Pretty Good

Perfect cast and a good story

Highly Overrated But Still Good

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

This seems to be one of those movies that might be considered in the proverbial list of those that 'aren't made like that anymore'. I don't necessarily think that it should have been an Oscar contender, but lo and behold, it won a bunch of the major categories including Best Picture. And to think that Paramount didn't want Bing Crosby in the lead role! Director Leo McCarey fought them on that one and eventually won out, parlaying his chemistry with co-star Barry Fitzgerald in a uniquely novel way.Credit some clever writing for the way Crosby's Father O'Malley insinuates himself into parish life at St. Dominic's, sent by the bishop to replace Father Fitzgibbon (Fitzgerald) as pastor, while allowing the elder priest to stay on as an assistant. Without ever letting Father Fitzgibbon in on that little secret, events in the story eventually bring the older priest a hint of recognition of what's going on and he wryly plays along with the ruse. In turn, Fitzgibbon is humorously self deprecating near the finale while instructing O'Malley on how to handle his new assignment at St. Charles. I thought this was all quite cleverly handled.Frank McHugh was pretty good here as the neighborly Father O'Dowd from St. Francis. He seemed to put a little bit of Pat O'Brien's Father Jerry ("Angels With Dirty Faces" - 1938) into his role as friend and confidant of Father O'Malley. Just like Stanley Clements seemed to have a bit of that Cagney swagger (same movie) as the street smart kid Tony Scaponi. Old time film buffs will have no trouble recognizing his buddy Herman Langerhanke, good old Alfalfa Switzer from all those 'Our Gang' flicks. Clements was decent here but would have to dumb it down some when he became part of the Bowery Boys after Leo Gorcey left that series.An odd thing struck me as I watched that scene where Ted Haines Sr. (Gene Lockhart) was bemoaning the younger generation before he found out his son (James Brown) was joining the military. Those soldiers who went off to fight World War II would one day come to be known as the Greatest Generation, something that would never have crossed the minds of those alive during the era of the Forties. Hindsight and perspective is often pretty surprising when it shows up in a film like this.One final thought as it relates to modern day - fans of this movie will know that Barry Fitzgerald was nominated for both Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor for his role here, winning in the Supporting category. When this occurred, the Academy folks rewrote the rule book so something like this couldn't happen again. Until this past week as it turns out (as I write this). It seems in deference to political correctness, 'gender fluid' roles will now allow potential nominees for Best Actor in both the Men and Women categories. All well and good, until nominees realize their votes are going to be split by voting members, thereby diluting their chances of winning a major award. And so it goes....

Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald both won well-deserved Oscars for this gem, as did the film for best picture and Leo McCarey for best director. Unfortunately, this great film has been forgotten by most of today's movie fans. It also won best song for "Would You Like to Swing on A Star?" The cast includes Rise Stevens, the GREATEST Carmen ever. One scene features Maestra Stevens singing "Habanera" staged at the Metropolitan Opera. Bing also sings "Ave Maria" and "Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ra".The supporting cast also features Frank McHugh and Gene Lockhart, and Bowery Boy Stanley Clements and Little Rascal Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer Watch for this one on stations that feature old films. You'll love it.

Every time I revisit this delightful and heartwarming masterpiece, it seems to move me even more. Perhaps because it triggers so many memories of growing up in the church and of family members and priests and nuns who have passed on. It was also one of my mother's favorite films and I think of her whenever I see it again.The cast is just wonderful and the interplay between Crosby and Fitzgerald is a joy. McHugh is also great and the golf and checkers scenes are terrific bits of comedy and highlight this marvelous supporting actor's qualities. There's no doubt though, that this is a Crosby vehicle all the way and whether he's singing "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral" or spreading Fr. O'Malley's Christian good cheer, he is simply fantastic. It also has some great songs and music as well as one of the most emotional and moving final scenes in the history of film. This terrific picture will always have a special place in my heart and it is no wonder that it is a favorite of so many others as well.

Father O'Malley (Bing Crosby) has been assigned to take charge of struggling church, Saint Dominic's. He's taking over for kindly old Father Flitzgibbon (Barry Fitzgerald), but doesn't want the elder priest to know it just yet. O'Malley's fresh approach and youthful appeal help get the troubled neighborhood kids involved in the choir and solve the church's financial troubles.Charming, sentimental tale that won a total of seven Oscars, including two for writer-director Leo McCarey. Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald took home statues, as well. They're both perfect in this. Bing sings a few songs, including "Swinging on a Star" and "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral." Good support from Risë Stevens, Stanley Clements, Frank McHugh, Jean Heather, Eily Malyon, and Gene Lockhart. Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer also has an amusing role.Cynics and anti-religious types will surely hate it and mock it. Their loss. This is a delightful, sincere classic with heart and humor. The story is simple but effectively told. It's the kind of movie that puts a big smile on my face and leaves me with the warm fuzzies. Love that ending! It's followed by a wonderful sequel, The Bells of St. Mary's, as well as many big and small screen imitators over the years. Open your hearts and minds and give it a shot. Leave the pessimism at the door, though.