It is a rare thing for a made-for-TV movie from 1975 to maintain a cult following that spans generations. Most of those mid-seventies productions have dissolved into the ether of grainy film stock and forgotten IMDb pages. But In This House of Brede movie is different. It’s got this quiet, almost stubborn staying power. If you’ve ever felt the urge to just walk away from a high-powered career and disappear into something bigger than yourself, this film speaks your language.
Honestly, the setup sounds like it could be a Hallmark cliché, but it isn’t. Not even close. Diana Rigg—yes, the legendary Olenna Tyrell from Game of Thrones—plays Philippa Talbot. She’s a sophisticated, wealthy Londoner who, to the absolute shock of her social circle, decides to give it all up. She isn't just "taking a break." She’s entering a cloistered Benedictine monastery.
The movie is based on the 1969 novel by Rumer Godden. Godden actually lived near a real abbey (Stanbrook Abbey) to get the details right. That’s probably why the film feels so lived-in. It doesn't treat the nuns like caricatures or silent saints. They’re basically a group of high-functioning women trapped in a house together, trying to find God while dealing with leaking roofs and internal politics.
The Gritty Reality of the Cloister
Most people think religious movies are going to be all soft-focus lenses and Gregorian chants. In This House of Brede movie takes a much sharper turn. Philippa enters the Abbey of Brede as a "late vocation." She’s older. She’s used to being the boss. Watching a woman who was a top-tier civil servant struggle with the "holy obedience" of scrubbing floors is genuinely fascinating. It’s about the ego. Or, more accurately, the slow, painful death of the ego.
The 1970s was a weird time for the Catholic Church. Vatican II had just happened, and everything was shifting. The movie captures that tension perfectly. You have the older nuns who want to keep the Latin and the old-school strictness, and the younger ones who want to breathe. It’s basically a workplace drama, just with more veils and fewer water coolers.
One of the most striking things is how the film handles Philippa’s past. She isn't running away because she failed. She’s running away because she succeeded and realized it didn't fill the hole in her life. But—and here’s the kicker—you can’t just leave your baggage at the monastery gates. Her past follows her. Specifically, the tragic loss of her son and her husband. The movie handles grief in a way that feels incredibly modern. It isn't wrapped up in a neat bow.
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Why Diana Rigg Was the Only Choice
Can we talk about Diana Rigg for a second? She was incredible. In 1975, she was already a massive star because of The Avengers (the British spy one, not the Marvel one). Taking a role where you have to hide your hair and wear a heavy habit for two hours was a bold move.
She brings a specific kind of "steel" to Philippa. You believe she was a power player in London. You also believe her vulnerability when she realizes she’s just another novice at Brede. There’s a scene where she has to face a massive financial crisis involving the Abbey’s land. Her old business instincts kick in, but she has to navigate them within the rules of the convent. It’s some of her best, most understated work.
The supporting cast isn't slouching either. Judi Bowker plays Joanna, a young nun who becomes a sort of focal point for Philippa’s maternal instincts. Their relationship is the heart of the movie’s second half. It’s complicated. It’s messy. It’s about the difference between loving someone and owning them.
The Rumer Godden Connection
You can't really understand In This House of Brede movie without looking at the woman who wrote the source material. Rumer Godden was obsessed with the idea of "place." She wrote Black Narcissus, too, which is also about nuns, but that one is way more erotic and psychological.
Brede is the grounded older sister. Godden spent years researching the daily horarium (the schedule) of Benedictine life. She wanted to know how they ate, how they slept, and how they argued. When the movie was being made, they filmed at an actual convent. That authenticity bleeds through the screen. You can almost smell the incense and the old stone.
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A Soundtrack of Silence
In a world where movies are constantly screaming for our attention with Hans Zimmer-style scores, In This House of Brede uses silence as a character. The liturgical music is used sparingly and effectively. Most of the "soundtrack" is just the wind, the rustle of wool, and the bells.
It creates this meditative state for the viewer. You start to sync up with the rhythm of the Abbey. It’s a slow burn. If you’re looking for high-octane action, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a psychological study of what happens when a human soul is stripped of all its worldly distractions, this is the gold standard.
The Enduring Themes of Sacrifice and Success
What does it mean to be successful? That’s the core question of In This House of Brede movie. Philippa had the money, the career, and the status. She threw it away. In 2026, when everyone is burnt out and "quiet quitting," this film feels weirdly prophetic.
It challenges the idea that "more" is better. The nuns at Brede have nothing. They don't even own their own pens or books. Everything is "ours," not "mine." For a modern audience, that’s a terrifying concept. But the movie shows the liberation in it.
There’s also the theme of "Late Bloomers." Philippa starts her "real" life in her 40s. That’s a powerful message. It tells the viewer that it’s never too late to pivot. It’s never too late to find a new purpose, even if that purpose looks like a complete 180-degree turn from where you started.
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Where to Find the Movie Now
Finding a high-quality version of In This House of Brede movie can be a bit of a scavenger hunt. It was originally a CBS Friday Night Movie. It’s been released on DVD a few times, notably by companies that specialize in religious or classic cinema.
- Streaming: It occasionally pops up on Amazon Prime or specialized services like Formed or Kanopy.
- Physical Media: Look for the Vision Video releases. They usually have the best transfers.
- YouTube: Sometimes, you can find the full movie uploaded by fans, though the quality is usually pretty rough.
If you’re a fan of British drama or just want to see Diana Rigg at her peak, it’s worth the hunt. It isn't just a "religious movie." It’s a human movie.
Actionable Takeaways for Viewers
If you're planning to watch In This House of Brede movie for the first time, or if you're revisiting it after years, here’s how to get the most out of it:
- Context Matters: Do a quick 5-minute search on Benedictine life. Understanding the "Rule of Saint Benedict" makes the conflicts in the movie much more understandable. It’s all about balance—prayer and work.
- Look for the Subtext: Pay attention to the way the camera moves when Philippa is in her cell versus when she’s in the chapel. The cinematography subtly mirrors her internal state of confinement vs. freedom.
- Read the Book: If the movie moves too fast (it covers several years in two hours), Rumer Godden's novel provides the internal monologues that explain why these women are making these choices. It’s widely considered one of the best novels about monastic life ever written.
- Compare it to Black Narcissus: If you want a "Nun Movie Marathon," watch this and Black Narcissus back-to-back. One is about the failure of a mission, and the other is about the success of a vocation. It’s a fascinating contrast in tone and philosophy.
The film reminds us that every choice has a price. Philippa gives up her independence, but she gains a community. She gives up her past, but she finds a future. It’s a trade-off. And in the end, the movie leaves you wondering if you’d have the guts to make the same trade.
That’s why people are still talking about it. It’s not about the habit; it’s about the heart. Whether you're religious or not, the struggle to find meaning in a noisy world is something everyone can relate to.