Review of The Bells of St. Mary's (1945) by David F — 16 Nov 2010
Ah, for the days when no problem couldn't be solved by a singing priest and a boxing nun! Leo McCarey's follow up to his earlier 'Going My Way', follows the continuing adventures of Father Chuck O' Malley (Crosby of course) the amiable and easy-going new pastor of St.
Mary's, a parochial school fallen on hard times under the care of saintly Sister Benedict (Bergman). The story is so innocuous and inoffensive it makes 'It's A Wonderful Life' look like 'Taxi Driver', but it manages to hold your interest with its abundance of charm and sincerity.
Bergman's beautiful face is enhanced by her nun's wimple, and Crosby plays O'Malley as just an ordinary Joe Padre. Refreshingly free of any hint of cynicism, awash with schmaltz and good wholesome corn, you can't help but get the warm fuzzies, especially during that Christmas play.
Only drawback is that Henry Travers is not a very believable heavy.
This review of The Bells of St. Mary's (1945) was written by David F on 16 Nov 2010.
The Bells of St. Mary's has generally received positive reviews.
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