I was mainly interested in this film because the lead actor, singer of "White Christmas", won an Oscar for playing this character (in the film Going My Way), and it was apparently really popular at the cinemas, and it being number 20 on The Ultimate Film certainly proves that. Oscar nominated Bing Crosby reprises his role as Father Chuck O'Malley, the unconventional priest, who is sent to St. Mary's Catholic school on the verge of condemnation. O'Malley and principal Sister Mary Benedict (Golden Globe winning, and Oscar nominated Ingrid Bergman) work together both with the children in all their situations, e.g. fights, Christmas plays, passing grades, especially young Patricia 'Patsy' Gallagher (Joan Carroll), but they also work to save the school. Of course O'Malley and the Sister have their good-natured disagreements, but they both make sure all the kids, particularly smart Patsy make the best of their time at the school. I should mention the only person of helping them save the school, self confessed grumpy guy Horace P. Bogardus (It's a Wonderful Life's Henry Travers) does eventually change his ways, and agrees with his newfound kindness to help them. Also starring Martha Sleeper as Mary Gallagher (Patsy's mother), William Gargan as Joe Gallagher (Patsy's father), Ruth Donnelly as Sister Michael, Richard Tyler as Eddie Breen, Una O'Connor as Mrs. Breen and Rhys Williams as Dr. McKay. It won the Oscar for Best Sound, and it was nominated for Best Director for Leo McCarey (Duck Soup, An Affair to Remember), Best Film Editing, Best Song for "Aren't You Glad You're You", Best Music for Robert Emmett Dolan and Best Picture. It was number 20 on The Ultimate Film. Good!
Review of The Bells of St. Mary's
