Review of Going My Way (1944) by Matthew D — 22 Dec 2018

A heartfelt look at religion and kindness.

Going My Way (1944) is Leo McCarey's sweet take on organized religion's gentle way of sending of an old priest. The film is long, but I never think that it feels too long as everything included is so fun and charming. Beautiful scene after scene enchants you with the tender message of sentimentality and decency towards others.

The musical numbers are just amazing with Bing Crosby singing Silent Night, Going My Way, Ave Maria, and many more. There is even an entire sequence from Carmen included! The music is gorgeous and Crosby's voice is as powerful and captivating as ever.

Speaking of which, Crosby gives perhaps his most kindly and adoring performance as Father O'Malley. He is the new head priest at a church and takes to the task with great enthusiasm. Crosby's portrayal is just so optimistic and good willed that you cannot help but like him. He is relatable and nice with a sense of progressive realism to his character. Going My Way easily features some of Crosby's best acting.

Similarly, Barry Fitzgerald as Father Fitzgibbon is hilarious as the stumbling and stingy old man. His priest is trying his best to adapt to the new world and the way Fitzgerald plays his funny older priest is delightful. You are always smiling or laughing alongside him. He really feels like a well rounded character with a lot of interesting moments. He steals the scene away from Crosby sometimes even!

This is a classic film, not so much for the good direction or pretty songs, but for its heart warming depiction of kindness towards your fellow man. It is very touching and I find it as affecting with each viewing as I did the first time I saw Going My Way.