Saint Joan (1957)
Otto Preminger's sweeping historical drama brings George Bernard Shaw's vision of Joan of Arc to life, anchored by Jean Seberg's unforgettable screen debut.
Saint Joan - Movie Information
- Original Title: Saint Joan
- Release Year: 1957
- Directed by: Otto Preminger
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 8, 1957 (United States - NR), September 26, 1957 (Germany - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Bernard Shaw's Die heilige Johanna (DE), せいじょジャンヌ・ダーク (JP), Sainte Jeanne (FR)
- Production Companies: Wheel Productions, United Artists
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Saint Joan - Plot
In 1456, French King Charles VII recalls the story of how he met the 17-year-old peasant girl Joan of Arc, entrusted her with the command of the French Army, and ultimately burned her at the stake as a heretic.
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Saint Joan - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Otto Preminger
Main Cast
- Jean Seberg
- Richard Widmark
- Richard Todd
- Anton Walbrook
- John Gielgud
- Felix Aylmer
- Archie Duncan
- Harry Andrews
- Margot Grahame
- Barry Jones
Writers
- Graham Greene
Producers
- Otto Preminger
Saint Joan - FAQs
Who plays Joan of Arc in Saint Joan (1957)?
Jean Seberg plays Joan of Arc in Saint Joan (1957). It was one of her earliest major film roles, following her discovery by Otto Preminger through a widely publicized talent search. Her casting was controversial at the time, but her performance remains a defining element of the film.
Is Saint Joan based on a true story?
Saint Joan is rooted in real history. Joan of Arc was a 15th-century French peasant girl who led the French army to several victories during the Hundred Years' War before being captured, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake in 1431. The film adapts George Bernard Shaw's celebrated 1923 play about her life.
What is Saint Joan (1957) about?
The film follows Joan of Arc, a young French peasant who claims divine guidance and convinces King Charles VII to let her lead his army against the English. Told in flashback from 1456, it traces her rise, her military triumphs, her capture, and her eventual trial and execution as a heretic.
How was Jean Seberg cast in Saint Joan?
Otto Preminger conducted one of Hollywood's most famous open talent searches to find his Joan, auditioning thousands of unknown young women across the United States. Jean Seberg, a teenager from Marshalltown, Iowa with no professional acting experience, was ultimately selected from around 18,000 candidates for the role.
Who are the main actors in Saint Joan?
Jean Seberg leads the cast as Joan of Arc, alongside Richard Widmark as the Dauphin Charles VII, Richard Todd as Dunois, Anton Walbrook as Bishop Cauchon, and John Gielgud as the Earl of Warwick. Felix Aylmer, Harry Andrews, Margot Grahame, and Barry Jones round out the distinguished ensemble.
Is Saint Joan (1957) based on a play?
Yes, Saint Joan is adapted from George Bernard Shaw's acclaimed 1923 stage play of the same name. The screenplay was written by Graham Greene, who condensed Shaw's lengthy dramatic text for the screen. Shaw's play itself drew on the historical trial records of Joan of Arc for much of its dialogue and structure.
Where can I watch Saint Joan (1957)?
Saint Joan (1957) is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video. Availability may vary by region, so it's worth checking your local streaming platforms for the most current options.
How long is Saint Joan (1957)?
Saint Joan runs for 110 minutes, or 1 hour and 50 minutes. Directed by Otto Preminger and released in May 1957, it adapts George Bernard Shaw's epic stage play into a focused historical drama that moves briskly through Joan's rise, her military campaigns, and her dramatic trial and execution.
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