Two preconceptions I had of the film were summarily dismissed after my initial viewing; it's not technically a Christmas movie, and the 'battle' of wills between Sister Mary Benedict (Ingrid Bergman) and Father O'Malley (Bing Crosby) is never more than a shadow of the main event I expected. That's not to say it's a bad thing, I just expected more fireworks between the two.
The thought occurred to me that the film is one that probably would never be made today, with it's overt depiction of the Roman Catholic faith and people committed to a life of service to God. Politically correct times may allow for the parody of a "Sister Act", but not an honest exploration of religious themes, as they might 'offend' someone. As for myself, I can't be persuaded to choose Happy Holidays over Merry Christmas to appease the liberal left. Which makes Crosby's line all the more funnier when he reacts to a student's name - "Luther, how'd he get in here"?
I was listening attentively to the children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance early in the story. The words 'under God' had not yet been made part of the Pledge as we know it today. You'll encounter the same situation in the 1938 Humphrey Bogart movie "Crime School", when the Pledge is recited in a prison yard. It wasn't until Flag Day, June 14th, 1954, that the additional words were added upon the approval of President Dwight Eisenhower.
Hey, wasn't that a great scene with the kids performing the Joseph and Mary skit? I wonder if that was done in one take, as Crosby and Bergman took great delight in surmising that the next time around would produce different results. Der Bingle's O'Malley had it right I think, it was perfect as it was. Which only adds to the charm of this period piece, as do so many other scenes that convey the spirit and warmth of a time gone by. Still, one thing puzzles me - how did they get the cat to do that hat trick?
The thought occurred to me that the film is one that probably would never be made today, with it's overt depiction of the Roman Catholic faith and people committed to a life of service to God. Politically correct times may allow for the parody of a "Sister Act", but not an honest exploration of religious themes, as they might 'offend' someone. As for myself, I can't be persuaded to choose Happy Holidays over Merry Christmas to appease the liberal left. Which makes Crosby's line all the more funnier when he reacts to a student's name - "Luther, how'd he get in here"?
I was listening attentively to the children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance early in the story. The words 'under God' had not yet been made part of the Pledge as we know it today. You'll encounter the same situation in the 1938 Humphrey Bogart movie "Crime School", when the Pledge is recited in a prison yard. It wasn't until Flag Day, June 14th, 1954, that the additional words were added upon the approval of President Dwight Eisenhower.
Hey, wasn't that a great scene with the kids performing the Joseph and Mary skit? I wonder if that was done in one take, as Crosby and Bergman took great delight in surmising that the next time around would produce different results. Der Bingle's O'Malley had it right I think, it was perfect as it was. Which only adds to the charm of this period piece, as do so many other scenes that convey the spirit and warmth of a time gone by. Still, one thing puzzles me - how did they get the cat to do that hat trick?