The Staircase, based on the real legend of the miraculous stairway at the Sisters of Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico is an inspirational, life-affirming drama of hope and faith. Mother Madalyn s (Barbara Hershey) la... more »st wish is that her beloved chapel be completed. However when local carpenters built the chapel, they neglected to erect stairs up to the choir loft, and due to the chapel s construction, adding a staircase is now impossible. The arrival of Joad (William Petersen), may be the answer to Mother Madalyn s prayers. Run Time: 95 minutes Format: 1 disk, DVDRating: Not ratedPublisher: Ignatius Press« less
The Staircase is real a powerful symbol of hope, faith and wonder with the miraculous building of the church staircase. Barbara Hershey and William L. Petersen shine bright in this where they both play much different roles than their norm. A must watch, especially for the non-believers!
Movie Reviews
UPLIFTING AND TOUCHING
Michael Butts | Martinsburg, WV USA | 09/21/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Based on a true story, THE STAIRCASE is one of those uplifting Christian movies heavy on morals and faith, and thanks to an intelligent script and very good performances, it works.
Barbara Hershey gives a smooth and touching performance as Mother Madeleine, a dying nun who wants to see the completion of a chapel in the Santa Fe territory before she dies. This seems impossible when the architect "forgets" to put in a staircase to the choir loft. Without the funds necessary to complete the staircase, that dream seems unlikely...until a mysterious stranger named Mr. Joad shows up out of nowhere and offers to build a spiral staircase with no charge. CSI's William Petersen gives a strong understated performance as Joad, whose mission becomes both a blessing and a curse as the original contractors (David Clennon and Justin Louis) don't want Joad to do the staircase. It may all play out with predictable results but it's sincerity is so genuine, it's a fine little film."
Touched My Soul
Vera | 02/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I remember hearing about this staircase when I was a teenager. A staircase built without using nails. It really moved me to tears, but not really sad tears. Barbara Hershey and William Petersen give an excellent performance in this movie. The movie left me believing in miracles and the strength of the human spirit. A carpenters work of art..............."
Gayle R. Donham
Gayle R. Donham | 06/28/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie would be good for everyone to see.It was about a spiral staircase which was built by a stranger.There were no nails used and the type of wood was a pine that only grows in about 10 locations on the Northern continent.The construction of the staircase was that of a helix design.This means the steps revolved around and around a single core (helix)which also was springy vertical depending on how much weight was on the staircase.The staircase was completed many years ago in Santa Fe, New Mexico and still stands today,and maybe visited.A real good movie."
A modern day miracle - and they did a good job with it
J. Ocampo | New York | 07/18/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The other reviews outline the plot, so I won't retell it. I'll just tell you what I like about it.
What is interesting to me, is that the staircase is really there and it really was built by a mysterious stranger with technology and techniques that were rarely practiced at the the time.
I don't know if it was a miracle, or just a kind man that wanted to help those in need. Either way, it is an inspiring story.
On the question whether or not it was a miracle, there is something that took place historically that doesn't appear in the movie. The nuns had been praying to St. Joseph the carpenter for nine days. On the ninth day, the stranger showed up and subsequently started working on the mysterious staircase. This "coincidence" has caused many people to believe that the mysterious stranger was St. Joseph himself.
The movie is very inspiring because, whether you believe there is a divine or saintly intervention or not, it is refreshing to see people help each other. If there is one thing that I love to see, it is the charity and care that some people glady give to their fellow human beings. It other words, whether divine or humanistic, it is a tale of kindness.
It is nice to see something like this on your television screen and a great family movie."
God answers prayers
David M. Thompson | South Central Texas | 08/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This film relates the importance of prayer, not just in Church, but, in life, when someone earmestly prays for some need ( not a want ), God will tend to it and send an answer, sometimes it is wait, or even No, but, in His infinite wisdom and timing, sometimes we will get to see the answer to our prayer as do the Nuns in this film. Very warm, not over the top,,, good for all ages..."