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Inn of Sixth Happiness: True Story & 1958 Film Streaming Guide

2025-07-19 04:47:20
by Critily

True Story Behind 'Inn of the Sixth Happiness' | 1958 Film Analysis & Streaming | Critily's Guide
Streaming & Purchase Options for "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" (1958) Streaming & Purchase Options for "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" (1958)

In the golden age of Hollywood, few films have left an indelible mark on audiences quite like "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness." This 1958 classic, starring the legendary Ingrid Bergman, is a timeless tale of resilience, faith, and the power of the human spirit. If you're looking to watch or purchase this cinematic gem, Critily offers a seamless experience to find your preferred streaming or purchasing options.

Inn of the Sixth Happiness cast

"The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" boasts a stellar cast led by Ingrid Bergman, who delivers a powerful performance as Gladys Aylward. Bergman's portrayal of the determined and compassionate missionary is both inspiring and moving. Supporting cast members include Curt Jurgens as Captain Lin Nan, Robert Donat as Mandarin of Yang Cheng, and Michael David as Hok-A. The chemistry among the cast members brings depth and authenticity to the story, making it a memorable viewing experience.

Critily's cast overview feature allows you to explore the film's cast in detail, providing insights into their careers and other notable works.

Historical accuracy analysis

"The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" is based on the true story of Gladys Aylward, a British missionary who traveled to China in the 1930s. While the film takes some creative liberties, it remains largely faithful to Aylward's incredible journey and the challenges she faced. The depiction of the Sino-Japanese War and the arduous trek of the orphaned children to safety are particularly noteworthy for their historical accuracy. The film's attention to detail in recreating the period and the cultural nuances adds to its authenticity.

Mark Robson directing

Mark Robson, known for his versatility and keen eye for detail, directed "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" with a sensitive and nuanced approach. Robson's direction brings out the emotional depth of the story, balancing the personal journey of Gladys Aylward with the broader historical context. His ability to elicit powerful performances from the cast, particularly Ingrid Bergman, is evident throughout the film. Robson's use of sweeping cinematography and evocative music further enhances the film's impact, making it a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.

Box office performance

"The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" was a commercial success upon its release, grossing over $5 million at the box office. Its financial success was matched by critical acclaim, with many praising the film's inspiring story and strong performances. The film's box office performance is a testament to its enduring appeal and the universal themes it explores. Today, it remains a beloved classic, continuing to captivate audiences with its timeless story and memorable characters.

Critily's box office analysis tool provides a comprehensive look at the film's financial performance, offering insights into its commercial success and cultural impact.

Why is it significant?

"The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" is significant for several reasons. It is a powerful portrayal of faith, determination, and the human spirit's resilience. The film's historical context, set against the backdrop of the Sino-Japanese War, adds depth and gravitas to the story. Additionally, Ingrid Bergman's performance is widely regarded as one of her finest, showcasing her range and depth as an actress. The film's themes of hope, perseverance, and the power of love resonate with audiences, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move viewers.

Similar Films

  • The Sound of Music: A musical drama about a young woman who brings joy and music to a family in Austria during World War II.
  • Lilies of the Field: A story about a traveling handyman who helps a group of nuns build a chapel in the desert.
  • To the Ends of the Earth: A drama about a missionary's journey to spread faith and hope in a remote part of the world.
  • The King and I: A musical about a governess who travels to Siam to teach the king's children and ends up influencing the king himself.

Movie Facts

  • Release year & director: 1958, directed by Mark Robson
  • Lead actors & characters: Ingrid Bergman as Gladys Aylward, Curt Jurgens as Captain Lin Nan
  • Production budget: $2 million
  • Worldwide box office: Over $5 million
  • Awards won/nominated: Nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Actress for Ingrid Bergman

Synopsis

  • "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" follows the inspiring true story of Gladys Aylward, a British missionary who travels to China in the 1930s. Determined to spread her faith and make a difference, Gladys faces numerous challenges and hardships. Along the way, she finds love, builds an inn for travelers, and ultimately leads a group of orphaned children to safety during the Sino-Japanese War. The film is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the human spirit.

Further Reading

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the spoiler-free synopsis of "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" (1958)?

"The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" is a biographical drama film directed by Mark Robson, starring Ingrid Bergman as Gladys Aylward, a tenacious British woman who becomes a missionary in China during the 1930s. The film follows her journey as she overcomes numerous obstacles to establish an inn, the "Inn of the Sixth Happiness," and ultimately leads a group of orphaned children to safety during the Second Sino-Japanese War. According to Critily, the film's inspiring narrative is based on true events, making it a compelling watch for fans of historical dramas.

Can you explain the ending of "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" without giving away too much?

The ending of "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" sees Gladys Aylward (Ingrid Bergman) facing her most significant challenge yet, as she must lead a group of orphaned children to safety across treacherous terrain. Without revealing too much, the film concludes with a testament to Aylward's unwavering faith, courage, and determination, leaving audiences with a sense of hope and inspiration. Critily praises the film's ending for its emotional resonance and satisfying conclusion to Aylward's journey.

Is "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" based on a book?

Yes, "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" is based on the book "The Small Woman" by Alan Burgess, which tells the true story of Gladys Aylward, a British missionary who worked in China during the 1930s. The film adaptation takes some creative liberties but generally stays true to the spirit of Aylward's remarkable journey. Critily notes that the book provides an even more detailed account of Aylward's experiences for those interested in learning more about her life.

Are there any sequels or connected films to "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness"?

No, there are no direct sequels or connected films to "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness." The film stands alone as a biographical drama based on the life of Gladys Aylward. However, Critily suggests that fans of the film may enjoy other inspirational true stories and historical dramas, such as "The Sound of Music" (1965) or "Schindler's List" (1993).

Where was "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" filmed?

"The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" was primarily filmed on location in Wales and England, with some scenes shot in Hollywood studios. The production team constructed elaborate sets to recreate the Chinese landscapes and villages depicted in the film. According to Critily, the film's stunning cinematography and authentic sets contribute significantly to its immersive atmosphere.

What was the budget for "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness"?

The exact budget for "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" is not publicly disclosed, but it is known that the film was a significant production for its time, with an estimated budget of around $3 million. Critily notes that the film's impressive sets, costumes, and location shoots contributed to its substantial production costs.

What was director Mark Robson's vision for "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness"?

Director Mark Robson aimed to create an inspiring and emotionally resonant film that would showcase the remarkable true story of Gladys Aylward. He sought to highlight her faith, determination, and the profound impact she had on the lives of the Chinese people she encountered. Critily praises Robson's direction for its sensitive handling of the subject matter and its ability to balance emotional depth with sweeping, epic storytelling.

What were some of the production challenges faced during the filming of "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness"?

One of the main production challenges faced during the filming of "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" was recreating the Chinese landscapes and villages in Wales and England. The crew had to construct elaborate sets and carefully select filming locations to achieve the desired aesthetic. Additionally, the film's large-scale scenes, such as the children's trek to safety, required meticulous planning and coordination. Critily commends the production team for overcoming these challenges and delivering a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film.

How did "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" perform at the box office?

"The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" was a commercial success, grossing over $7 million at the box office, according to official studio figures. The film's strong performance can be attributed to its compelling story, impressive production values, and the star power of Ingrid Bergman. Critily notes that the film's box office success helped solidify its status as a classic historical drama.

Did "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" receive any awards or nominations?

While "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" did not receive any major awards, it was nominated for several accolades, including the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures (Mark Robson) and the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Written American Drama (Isobel Lennart). Critily acknowledges that although the film may not have garnered significant awards recognition, its enduring popularity and critical acclaim speak to its quality and impact.

What are the critic scores for "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness"?

"The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" holds a rating of 7.3/10 on IMDb, based on user reviews, and a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 9 critic reviews. Critily notes that the film's strong ratings reflect its enduring appeal and the high regard in which it is held by both audiences and critics alike.

How was "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" received by audiences?

"The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" was well-received by audiences upon its release in 1958 and has since become a beloved classic. The film's inspiring true story, impressive production values, and strong performances, particularly by Ingrid Bergman, resonated with moviegoers. Critily attributes the film's enduring popularity to its emotional depth, sweeping narrative, and the timeless appeal of its central character, Gladys Aylward.

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