy is not only comedic in nature but also serves as a mirror to the societal changes occurring during the era.
In relation to its influence specifically, the presence of the Monkees, a band emblematic of the era, on the film’s soundtrack, further cemented its association with the period’s pop culture. The film’s incorporation of contemporary music aided in bridging the gap between traditional cinematic storytelling and the rapidly evolving music scene of the time.
Notably, the sequel aspect of the film allowed it to both continue and expand upon narrative and thematic elements introduced by its predecessor, creating a richer tapestry for both characters and viewers to engage with. In this regard, the film not only entertained but also contributed to the dialogue around change and modernity that characterized its generation’s cinema.
