Plot: This delightful duo of films chronicles the adventures of Father Charles "Chuck" O'Malley (Bing Crosby), a young, happy-go-lucky priest whose unconventional methods pit him against his more traditional superiors - often with surprising results!
In Going My Way, Father O'Malley is given one of his first assignments, to replace the aging priest at financially strapped St. Dominic's parish in New York City. Father Fitzgibbons (Barry Fitzgerald) is a fussy little old Irishman who has run his parish the same way for 45 years, and he is shocked when his energetic young curate breaks a window playing baseball, gives money to a teenager running away from home, and rounds up a gang of young lawbreakers to become St. Dominic's new choir. Father Fitzgibbons even goes to the bishop to ask for Father O'Malley's transfer. But when these unconventional methods start bringing astonishing results, he comes to realize that Father O'Malley is something special. Even Father O'Malley's creativity is tested, though, when things start to go wrong at St. Dominic's ...
In The Bells of St. Mary's, Father O'Malley has been reassigned to take over a crumbling parochial school at risk of being condemned. When he arrives, the housekeeper informs him that the previous principal had been driven nearly insane by the headstrong nuns at the school; and it quickly becomes clear that easygoing Father O'Malley has met his match in strict, stubborn, headstrong Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman). Even as their opposing views on education erupt in arguments, they form a strong friendship dedicated to saving the school, and to helping troubled student Patsy Gallagher (Joan Carroll) deal with her turbulent home life.
Then Sister Benedict begins having fainting spells, and her doctor secretly informs Father O'Malley that she is in the early stages of tuberculosis. Father O'Malley arranges for her to be transferred to a warmer climate; however, the doctor warns him not to tell her she is sick, and so a brokenhearted Sister Benedict assumes that he can no longer tolerate her viewpoints on education. Father O'Malley is torn. Should he disobey the doctor to help his friend?
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High Points:
- Award-winning music and acting
- Heartwarming plots and inspiring themes
- Realistic, endearing characters
- Some surprising plot twists keep the stories interesting
Could Be Better:
- Going My Way starts out at a pretty slow pace and takes almost an hour to speed up into the main part of the movie. If you can stick with it, it gets more interesting as you go along. :-)
- If you like adventure and action, these movies may seem boring to you, as they mostly center around everyday problems and occurrences.
- Despite their Christian setting, neither of these videos presents any kind of clear Gospel message or mentions God much at all, except for short prayers.
- Definitely look for the black-and-white version of The Bells of St. Mary's; some colorized versions are not done well and can be distracting.
Possible Concerns:
Going My Way
- Father O'Malley tries to help troubled teen Carol James, who has run away from home to escape her "repressive" parents and become a singer; it is hinted several times that she is living an immoral lifestyle. However, as this movie was made in 1944, the references are fairly veiled. Carol does change her ways later in the movie, as well.
- Father Fitzgibbons has a bottle of alcohol that he sneaks out on "special occasions."
The Bells of St. Mary's
- Patsy Gallagher's parents are separated; Father O'Malley gently works on them to bring them back together, and they reconcile in the end. The effects of their separation are clearly shown in Patsy's life.
Vicki's Vote: Both movies - 5/5
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Review: How many movies these days could win multiple Academy Awards by declaring that Christianity is full of joy, laughter, and music? Both of these movies are lighthearted musicals that move at a gentle pace, sensitively depict real-life problems, and yes, Father O'Malley dares to declare to his skeptical friends that he has fun being a priest.
I was introduced to The Bells of St. Mary's many years ago, as it is the livelier and more kid-friendly of the two movies (naturally, since it takes place in a school). So I was excited last night to finally see Going My Way, the first movie in the series. Both of these movies are peaceful, fun to watch, and leave you with a fuzzy feeling for several hours after they're over.
In Going My Way, Father O'Malley is young and exuberant, lively and musical, sometimes clumsy, but with a creative vision that we in the audience can see right away ... even though poor Father Fitzgibbons is sure for nearly an hour's worth of film that he's been saddled with a scatterbrained assistant. Somehow, though, we watch as the tangled mess of huge debts, wayward young people, and generational clashes turns into a beautiful song that starts to turn lives around:
This road leads to Rainbowville,
Going my way
Up ahead is Bluebird Hill,
Going my way
Just pack a basket full of wishes
And off you start,
With Sunday morning in your heart
Round the bend you'll see a sign,
"Dreamers Highway"
Happiness is down the line,
Going my way
The smiles you'll gather
Will look well on you -
Oh, I hope you're going my way too!
Going my way
Up ahead is Bluebird Hill,
Going my way
Just pack a basket full of wishes
And off you start,
With Sunday morning in your heart
Round the bend you'll see a sign,
"Dreamers Highway"
Happiness is down the line,
Going my way
The smiles you'll gather
Will look well on you -
Oh, I hope you're going my way too!
(And by the way, I dare you to watch the ending and not cry ...)
When The Bells of St. Mary's begins, however, we see that Father O'Malley has grown up a little bit. His youthful spontaneity has solidified into a firmer set of convictions ... and it's fascinating to watch his firm convictions crash head-on into the even firmer convictions of his polar opposite, Sister Benedict. Just like his relationship with Father Fitzgibbons, it seems that this unlikely partnership will not last; but as they learn to accept each other and start working together, their combined strengths help to rescue troubled Patsy and save the school in a very unusual way.
Both of these movies are wholesome, happy movies that celebrate creativity, understanding, loyalty, friendship, and joy. The music is beautiful late-40's swing, sung by the incomparable Bing Crosby himself, and both of the stories are interesting and believable. I definitely encourage you to see these movies!
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When The Bells of St. Mary's begins, however, we see that Father O'Malley has grown up a little bit. His youthful spontaneity has solidified into a firmer set of convictions ... and it's fascinating to watch his firm convictions crash head-on into the even firmer convictions of his polar opposite, Sister Benedict. Just like his relationship with Father Fitzgibbons, it seems that this unlikely partnership will not last; but as they learn to accept each other and start working together, their combined strengths help to rescue troubled Patsy and save the school in a very unusual way.
Both of these movies are wholesome, happy movies that celebrate creativity, understanding, loyalty, friendship, and joy. The music is beautiful late-40's swing, sung by the incomparable Bing Crosby himself, and both of the stories are interesting and believable. I definitely encourage you to see these movies!
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For More Information:
Going My Way
Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers
Trailer
The Bells of St. Mary's
Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers
Trailer
Going My Way
Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers
Trailer
The Bells of St. Mary's
Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers
Trailer
