Watch Inquiring Nuns

Inquiring Nuns, a documentary film directed by Gordon Quinn and Gerald Temaner, was first released in 1968. It features two Catholic nuns, Sister Marie Arne and Sister Mary Campion, who wander around the bustling city of Chicago with a 16mm camera, asking everyday people the question, 'Are you happy?' The film has been called a "time capsule of the late-1960s," and it delivers an engaging and unique perspective on that era. It's remarkable to see how people react to two nuns wandering around with a camera, asking them personal questions. Some are downright puzzled, others amused, and many are eager to share their thoughts.

The nuns' inquiries take them to a wide variety of locations in Chicago, including a strip club, a college campus, and even a mayoral press conference. They talk to people from all walks of life - from businessmen to hippies to nuns from other orders.

As the nuns ask the question over and over again, it starts to take on new meanings. People start to ask them if they're happy, too. One nun tells a group of schoolchildren that they'll be happy if they're doing what they're meant to do in life. Another man tells the nuns that happiness is elusive, but it's worth striving for.

The film is a fascinating and humorous look at the 1960s, a decade of rapidly changing attitudes and political upheaval. It's remarkable just how much has changed since Inquiring Nuns was made, and yet it still feels surprisingly relevant. Despite the fact that so much time has ed, the question of happiness is still one we grapple with today.

Throughout the film, the nuns themselves remain largely silent, observing the people they meet with a sense of quiet curiosity. They're an interesting contrast to the people they're talking to - some of whom are quick to make assumptions based on the nuns' habits.

One of the most interesting parts of Inquiring Nuns is the juxtaposition of the nuns against the people they're talking to. While the nuns are often viewed as outsiders or even a punchline, they carry themselves with grace and dignity. They listen intently to what people have to say, even when those people are speaking about subjects the nuns might not be familiar with.

Another interesting aspect of the film is the way it shows Chicago. It's clear that the filmmakers have a deep love for the city, and it's fascinating to see what it was like in the late-1960s. The bustling streets and colorful characters are a delight to watch, and the film showcases a wide variety of neighborhoods and locales.

Inquiring Nuns was made during a time when many people were questioning the status quo and looking for new ways of living. The nuns' question - "Are you happy?" - reflects this spirit of inquiry. It's a simple question, but one that's loaded with meaning.

At its heart, Inquiring Nuns is a film about people. It's about the way we communicate with one another, and the way we look for meaning and purpose in our lives. It's a film about happiness, but it's also a film about the human experience.

Inquiring Nuns is a remarkable documentary - one that's both charming and profound. It's a testament to the power of film to capture our world, and to the beauty of asking simple questions in a complex world.