Only after hiring THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S did I realise that it was in fact a sequel and that I may have problems with understanding some of the events of the previous film. It was probably the result of learning about the film as it was the movie that appeared on the display board at the cinema momentarily in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Yet it has a captivating charm and likeable flavour that doesn't seem to require GOING MY WAY to continue its story or for newcomers to understand.
Due to the overwhelming success of GOING MY WAY, it was an impossible task for ST. MARY'S to live up to with an immediate public demand for a sequel, but on all accounts this particular sequel is in fact on the better side as sequels are concerned.
It was therefore not possible for ST. MARY'S to win best picture since in contention with the brilliant THE LOST WEEKEND at the 1945 Oscars, but it holds the special distinction for Bing Crosby as the only person in the Academy's history to be nominated for the same role twice. In fact, the film is worthy and deserving of all the nominations it received.
Leo McCarey once again delivers with a light hearted, wholesome, more than enjoyable story and with his own special touch of direction, with a touch of humour and the ever continuing throes of church dilemmas.
Bing Crosby, without the feisty support of the great Barry Fitzgerald, faces Ingrid Bergman in the run-down St. Mary's school/convent and her entire congregation against his free spirited priest ideals, and the always brilliant Henry Travers with a few plans of his own.
Highlights include Ingrid Bergman's study into the unknown world of boxing and anything sung by Bing, in particular "Aren't You Glad You're You?" and the title song. The film may have benefited even more greatly with the inclusion of more musical sequences, but since the film was the highest grossing movie at the box office in 1945, little can be asked for.
Like most film series, the first is usually always the best, and GOING MY WAY certainly has a lot going for it, but in comparison, so does THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S.
Rating: 8/10
Due to the overwhelming success of GOING MY WAY, it was an impossible task for ST. MARY'S to live up to with an immediate public demand for a sequel, but on all accounts this particular sequel is in fact on the better side as sequels are concerned.
It was therefore not possible for ST. MARY'S to win best picture since in contention with the brilliant THE LOST WEEKEND at the 1945 Oscars, but it holds the special distinction for Bing Crosby as the only person in the Academy's history to be nominated for the same role twice. In fact, the film is worthy and deserving of all the nominations it received.
Leo McCarey once again delivers with a light hearted, wholesome, more than enjoyable story and with his own special touch of direction, with a touch of humour and the ever continuing throes of church dilemmas.
Bing Crosby, without the feisty support of the great Barry Fitzgerald, faces Ingrid Bergman in the run-down St. Mary's school/convent and her entire congregation against his free spirited priest ideals, and the always brilliant Henry Travers with a few plans of his own.
Highlights include Ingrid Bergman's study into the unknown world of boxing and anything sung by Bing, in particular "Aren't You Glad You're You?" and the title song. The film may have benefited even more greatly with the inclusion of more musical sequences, but since the film was the highest grossing movie at the box office in 1945, little can be asked for.
Like most film series, the first is usually always the best, and GOING MY WAY certainly has a lot going for it, but in comparison, so does THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S.
Rating: 8/10