"For those who believe in God, no explanation of this story is necessary; for those who do not, no explanation will suffice." Franz Werfel's remark notwithstanding, even those who fall into the second group cannot fail to be moved by the powerful screen presentation of "The Song of Bernadette."

Too often the movie makers fail to leave well enough alone. One of their favorite tricks is to buy up a good novel-at a fancy price-and with the aid of bad acting, poor casting, and insipid directing, turn out a sixth rate flop. Happily, "The Song of Bernadette" seems to be a sign of better times.

"The Song of Bernadette" is a simple tale, and it is told with sympathetic restraint. The usual gaudy theatrics are nowhere present to mar the strength of Franz Werfel's tale of the miracle of Lourdes. The screen writing is first rate; if any film ever possessed material to inspire its audience, "The Song of Bernadette" is that picture. Franz Werfel's imaginative reproduction of a modern revelation makes a very superior movie.

Much of the credit for this fine job belongs to the director, and to the star, Jennifer Jones. Given a story very susceptible to overacting, they resist this temptation firmly. Miss Jones, whose performance won her the Academy Award in 1943, makes an excellent Bernadette.

All this adds up to a top-grade movie; it will be a long while before another one like it comes to the screen.