The Bridge Of San Luis Rey (1958)

Set in 18th century Peru, five people crossing an old rope bridge over a mountain gorge plunge to their death when the bridge collapses. A sea captain (Theodore Bikel) who knew the five people reflects on the lives of these five victims and wonders if there is a reason why these particular people died. Fate? Accident? Or God's plan. Based on the novel by Thornton Wilder (OUR TOWN) and directed by Robert Mulligan (SUMMER OF 42). At approximately a 90 minute running time, this is a condensed version of Wilder's novel and is missing much of the book's nuance. It's well done but perhaps most importantly, it's got some terrific performances. Notably, Judith Anderson as the lonely Marquesa who pines for the daughter (Rita Gam) in Spain and a rare filmed performance by the legendary stage actress Eva Le Gallienne as the Abbess of a convent. Previously filmed in 1944 and again in 2004. With Viveca Lindfors, Steven Hill, Hume Cronyn, Kurt Kasznar, Peter Cookson, William Marshall and Sandra Whiteside.