The director of this film, the French stage and film actor Alain Cuny, was for years a friend and associate of the diplomat, playwright and symbolist poet Paul Claudel (1868–1955), whose sister Camille was possibly better known outside the French-speaking world.

In fact, one of Cuny's late acting roles was in the 1988 film Camille Claudel, based on the sculptor's life.

Before he died in 1955, the playwright asked that Cuny direct a picture based on his play L'Annonce faite a Marie, and in this somewhat stage-bound production, he honored that request.

[2] Set at the time of the Crusades, it tells the story of love and tragedy, intermingled with mysticism.

When she discovers that she has leprosy, however, the marriage is off, and she retires to a life of prayer at an isolated hermitage.