The Bells of St. Mary's (1945) YTS

Reviewed by CinemaSerf 7 / 10

With the possible exception of Julie Andrews, I

With the possible exception of Julie Andrews, I don't think I've seen anyone more suited to the role of a nun than Ingrid Bergman. Here she runs the eponymous school for young children. The arrival of the new Father "O'Malley" (Bing Crosby) causes a few ripples - they gently clash on the approach to educating the children, but for the most part remain focused on trying to get their neighbour "Mr. Bogardus" (Henry Travers) to donate a building he owns next door, so the school can extend. Essentially an engaging triple-hander, this is an enjoyable feel-good film that demonstrates the skills of all three, very much in their element, with a solidly uplifting story and the odd bit of crooning from Crosby. It is a bit too long, but the ending is a little heart-rending - if also just a bit dragged out - and it has something of a Christmas feel to it that makes it easy to watch.

Reviewed by moonspinner55 8 / 10

"Just dial O..." this time for Outstanding

1944's "Going My Way" was a wispy-thin Oscar winner with only Barry Fitzgerald's adorable curmudgeon-ness to lift it out of sugary banality; this sequel drops Barry, so it shouldn't be of much use. However, director Leo McCarey actually pulls off a winner. Bing Crosby is back as Father O'Malley, and he's more human here than before, and his warm, witty battles with sister Ingrid Bergman are a delight (it helps that Bergman is possibly the most glowing, knowing, embraceable nun in Hollywood history!). Their smooth trials with the students and each other at St. Mary's have a seamless professionalism that, while not especially fresh, works the audience over with sheer good will. A sub-plot involving a troubled young girl (the excellent Joan Carroll) and her mother is a dandy heart-tugger, and the light music involved isn't such an obvious device as it was in "Going My Way"; the songs are there, but they're unobtrusive. A very good film, one that triumphs over its predecessor. Bing proves to be a solid actor here, not just a personality; he makes Father O'Malley a reachable character rather than just a holy rascal. Watch for his hesitation at the very end, and the thoughtfulness he gives to the scene. Admirably, Crosby gives back this time around. ***1/2 from ****

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The Bells of St. Mary's

1945

Action / Drama

The Bells of St. Mary's

1945

Action / Drama

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With the possible exception of Julie Andrews, I

"Just dial O..." this time for Outstanding

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