How a lounge singer in witness protection became a global box office sensation
In short: When Bette Midler turned down the lead in Sister Act, fearing her fans would reject her as a nun, Whoopi Goldberg stepped in. The result was a 1992 cultural phenomenon that grossed over $231 million, spawned a musical franchise, and became the most rented film in the United States in 1993.
Directed by Emile Ardolino and written by Paul Rudnick, the film follows Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer who witnesses a murder by her gangster boyfriend, Vince LaRocca. To keep her safe, Lieutenant Eddie Souther hides her in a struggling San Francisco convent. Disguised as Sister Mary Clarence, Deloris initially clashes with the rigid Reverend Mother but eventually revitalizes the parish by transforming the lackluster choir into a gospel-rock sensation. This success brings media attention, which inadvertently alerts the mob to her location, leading to a climactic confrontation in Reno.
The production was famously chaotic. After Midler declined the role, the script underwent extensive rewrites by half a dozen writers, including Carrie Fisher, Robert Harling, and Nancy Meyers. The changes were so significant that Rudnick requested his credit be changed to the pseudonym Joseph Howard. Despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil, the film resonated with audiences, earning an 'A' grade from CinemaScore. Critics were more divided, with Roger Ebert noting that while the performances were humorous, the film struggled to balance its crime-thriller elements with its comedic tone.
The film's legacy extends far beyond its initial theatrical run. Its soundtrack, featuring gospel-infused versions of pop classics like 'My Guy' and 'I Will Follow Him,' achieved platinum status in Australia and gold in the United States. The property also faced legal challenges, including a $200 million plagiarism lawsuit in 1993 and a $1 billion claim in 2012, both of which were unsuccessful. By 2006, the story had successfully transitioned to the stage, with a musical adaptation that broke box office records at the Pasadena Playhouse before finding success on the West End and Broadway, where it received five Tony Award nominations.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Sister Act
- Also: Wikidata — Sister Act · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Sister Act · CC0
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