St. Joan tale enduring for all, says 'Joan of Arc' director-producer

Published: 2005-03-23

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The story of St. Joan of Arc has relevance for all, said Pamela Mason Wagner, who directed and produced a new version of the life of the young French saint. "I think Joan's appeal is broader than (to) just the Catholics," said Wagner, who is not herself Catholic. "Every sixth-grade girl has wanted to do an essay on her." Wagner produced and directed "Joan of Arc: Child of War, Soldier of God," which debuted March 21 on cable's Hallmark Channel. The program was expected to be released shortly as a video. "Most versions of Joan of Arc's story are based in George Bernard Shaw's (play) 'Saint Joan,'" Wagner said. "Shaw was reasonably accurate, but I think he had his own set of biases," she added. Wagner said she wanted to focus on the truth of Joan of Arc's story, with less reliance on the myth. To do so, she used the saint's own words to tell the story.

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