The Runner Stumbles: A Tribute to the 1979 Film Starring Dick Van Dyke & Kathleen Quinlan

In 1979, director Stanley Kramer ended his career with this absorbing drama, adapted from the play by Milan Stitt and based on a real-life event from 1927. Dick Van Dyke ("Mary Poppins"), stars as Father Rivard, an intellectual priest in a small, impoverished mining town in the state of Washington (called Roslyn, located about two hours drive southeast of Seattle, in Northern Kittitas County). A lonely man with low self-esteem, Rivard is depressed by the arduous and dreary lives of his flock, until the arrival of Sister Rita (Kathleen Quinlan of "The Promise"), a bright, spirited young nun who joins his parish to teach at its school. Rita appreciates Rivard on a level that few others in the community can, and soon the priest falls in love with her. But when Sister Rita is murdered, Rivard's infatuation is revealed and the love-struck priest is put on trial. Only Rivard's housekeeper, Mrs. Shandig (Maureen Stapleton of "The Queen of the Stardust Ballroom"), knows the truth about Sister Rita's death. Beau Bridges plays Rivard's lawyer who is not so sure that his client is guilty of the crime. Ray Bolger ("The Wizard of Oz") and Tammy Grimes ("Somebody Killed Her Husband") round out the all star cast. This ultra rare and highly controversial film (at the time of its release in 1979), has failed to ever see the light of day on DVD. I hope you enjoy this tribute.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Dick Van Dyke
• Kathleen Quinlan
• Mary Poppins
• The Promise
• Lifeguard
• Apollo 13
• Maureen Stapleton
• The Gathering
• sex
• catholic church
• priest
• nun
• taboo
• controvery
• film
• 1979
• Stanley Kramer
• stage to screen
• not on dvd
• in Northern Kittitas County

[erniehead]

Thanks for posting this. I never watched this before. You did such a great job with GREAT material. One question: So.... how did she die???

[momentbymoment78]

She was murdered and buried in the yard by one of the main characters. The film is available to purchase on ioffer.com

[momentbymoment78]

It's available to purchase on ioffer.com

[rcp1936]

A very well acted movie and sad

Stays in your mind all day long

[lovebaby488]

I have to design the set, lighting, costumes, props...etc. for this play in my Theatrical Design class.

I was amazed when I googled it and found that there was a move made with Dick Van Dyke...It gives me enthusiasm!

[gardinercourta]

Did she play Jo in a tv series "Little Women" by May Alcott.?

[gardinercourta]

I was able to watch this film (I think is was titled "sometimes the runner stumbles") way back when i was in college. I watched it because I was (and is still) a fan of Kathleen Quinlan ("The Promise" and "I never Promised You a Rose Garden"). The characters are unforgettable and the scenes stay with you for quite sometime. When I left the movie house, I was disturbed for a long while. But I still believe it is one of the most beautiful films I have seen.

[francesdb1]

@PiratePixxie I was only 16 when I seen this movie..I saw dick van dyke in Chitty chitty bang bang ....feel in love with him TOO!!!!!

[JubalCalif]

Heavens to Murgatroid! I hadn't heard anything about this movie in probably 30 years! I recall in the late 70's seeing Dick Van Dyke or Ray Bolger on the old syndicated Merv Griffin talk show plugging this film & them showing a clip from it. Since then, I've NEVER seen it shown on TV nor on home video. THANKS so much for posting this fascinating footage!!!

[PiratePixxie]

I loved this movie, I always had a thing for Dick Van Dyke :) I remember watching this movie on tv. I have been looking for it but can't find it on VHS or DVD. I wish they would put it out on DVD. Thank you for posting this! Its great!