A previous poster on July 9, 2004 states how she is disgusted that the pledge as recited by the school children in this film omits the line "under God." Please allow me to clarify. This film was made in 1945, and the phrase "under God" was not inserted into the pledge until the mid 1950s under the Eisenhower administration. This was done so as an anti-communist move. It was NOT originally part of the pledge. The producers of this film were by no means trying to be politically correct by not using it, nor was it ever edited out. The phrase simply did not exist in the pledge in 1945. Having been raised Catholic, I too noticed it right away the first time I saw this film, but a little research on my part quickly put that issue to rest.

And, like her, I also notice the grayed out bar at the bottom of the screen during the main title. Looks like something that was digitally superimposed over the film. (The same gray bar also appears at the end of the theatrical trailer.) I assume it's there to cover up a piece of the copyright, but what part and why? Who knows.

This was a just a plain, nice story, one of those kind I tend favor simply they don't have any "bad guys" in them and still keep the story interesting.

I expected Ingrid Bergman's character, "Sister Mary," from what the liners notes on the video box said, to be a sort-of villain portraying a hard-line rigid nun but that wasn't the case at all. In fact, in her several philosophical disputes the priest "Father Chuck O'Malley" (Bing Crosby) I sided with her because Crosby was a little too liberal regarding punishment. (He never wanted to scold or punish any misbehaving kid., for example. No discipline is not a good idea, as parents know.)

The story is a little unrealistic in that a strong-willed business tycoon would not abandon all his business plans and hand over a brand-new million-dollar (today it would be many millions) building to a church. However, it's nice to see! These kind of old-fashioned films are almost collector's items today but they are pleasant to watch and pretty good entertainment.

I had often heard how this film was nominated for Best Picture and other important Academy Awards, so I was glad to see it on cable a few days ago. I was very pleased with it. The film builds up to quite an emotional, dramatic ending. There are some moments when Ingrid Bergman simply shines with a special radiance. Bing Crosby was excellent also, although I think he had many better songs to sing in his long career. The direction seems slow-paced at times, but in a way this measured pacing gives the audience a better chance to focus on the characters on the screen.

The story certainly touched upon some important issues of Catholic education in the 1940's and 1950's. There were always fine attempts to help children from the other side of the tracks to prosper in a private school, with assistance of various kinds. The postwar population boom, however, led to huge numbers of children being educated as cheaply as possible in crowded, old, unsafe buildings. It was not uncommon to have 70 pupils in one classroom. In this film the nuns are relentlessly polite, but in real life they had to be very strict to control large classes. The picture refers to "fire traps" and the fact that St. Mary's School was about to be condemned. How ironic this was, for just 13 years later -- on December 1, 1958 -- a fire swept through the antiquated Our Lady of the Angels elementary school in Chicago, killing 92 children and three nuns. That tragic fire led to sweeping changes in building code laws and the modernization of thousands of schools across America, both public and private.

As the companion piece to "Going My Way", "The Bells of St. Mary's" shares the same pleasant, upbeat tone, and it has a similar story that, though stylized, has some worthwhile and thoughtful material. Besides Bing Crosby, the cast here features Ingrid Bergman and several solid supporting players such as Henry Travers and Rhys Williams.

As Sister Benedict, Father O'Malley's foil here, Bergman gives this movie its own feel, with themes somewhat different from those in O'Malley's debates with Barry Fitzgerald's character in "Going My Way". Everyone has their own preference between the two movies, but as fine an actress as Bergman is, it's really hard to match - much less top - the dimension that Fitzgerald added in the other film.

Probably each of the two Father O'Malley movies should just be enjoyed for its own merits. While the story here is hardly anything weighty, "The Bells of St. Mary's" offers good entertainment and some worthwhile, positive thoughts.

This is a classic old holiday favorite, and quite deservedly so. It tells the story of a dilapidated parochial school, St. Mary's, that is facing condemnation. Sister Bendict, the Mother Superior and school principal, is struggling not only to save the school but expand it, with dreams of annexing the neighboring property owned by a shrewd businessman named Mr. Bogardus. She frequently clashes with St. Mary's new pastor, Father O'Malley, who has his own ideas as to how the school should be run and its fate.

First of all, I may make some enemies, however...I love Bing Crosby, but the part of Father O'Malley is not merely to serve as a foil for Sister Benedict, but to act much of the time as a veritable idiot! Likable but possibly a tad too clueless to ever have become a priest. For example, his opening stunt where he declares a holiday, can you imagine any Catholic priest actually doing this without first consulting the sisters? He's unrealistically lenient, apparently seeing no need whatsoever for discipline, and disregards standards, encouraging (with no apparent misgivings at all) Sister Benedict to pass a student who has failed the exams. However, he is kind, well intended, and nonjudgmental, as shown by his touching behavior toward young Patsy and her mother, and does sometimes achieve the desired results, I admit, with his relaxed, easy going, laid back style. Wonderful singing as always, with Bing's magnificent, effortless voice. (I didn't see Going My Way, I confess.)

This is Ingrid Bergman's movie. She gives Sister Benedict a sparkling inner light here as she portrays the devout and dedicated nun, trying to save her school while also ensuring its daily operation with kindness, fairness, and genuine concern but also meaningful standards and expectations. She appears strict at times, but has a genuine love for her students and a concern that they truly learn. She glows with pride at her little first graders' Christmas pageant. I love her method for helping young Eddie protect himself against the school yard bullies! Suffice it to say, if I had a child in a parochial school, I would want it run by Sister Benedict and not Father O'Malley!

Unfortunately, these days it's all the negative tales that draw headlines, but my own husband grew up with nuns as teachers during most of his Catholic school years, and he can't sing their praises enough. This movie is a touching, entertaining, and uplifting tale, something of a tribute to all the hard working, dedicated nuns who have taught in parochial schools through the years.

Leo McCarey's "The Bells of St. Mary's" was shown recently on TCM, as part of their tribute to Ingrid Bergman. Not having seen it before, we decided to take a look. This film is somewhat dated, but one can see why it was one of the favorite movie it became when it was released. It helped a lot that Mr. McCarey had a pretty decent screen play by Dudley Nichols, but also the two charismatic stars that were at the height of their popularity among movie fans.

The story of what would be considered now, an inner city parochial school, showed how religious nuns dominated that field, as they played a vital role to educate the children of the congregations they were assigned to. Not having had that type of education myself, one can say that what comes across is good solid no-nonsense approach to turning solid citizens out of the children that parents entrusted to those dedicated women. Like them, or not, those nuns have to be credited with whatever success the kids under them went to achieve.

As the Mother Superior at Saint Mary's, Sister Mary Benedit, ruled the school. She had set principles to go by in treating those in the care of the school. Her love for the children is obvious and her desire to get a bigger building in which to expand consumes her throughout the film.

Father O'Malley, on the other hand, looks things in a different way. He clashes with Sister Mary Benedict because in his way of thinking, a little leniency toward the young ones could do much better than with the rigid ways Mother Superior thought was better. Father O'Malley accomplishes more with this attitude than the school director. In fact, it's because his inter action with Mr. Bogardus, the rich man that has bought part of the school to erect a building, that he is able to convince this man to donate it to St. Mary's.

Ingrid Bergman and Bing Crosby worked well together, or that is the impression one gets by watching them on the screen. These two actors were at the pinnacle of their careers and this film solidified their appeal to their adoring fans. The supporting fans are all excellent. Henry Travers makes a good Mr. Bogardus. Joan Carroll is perfect as Patsy Gallagher, and Una O'Connor turns up as Mrs. Breen.

"The Bells of St. Mary's" will bring joy to any viewer that is willing to take a chance with this timeless classic.

Leo McCarey and Bing Crosby had such a mega-hit on their hands with Going My Way that a sequel in this case really was inevitable. If The Bells of St.Mary's does not quite hit the heights of Going My Way it's got nothing to apologize for. One thing that I do like about it is that you don't have to have watched Going My Way to get into the spirit of this.

Bing repeated his Father O'Malley character and in doing so got a second Oscar nomination. Until Al Pacino was nominated for Michael Corleone in both Godfathers One and Two, Crosby was the only performer ever to have been nominated twice for the same role. Because of Father O'Malley, Bing Crosby became probably the most well known Catholic lay person on the planet. And for better or worse it's the Crosby that is remembered when the knives came out for him after he died.

With Ingrid Bergman the damage was more immediate. Today if you asked the average movie goer to quickly name the part Bergman is best known for it would be Ilsa Lund from Casablanca. Back in the late 40s however the answer would be Sister Benedict. How a Swede who is identified as Swedish in the film could be a Catholic, let alone a nun is a mystery to me. But that's how good an actress Ingrid Bergman was. She became the personification of holiness so when Ingrid Bergman announced she was pregnant with Roberto Rosellini's child the reaction of the public was swift and terrible. Banish her from Hollywood and she was. Such is the power of the mass media. Consider folks like Errol Flynn and Robert Mitchum who had reputations as hell-raisers before scandal hit them. Such is the power of the silver screen and the images it creates.

Bing has some good songs here, he sings the title tune with different lyrics for the screen then for his record. It's the school anthem and he sings it with a chorus of nuns to back him. Those nuns do sing well and in key. I wonder if it was the inspiration for Sister Act.

Crosby also has two of his patented philosophical numbers, Aren't You Glad You're You and In The Land Of Beginning Again. And in keeping with the nature of the film, he sings Adeste Fideles and O Sanctissima.

Among the supporting cast I would single out Joan Carroll as the girl boarding with the convent housekeeper and Martha Sleeper as her mother. Sleeper had both looks and talent, she should have had a bigger career.

The Bells of St. Mary's is what we would deem fine family entertainment. It's also how the Catholic Church likes to see itself. It's a milestone movie for the careers of its stars. But what a cost.

1944's "Going My Way" was a wispy-thin Oscar winner with only Barry Fitzgerald's adorable curmudgeon-ness to lift it out of sugary banality; this sequel drops Barry, so it shouldn't be of much use. However, director Leo McCarey actually pulls off a winner. Bing Crosby is back as Father O'Malley, and he's more human here than before, and his warm, witty battles with sister Ingrid Bergman are a delight (it helps that Bergman is possibly the most glowing, knowing, embraceable nun in Hollywood history!). Their smooth trials with the students and each other at St. Mary's have a seamless professionalism that, while not especially fresh, works the audience over with sheer good will. A sub-plot involving a troubled young girl (the excellent Joan Carroll) and her mother is a dandy heart-tugger, and the light music involved isn't such an obvious device as it was in "Going My Way"; the songs are there, but they're unobtrusive. A very good film, one that triumphs over its predecessor. Bing proves to be a solid actor here, not just a personality; he makes Father O'Malley a reachable character rather than just a holy rascal. Watch for his hesitation at the very end, and the thoughtfulness he gives to the scene. Admirably, Crosby gives back this time around. ***1/2 from ****

A special day and a challenge appears at St Mary's convent...a young and inexperienced Father O'Malley (Bing Crosby) comes to its convent school. He does not know much about how to deal with school administration, how to put up with the nuns, how to take the biblical advice "Be sober and watch!" Nevertheless, little humor he has in advance, gifted honesty, imagination, and heart are able to make the bell ring out the joy of finding the sixth sense in both pupils and tutors, the sense so gloomily rooted in Hamlet's soliloquy - TO BE. In this movie, however, TO BE reveals a different incarnation, a very optimistic face...

This sixth sense, Father O'Malley memorably reveals to one of his pupils, is brought out not only by the leading characters, portrayed by wonderful Ingrid Bergman and Bing Crosby but also by vibrant, unforgettable supporting characters like Patsy's parents who reconcile after 13 years and once greedy and reluctant Mr Bogardus. Thanks to their optimistic, humane, subtle contributions to the movie, we can still be touched to tears and realize that, after all these years, we're watching a significant production that has really stood a test of time.

Apart from many reviews and viewpoints on this movie, the major point of praise is with its genuine depiction of life and the 'simplicity' of its complexities. Drama blending with comedy, intense struggle blending with ease, sorrow with laughter. Mr Bogardus (Henry Travers), perhaps, best embodies that idea. His life, with humorous and spiritual undertones, is transformed. He undergoes a unique change of heart, both humorous and serious, but a far more down-to-earth than splendid miracles and loud proclamations. The change is something that he shows in...deeds. The three key concepts of generosity, benevolence and dust leave us amused and positively loaded while watching the nice old fellow with a mind filled with quite concrete realizations of good deeds. Note the sweet dog he saves on the road which follows him. The actor's performance is worth noting.

Keeping in mind constant humor inserted to many scenes helps view the movie quite distanced from its convent setting and its conventional atmosphere. Spirituality is never too tense nor unbearable for a contemporary viewer but subtly contributes to the plots. That is partly achieved by its school context - we rather see priests and nuns teaching than praying. This 'education context' ranges from class humor, pupils' dramatic efforts to boys' fights which are the inevitable part of school life (never totally rejected nor severely punished by the most holy nuns). Meanwhile, music positively aids the mood of the movie, including such classical pieces as a glorious hymn of praise to Virgin Mary "O Sanctissima," (also known as "Mariners Hymn"); a lovely song sung by Bing Crosby "In the Land of Beginning Again," which beautifully goes with a plot; the charming song derived from the title "The Bells of St Mary's," the famous carol "O Come All Ye Faithful" sung in Latin ("Adeste Fideles") and the lovely Swedish folk song about the coming of the spring "Varvindar Friska" sung by Ingrid Bergman. This was the most memorable song from this movie for me. It sounds joyful, thrilling and mysterious.

Since the movie is deeply rooted in its Hollywood tradition and the specific period of star vehicles, the two greatest achievements are most visible through Ingrid Bergman and Bing Crosby. What a pairing!

INGRID BERGMAN, the Swedish star in Hollywood apart from Garbo (and unlike Garbo...not alone), is a 'grown up tomboy nun,' combines holiness with earthliness being equally captivating at praying earnestly to God with teary eyes and training a young boy Eddie in the art of skillful boxing. Her most unforgettable moments, however, include the terrific scenes with Mr Bogardus. The touch of these scenes is something you cannot describe but you must see.

BING CROSBY supplies the movie with an excellent picture of priest's model - a person of intellect but above all, a person of heart. He is ready to LISTEN to people around (not PREACH through monologue), to help the separated couples reconcile, to talk to the heart of young Patsy, to sing out his concept of living the life of love. A charming performance!

Sister Benedict and Father O'Malley, when we consider their characters as a sort of 'couple', differ in their attitudes about how to treat pupils, ideas of how to run the school, differ in their tempers, too - that is the contrast of 'fight your way through' vs 'think your way through' at certain moments. The leading female and the leading male ... Yet, with unique 'chemistry' they wonderfully complement each other. The typical old Hollywood farewell scene at the finale proves that assumption about leading couple most effectively.

THE BELLS OF ST MARY'S does not only bring sweet memories of Hollywood's heyday but still, through its unique depiction of the story, proudly inspires this sixth sense. Glad to BE aware of why you are here, BE able to lose nothing of yourself but find inspiration that sustains humanity in joyful existence. A wonderful example of a great old classic at which your heart wears a smile...

Made first but released after "Going My Way"! An episodic story about a failing Catholic Elementary School. Father O'Malley (Bing Crosby) again comes to the rescue as the tireless and optimistic priest, sent from the "home office" to access the situation and get things right. Ingrid plays the "tomboyish" head sister that runs the school, which curiously, doesn't appear to be attached directly to a church. It stands alone. All the lower grade Catholic schools I have ever known were always attached or next to a church, nearby. The "villain" in the piece is played by none-other than the actor that played the "Angel Clarence" in "It's a Wonderful Life." He owns the new office building next door and wants to tear down the old, crumbling school for his parking lot. The sisters are praying for a miracle that the new building will become their new school. Of course, that is exactly what happens when he literally has a change of heart. Very well written, but not very different from "Going My Way." No real blockbuster songs, except that "The Bells of St.Mary's" was recorded by Bing with entirely different lyrics and became a "standard" in it's time. Some of the events remind my a lot of other similar films like "The Trouble with Angels" made decades later. Like "Going My Way" a bit long but worth it. The ending is a real "tear-jerker" as Ingrid finds out that she is being transferred out not because she failed or upset Father O'Malley, but because she is sick and needs to get better. Almost out-of-print. It was public-domain for a while and even colorized, but it's just fine in black and white.

What has always attracted me to the oldest films starring Bing Crosby as a priest has been the ability he had to transfer to the viewer a tremendous warmth and tenderness. Certainly, his lines were written, but they were more than mere lines, for he embodied the attitude and intent of them so noticeably that it is hard not to end such a film without wanting to emulate such a man.

From his son, Gary, from his book "Going My Own Way," one can read a different story of his father. He claimed that Bing was cruel, cold, remote, and both physically and psychologically abusive -- such hard words to take in when one can be so deeply moved by his performances, especially as a priest.

His son, Philip, disputed his brother's claims, writing, " I loved him very much. He loved all of us too, including Gary. He was a great father." It is Philip's words I prefer to believe, for no man could give as much as his father did on the screen and it not come from his soul.

Ingrid Bergman's face in TBOSM was very beautiful, as though she came from heaven herself. Truly, she was one of the most gorgeous women that ever graced yesterday's films, and she too portrayed remarkably well the gentleness and kindness we envision God to be.

Watch this film and be blessed.

BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM VERY HONEST ABOUT THESE FILMS. The unconventional Father Charles "Chuck" O'Malley (Bing Crosby) is assigned to St. Mary's parish, which includes a run-down inner-city school building on the verge of being condemned. O'Malley is to recommend whether or not the school should be closed and the children sent to another school with modern facilities; but the sisters feel that God will provide for them.

They put their hopes in Horace P. Bogardus (Henry Travers), a businessman who has built a modern building next door to the school which they hope he will donate to them. Father O'Malley and the dedicated but stubborn Sister Superior, Mary Benedict (Ingrid Bergman), both wish to save the school, but their different views and methods often lead to disagreements. One disagreement involves a student (Richard Tyler) who is being bullied by another. A more serious one regards the promotion of an eighth-grade student, Patsy (Joan Carroll), whom the parish has taken in while her mother (Martha Sleeper) attempts to get back on her feet.

This film is exceptional. I just saw this for the first time last year and I was floored. I loved everything about this film. From the story itself to the casting.

The is a little long and people with short attention spans will most likely be bored. If you love Christmas movies and Old Hollywood Movies then put this on your "Must See List"

This film is brimming with entertainment the way it was meant to be! The music is entertaining and delightful. Ingrid Bergman gives a wonderful performance. If you like this movie you will love "Going my Way" 100 times more!

Remember seeing this movie in the Matinee as a teenager, when it was cheap enough to go to the movies every night. My favourite actress was Ingrid Bergman, and still is after all these years. My favourite Bergman film is Casablanca, of which I've seen 74 times :) but this is my second favourite.

Bergman and Crosby are great together.

Winnie Boardman - Manchester, England

A priest and a nun lead the effort to replace a crumbling church school. This pleasant sequel to "Going May Way" is a nice blend of comedy and drama. Although the earlier film won the Best Picture Oscar, this one is actually better, mainly because the script doesn't meander as much as the first film and because of the presence of Bergman. The actress is terrific and works well with Crosby, who continues his Oscar-winning role as Father O'Malley. This is the movie that's seen on the Bedford Falls movie theater marquee in "It's a Wonderful Life." Travers, who played an angel in that Frank Capra film, here plays a grumpy old man who changes his ways.

Singing Priest Bing Crosby (returning as Chuck O'Malley, from "Going My Way") is transferred to "St. Mary's" parochial school, where he is immediately warned about serving with a group of nuns; they're hinted at being responsible for sending the previous Pastor to the nuthouse. "They took him away mumbling to himself, in a wheelchair," reveals gossipy housekeeper Una O'Connor (as Mrs. Breen).

Apparently, the departing Priest lost a fight with the nuns over philosophies of education. Quickly, Father Crosby learns "what it means to be up to your neck in nuns." He clashes with Swedish Sister Ingrid Bergman (as Mary Benedict) when the pair catch two boys in a fist fight. Crosby treats the conflict humorously (though, he does stop it), irking Sister Bergman.

Bergman has been teaching young Richard "Dickie" Tyler (as Eddie Breen), the loser, to "turn the other cheek." Crosby fears this may turn the boy into a sissy. Bergman sees the error of her ways, and uses her "tomboy" experience to teach the boy how to box. As a girl, Bergman played baseball and football with the boys, and had an impressive 300 batting average. Later, Bergman excitedly watches her ward handily score a TKO.

Crosby teaches Bergman another lesson, involving young Joan Carroll (as Patsy Gallagher), a girl Crosby accepts at the school, despite her troubled family background; her mother ran away with a musician, who deserted after the baby arrived. Crosby uses finesse to get Bergman to give the girl a second chance. Although Crosby's "O'Malley" is usually a good person, he informs Bergman of some "bad news" in a cruel, parsing way.

The main plot concerns "St. Mary's" being threatened with closure, due to its decrepit condition; however nice it looks on camera, the school is close to being condemned. Wealthy neighbor Henry Travers (as Horace P. Bogardus) wants "St. Mary's" turned into a parking lot for his new office building. The nuns are praying for a miracle, which Crosby's appearance may turn out "to be, or not to be."

"The Bells of St. Mary's" received several awards and nominations, including top consideration for "Best Picture", Leo McCarey ("Best Director"), Crosby ("Best Actor"), and Bergman ("Best Actor"). While likable, the film doesn't not reach the levels of excellence you'd expect from looking at its impressive list of honors. Still, the production is very good.

The younger performers - Ms. Carroll, Mr. Tyler, and Bobby Dolan Jr. ("Joseph" in the nativity play) - really help make it credible; Carroll's "Patsy" is especially noteworthy. Crosby's accompanying hit single was "Aren't You Glad You're You?" (#8) / "In the Land of Beginning Again" (#18). The topside is a pale re-write of the superb "Swinging on a Star" (from "Going My Way"), but the flipside is quietly sublime.

****** The Bells of St. Mary's (12/6/45) Leo McCarey ~ Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, Joan Carroll

There are few more beatific images than the youthful Ingrid Bergman framed by her nun's habit, looking skyward and glistening by candlelight at the end of this 1945 holiday classic. Director Leo McCarey has Bing Crosby reprise his role as Father O'Malley from their film from a year earlier, "Going My Way". Both really reflect the type of films that would more likely show up as TV movies on the Family Channel if produced today, but wartime audiences were obviously in need of such cinematic salves. What is reassuring is how the films remain affecting today if rather unabashedly sentimental.

What sets this one apart is Crosby's natural ease in the role (certainly far more muted than he is with Bob Hope in the Road movies) and having the incandescent Bergman portray Sister Benedict. The pacing is leisurely, as the first part of the film establishes the two stars in their roles before going into the slim plot line, which has the sister hoping a rich curmudgeon named Horace P. Bogardus will donate a new, expansive building to St. Mary's Academy to take place of the rundown old building that the sisters and the schoolchildren inhabit.

McCarey - along with screenwriter Dudley Nichols - both pioneers of screwball comedy, focus on the lightheartedness of the story until a couple of sentimental developments occur. The first has to do with a lonely student named Patsy, who comes to idolize Sister Benedict, to the point of intentionally failing to graduate in order to avoid going back home to her concerned mother and estranged father. The second involves Sister Benedict's medical condition which forces Father O'Malley to make a difficult decision about St. Mary's.

There are fewer songs here than in "Going My Way" - the title tune and another one, "Aren't You Glad You're You?", both sung effortlessly by Crosby and a Swedish folk song performed in a warm alto by Bergman. The soft-centered philosophical discussions between the two leads generate some interesting conflict though nothing that feels irreconcilable by the end. There are also some amusing scenes as well, for example, the kindergarten class unaffectedly improvising the Christmas play and Bergman showing off her pugilistic prowess to a boy beaten up in a fight.

While I much prefer Bergman in her more outwardly seductive roles ("Notorious"), I can see why people wanted so much to see her as the glowing embodiment of good during WWII, even though it is this image that was the harbinger when she was caught in an extramarital scandal with Roberto Rossellini five years later. Crosby always seems to be playing himself, which in this case, is a good thing. Henry Travers, forever Clarence to me from Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life", plays Bogardus with appropriate stubbornness and compromised regret, and Joan Carroll, the least prominent of the Smith daughters in Vincente Minnelli's "Meet Me in St. Louis", gives a solid performance as the conflicted Patsy. This is an understandably well-loved film even if it runs a bit too long.

Although your previous reviewer did a thorough job, I have to disagree that the film seems insignificant in the greater scheme of things. What is film for? It is to entertain and not to delve into the "meaning of life". This film is powerful! It packs a greater punch if you happen to be a Christian, but if you don't, it's still going to inspire you. Ingrid Bergman's strong character stamps itself on all her roles and this is no exception. She is not, at first, disturbed by the arrival of a seemingly harmless new priest. But when she discovers that his mission is to tell the nuns that their school's repairs simply cannot be afforded and that they will have to close the school, well then she starts to show her determination. Horace P. Bogardus wants the school site for a car park for his new business building, but after Bergman has finished with him [with help from prayer of course!], he ends up by giving the building itself to the nuns as a new school. It also changes Bogardus from being a selfish, angry, money-grabbing man, to being a kind, generous and loving Christian. Altogether, the film is a lesson in true selflessness and shows what it is to have a heart. In this respect it's far better than films that have tried to do the same thing - such as "Sound of Music", which is horribly treacly by comparison. The nuns in "Bells of St Mary's" are much more believable. I urge anyone who may be feeling grumpy to see this film! There's also a gem of a scene in which Ingrid Bergman teaches one of the boys how to defend himself from bullies - she buys a book on boxing and tutors him, with amazing consequences. Though supposed to be a sequel to "Going My Way", "Bells" ended up by being the more remembered of the two and stands alone. For this, most of the credit goes to Ingrid Bergman. Mary Hutchings [email protected] January 2003

I had the opportunity to watch both "Going My Way" and "Bells of St Mary's" one after the other the other night on cable. Without a doubt `Bells' was of the few sequels better than the original. The only other ones that comes to mind are "Godfather II" and possibly "Indy III" The only thing missing from this sequel was Barry Fitzgerald, but the pure grace of Ingrid Bergeman, more than made up for the lack of Barry's Irish charm. Bells seemed to flow more easily, had some honest conflicts to resolve (social promotion is still being argued today) and an ending I felt was just perfect. It's not that I disliked "Going My Way" on the contrary, but to me it was just a warm up to "Bells". Maybe after the tremendous success of the former, Bing became more confidant in his portrayal of a priest and was able to play it to perfection. A great movie.

At a big city Catholic school, Father O'Malley (Bing Crosby) and Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman) indulge in friendly rivalry, and succeed in extending the school through the gift of a building.

Although generally associated with Christmas, there is really only about five or ten minutes directly related to the holiday season. Of course, being a feel-good movie, it is appropriate to watch at that time of the year, just the same. Especially with Bing Crosby in the lead... who captured Christmas in the 1940s and 1950s more than he did? This is also a great performance from Ingrid Bergman during her Hollywood years. The boxing scene is incredible and make the whole film worth watching.

In this sequel (though written first) to "Going My Way", everyone's favorite genial priest (Bing Crosby) is off to another parish to do good. This time, it's to a poor parish with a school that is in jeopardy of being closed. Can Bing charm everyone once again, solve all the problems AND manage to make Jews, Agnostics and Protestants not feel terribly uncomfortable?!

"The Bells of St. Mary's" is an enjoyable film, I am not denying that. However, if you look at its score on IMDb, you'd think it's about as good as its predecessor, "Going My Way"--well, it clearly isn't. There are so many reasons I prefer "Going My Way" and I fortunately was able to see both films only a couple weeks apart, so my memory of each is clear. First, the music in the first film is much better--and even had an Oscar-winning tune. While I didn't watch either for the music, this is clearly better. Second, I think the dynamic between Barry Fitzgerald and Bing Crosby was better, as they were such opposite personalities. However, apart from a few minor differences, Ingrid Bergman and Crosby were practically members of each others' fan club--at least through the first 2/3 of the film. And, finally, the heart of my "The Bells" disappointed me was the unnecessary and completely contrived conflict that was tossed into their relationship near the never end of the film--plus it really made no sense at all. Bergman is diagnosed with TB and the Doctor tells Crosby to move her to an easier job (that makes sense) and NOT tell her she is sick (what?!)--causing conflict that really should NOT have been there! It was unnecessary and really silly. As a result, while I recommend it, my recommendation is lukewarm and you do NOT need to see this if you've seen the first film. Good...not great.

This is a great holiday film that should appeal to everyone. It is a sentimental favorite and a timeless classic. Crosby and Bergman are great together. Since I'm a Crosby fan, I would have appreciated a few more songs, though. Henry Travers, as always, is terrific.

There's wisdom in the old saying, `All things in moderation,' though it's not, perhaps, an axiom that should be applied to filmmaking. the success of a movie-- any movie-- depends upon that spark of life the director, the actors or the combination of the two can bring to it. The magic they can make. `The Bells of St. Mary's,' directed by Leo McCarey is a prime example; a film that seemingly has all of the elements for success, and while it's a decent movie with some heart in the story, the presentation lacks that spark that would have made it truly memorable. It's like wanting to settle in on a cold winter's night with a good, steaming cup of hot chocolate; if the chocolate's only warm-- tepid at best-- you're left with a promise of what could have been, unfulfilled.

The story is fairly uncomplicated: St. Mary's school is in trouble; it's old and facing condemnation, and they haven't the money nor the resources to fix it. There is, however, a new building being constructed on land adjacent to that of St. Mary's, a building that would be perfect for a new school. And it's the hope of Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman), the nun who runs the school, that by some miracle Mr. Horace P. Bogardus (Henry Travers), owner of the new building, will see fit to donate it to St. Mary's. Toward that end, she has been praying fervently. She has not, however, contacted Mr. Bogardus, who happens to want St. Mary's so that he can raze the school and put in a parking lot. Enter Father Chuck O'Malley (Bing Crosby), who has been sent to St. Mary's to weigh the situation and ascertain whether or not it is feasible to keep the school afloat (a fact he does not share with Sister Benedict). As it is, once he sees the condition of the school itself, it's going to be a tough sell to keep it open. It just may take that miracle Sister Benedict is praying for.

A sequel to the Oscar winner for Best Picture of 1944, `Going My Way,' (for which Crosby earned the Oscar for Best Actor; McCarey for Director, as well as writer for Original Story), this one was greeted with some extremely high expectations. And while McCarey was obviously trying his best to recapture that same spirit that made the first one so engaging, he never quite seems to be able to ignite that same spark. For one thing, he doesn't have Barry Fitzgerald this time around. Ingrid Bergman takes on the role of Father O'Malley's sparring partner-- which is another part of the problem. Their conflict is simply not that pronounced, coming down to a slightly different philosophy as to how to run the school and how strict the guidelines should be for the students. It just seems rather insignificant in the grand scheme of things; if even half the problems we face in life were thus, we would call this place in which we live Paradise.

There's a touch of melodrama to the story, but mostly it's just mellow drama. Even at it's darkest point, the situation at St. Mary's still seems comparatively like a lazy day at the park. And it's the result of McCarey's moderation-in-all-things approach. He tries to convey how bad the situation is without wanting to make it `too' bad. The only real spunk in the film comes during a scene in which Sister Benedict gives a boxing lesson to a student named Eddie (Richard Tyler), who turns out to have a mean right hook in him. There's also a scene near the beginning in which Father O'Malley introduces himself to the nuns that is mildly amusing. Other than these, the magic lays fairly dormant throughout.

Crosby picks up the character of Father O'Malley without missing a beat, but in doing so he gives new definition to the phrase, `Laid back.' A real pipe-and-slipper part, Bing makes the good Father believable, but so easy going that his main purpose seems to be facilitating the progress of the story. He does manage to work in a couple of songs (Aren't You Glad You're You' and `The Bells of St. Mary's'), but his easy manner and McCarey's diluted approach to the material make this a less than absorbing experience.

Ingrid Bergman does a good job of bringing Sister Benedict to life (did she ever give a `bad' performance in anything?), but she has a hard time breaking free of the stereotypical mold of the nun in which McCarey seems bent on placing her, especially when attempting to exploit her natural beauty by setting her up in a number of `frieze' type shots, seemingly meant to establish her purity in all things. Not a bad ploy, perhaps, but less than effective; consider, for example, how much more of an impact Lilia Skala's nun in `Lilies of the Field' had. Still, capturing Bergman's classic beauty in these shots does provide for some reflective moments, even if it compromises the drama somewhat. Depth of character, it seems, was not what McCarey was striving for here, and unfortunately his methods give something of a superficial sheen to the film.

The supporting cast includes William Gargan (Patsy's Father), Martha Sleeper (Mrs. Gallagher), Joan Carroll (Patsy), Ruth Donnelly (Sister Michael), Rhys Williams (Dr. McKay) and the always delightful Una O'Connor (Mrs. Breen). A pleasant enough movie, but less than involving, `The Bells of St. Mary's' will be a satisfying experience for those of moderate tastes, but for those seeking the kind of drama to which they can really connect, it will be less than fulfilling. Overall, coming on the heels of `Going My Way' and with stars like Crosby and Bergman on hand, it makes a promise to which it never quite lives up. I rate this one 6/10.

WELL you just can't keep that feisty old Father Chuck O'Malley down! Just after he finishes saving Father Fitzgibbon's(Barry Fitzgerald)Parish from financial ruin, he shows up at Sister Benedict's doorstep charged with pulling off another minor miracle for St. Mary's Parish Grade School.

OBVIOUSLY being the Archdiocesean Trouble Shooter for the Cardinal Archbishop of New York, the good Father O'Malley (Mr. Harry Crosby, aka 'Bing') does so without hesitations; evaluating, compromising and healing. Chuck O'Malley's reputation as an unconventional, albeit very dedicated and talented member of the clergy, has obviously preceded him and the stage seems to be set for some sort of clash of wills, personalities and methods with Sisteer Benedict, the Mother Superior/Principal of the Convent and School.

WITH a minor sort of explanation of Sister Benedict's having a strong Swedish accent due to her being raised up on the farm in Minnesota(?), the Scandanavian accent*is explained, accounted for and then put away in the closet for the duration of the story.

THAT Sister Benedict (the most beautiful & talented Miss Ingrid Bergman)not only speaks in such an obviously European manner is quickly forgotten. The emphasis is on the power of the almost childlike faith possessed and constantly exhibited by the Lady of the Cloth.

FURTHER complications are meted out in some seemingly very trivial, yet ordinary type of problems that are encountered by ordinary, everyday people all of the time. Whatever bumps in the plot that are less than spectacularly huge and earth shaking seem to be dwarfed when portrayed on the screen; yet would grow in size and degree of difficulty if faced in real life. Just stop, think, look back and reflect on occurrences in one's own life and how what was viewed as being apocalyptic, turned out to be no so very bad after all; soon being all but forgotten.

THE story also touches on several of the age old, eternally puzzling disputes between women and men concerning just who knows best how to handle the behaviour of young boys; who are overwhelmed with a rush of testosterone and wind up in combat with their peers on the school playgrounds. The portrayal of such events, as well as those of a man's abilities to minister to the emotional and psychological needs of the emerging pre-adolescent female, are convincingly dismissed through some pretty strong, albeit unconventional methods employed by the leading protagonist characters.

JOINING Miss Bergman and Mr. Crosby in the on screen delights are some fine supporting players. Henry Travers (Mr. Horace Bogardus), Rhys Williams (The Doctor), William Gargan, Ruth Donnelly, Joan Carroll, Martha Sleeper,Richard Tyler, Dewey Robinson, Margaret Hamilton, Minerva Urecal, Jimmie Dundee and many others all do a fine job in support. Although the story doesn't have Fr. O'Malley's good friend, Fr. Timothy O'Dowd (Frank McHugh), it does interestingly enough feature Frank's real life brother Matt McHugh as a sporting goods dealer.

THE over all effect and mood of the film is most upbeat, hopeful and positive; being qualities that were most important during the last days of World War II, which both GOING MY WAY and THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S provided to a grateful American Movie going audience. Further positive uses that it afforded were to both of the leads; with Mr. Bing being able to prominently display a fine, award worthy performance.

AS for Miss Ingrid, she was able to give a powerful, yet different performance in a role that was again different from any she had done. She managed to convince us that she really was Sister Benedict; which in itself was no easy chore; when one considers her list of pictures and the leading men who she had worked with right up to that time. She did DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE (MGM, 1941) with Spencer Tracy, CASABLANCA (Warner Bros., 1942 with Humphrey Bogart, FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS (Paramount, 1943) with Gary Cooper and SPELLBOUND (Selznick International/United Artisis, 1945) with a young Gregory Peck.

NOW that's not a bad resume, is it, Schultz?

NOTE: * This is the exact explanation for Big Band Leader and Polka King Lawrence Welk's having a obvious Teutonic tilt in his speech; as he was raised on a farm in Strasburg, North Dakota. It's sort of like a case of art imitating art, which has sort of pre-dated the real life, in a funny sort of way, sort of, kinda like or what have you.

POODLE SCHNITZ!!

The key to the movie is the scene when Patricia reads her essay (made with a little help from Father O'Maley) : to be (or not to be) is the final sense ,the common sense and the most important of them all.

Although it takes place in a Capraesque universe ,some of the subjects are not irrelevant today:Patricia who does not pass her exam on purpose ,any teacher of the world has met such a pupil! At a time when many marriages are broken ,the movie has a contemporary feel.

A priest -who 's going his way,to mention the first movie he appears in- and nuns ,with Ingrid Bergman as Mother Superior.And it's never dull,never tedious ,thanks partly to the marvelous chemistry Crosby/Bergman.They would give faith to a complete and utter heathen.

Remarkable scenes

-O'Maley's delivering his speech while the nuns roar with laughter cause the kitten is playing with the priest's hat.

-Patricia,reading her essay,which does deserve an A+

• My favorite is the play the kids perform before a very small audience (Sister Benedicte and O'Maley):the nativity scene.Sister tells they did everything by themselves."I would not change a line" O'Maley says. McCarey probably let his young actors improvise -and they are very cute-.Nowadays ,acting becomes more and more important in the national curriculum ,as soon as the pupils begin school:it works wonders for the children's self-confidence,teacher's honor!The boxing lesson (by the nun,not the priest) is probably largely improvised too.

-When O'Maley tells Sister Benedicte she won't be in charge of the school the next year ,she barely utters three words.Stunning.

Horace P.Bogardus seems to be out of a Capra movie,"you can't take it with you" comes to mind.

"The Bells" is also a musical made with taste; the songs always come at the right time ;best example : Crosby singing "song of beginning again" as the prodigal father accompanies him on piano.Phil Spector enjoyed the title track so much he had Bob B Soxx and the Blue Jeans record it on his Christmas record (1963):their version is sumptuous.

In spite of its sugar-coated side,"Bells" can still appeal to today's audience :Bergman's and Crosby's beaming faces can win anybody over .