The Flying Nun had to convince real nuns that it was worth watching

When it comes to The Flying Nun, viewers had all kinds of reactions. For the general audience, the series was lighthearted fun—an entertaining show with a gimmick that wasn’t too hard to grasp: a nun who could fly.

However, for some, the concept of a flying nun felt a little too out there. Questions and criticism surrounded the series when it first aired in 1967, back when leading star Sally Field was still early in her career.

One group the writers of The Flying Nun were worried about was real-life nuns themselves.

According to a 1967 interview with The Cleveland Press, three hundred nuns in New York were invited to a special preview of the series.

"They started laughing just at the title," Field said. "They loved everything about the show—even the scene where I walk on water. Non-Catholics seemed to be more worried about the show than Catholics."

While not every Catholic viewer may have agreed, the majority rallied behind the idea. That gave Field a chance to soar—without worrying that she’d fall flat with the public.

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Executive producer Harry Ackerman added: "From Cardinal Spellman to the Catholic Legion of Decency, there hasn’t been a dissenting voice. In fact, the show will probably end up being plugged in Catholic publications."

The series centers on Sister Bertrille, a nun in Puerto Rico whose lightweight frame allows her to fly. But behind the holy hijinks was some serious talent. To perform the airborne scenes, Field wore a harness and was fastened to a crane.

"Peter Foy is my crane pilot. He flew Mary Martin in Peter Pan," Field said. "I’ve been flying at an altitude of 75 feet, but with the new crane they’ve ordered, I’ll be able to go up to 140 feet."

However they managed to get her off the ground, one thing was clear—she had the public’s blessing and, most importantly, the nun’s stamp of approval.