This one-hour pilot episode for the popular ABC sitcom
The Flying Nun introduces viewers to Sister Bertrille (
Sally Field), formerly Elsie Ethrington, the newest arrival at Convent San Tanco in San Juan, Puerto Rico. One morning, a gust of wind blows the 90-pound nun into the air, where she stays aloft thanks to her large coronet. Unfortunately, once she's taken flight, Sr. Bertrille has little control over where she goes, and therein lies the comic dilemma that will dominate the next 80 episodes. On this occasion, however, Sr. Bertrille uses her aviation skills to convince local casino owner Carlos Ramirez (
Alejandro Rey) to donate some of his property to the convent, and in the bargain, she helps Carlos collect a gambling debt. Originally telecast on September 7, 1967, the inaugural episode of
The Flying Nun was written by Bernard Slade; it was later divided into two half-hour episodes for off-network syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide