Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows

Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows from 1968 is a delightful comedy-drama directed by James Neilson and starring the legendary star of stage and screen, Rosalind Russell. Produced as a sequel to the 1966 hit “The Trouble with Angels,” the film stands as a light-hearted exploration of the generational rift and societal changes happening during the late 1960s through the microcosm of an all-girls Catholic school.

Rosalind Russell reprises her role as the no-nonsense Mother Superior at the St. Francis Academy, showcasing her exceptional talent for comedic timing and deeply layered charismatic performances. Her austere take on the role contrasted humorously with the youthful, carefree hijinks that ensue throughout the movie. Russell's performance is the linchpin of the film, providing a steady anchor around which the rest of the narrative unfolds.

Co-star Stella Stevens plays the role of Sister George. Sister George is a young and spirited nun having a modern outlook towards life. Her character largely represents the changing times and mindset of the youth of 1960s America. Stevens’ performance adds to the charm of the movie, creating a beautiful generational juxtaposition against Russell's more traditional Mother Superior. Her youthful energy and modern ideas often stir up trouble and spontaneous adventure, much to the chagrin of Mother Superior.

Binnie Barnes also graces the screen as the pert and efficient Sister Celestine, Barnes' portrayal is often a bridge character whose interactions with the students and the nuns add further depth to the magical misadventures that fill the film.

The story revolves around a road trip by bus across America taken by a group of schoolgirls from St. Francis Academy, along with Mother Superior, Sister George, and Sister Celestine. The journey is meant to be a semi-religious pilgrimage leading towards a peace rally in California, however, it soon turns into a series of hilarious escapades filled with singing, pranks, colorful characters, and spontaneous adventure.

The road trip becomes a metaphorical adventure encompassing self-discovery, generational debates and a celebration of youth and its promise. Amid all the lively adventure, the film delivers a profound message about acceptance of changing times and generational perspectives. The movie delves into the shifting societal norms of the era, showing how two vastly differing worldviews could coexist, adapt, and even learn from each other.

An integral element of Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows is its soundtrack. It features songs from pop singer and songwriter, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, making it a vibrant backdrop against the lively narrative. The title song “Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows” is particularly catchy, encapsulating the bubbly, rebellious spirit of the film.

With its simple yet effective storytelling, this film creates a vivid portrait of the late 60s. The visuals are equally compelling, with cinematography capturing America’s scenic beauty, from the aesthetic stretches of countryside landscapes to vibrant city settings.

The humor in Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows is both respectful and irreverent. It never teeters on the sacrilegious, striking a balance between religious tradition and youthful rebellion. The jokes are often subtle and clever, managing to elicit laughs without resorting to cheap gags. Underneath its guise as a light-hearted comedy, the film explores themes like generational disconnect, cultural change, youth rebellion, and acceptance of new ideas.

Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows isn't just a comedy about mischievous schoolgirls causing havoc on a road trip. It tackles generational challenges with grace and humor without trivializing them, making it a multifaceted film that manages to entertain and provoke thought at the same time.

All in all, Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows is a delightful cocktail of mirth, buoyant youthfulness, poignant commentary, and layered performances. It’s a film that celebrates the transitional period of the late 60s and offers a breezy yet insightful look at the journeys – both physical and metaphorical – we embark upon in life.