Remember Cold Turkey, when Dick Van Dyke played a reverend who dealt with his cigarette withdrawal frustrations in the bedroom? A few years later, he played a priest in The Runner Stumbles, and he starts the film locked up in jail for murdering a nun! He claims he's innocent, but no one but his steadfast lawyer Beau Bridges believes him. Through flashbacks, we get to find out what happened.
Let's get the obvious out of the way: Kathleen Quinlan didn't act like a nun. When Julie Andrews had an outspoken tongue, love of children, and vivacious energy in The Sound of Music, the message was that she didn't belong in the convent. I can't imagine Kathleen making it through years of training with her full set of emotions and outgoing personality - and not getting kicked out of the order. However, since her personality was so contrary to most typical nuns, you can imagine what a breath of fresh air she was to her new community (and you can also understand why she was transferred). The children loved her and they learned more with her teaching styles, and the priest found new companionship and great conversations.
Even though you go through most of the movie thinking you know what happened, it's still very exciting. Because you don't know how it all unfolds, and you don't really know what happened. As Kathleen infects the town with optimism and inner cheer, Dick finds himself drawn to her in ways that priests shouldn't feel. They had wonderful chemistry together, and they both got to show acting talents normally hidden from audiences. Sneaking by on a technicality, the publicity poster stated that this was the first dramatic theatrical movie of Dick Van Dyke's; but television audiences could see the rare glorious treat in 1974 of The Morning After. I'm still trying to get my hands on a copy of The Country Girl (tv remake) to see more of Dick's dramatic talents; I can't wait!
I totally recommend this movie, whether you like mysteries or forbidden romances. It pre-dated the endlessly popular The Thornbirds miniseries, and while it might not make you go so far as to ask, "What was the big deal?" about Richard Chamberlain's struggle, it'll certainly make you see Dick Van Dyke differently. His screen persona didn't highlight sex appeal, but he was extremely convincing in this role. Can't imagine him being passionate? Rent this movie.
