The authoritative The Movie Guide gives The Bells of St. Mary (1945) a glowing review. Samples: ‘Touchingly sentimental, but strong in all the right places.’ ‘A joy to behold.’ ‘Gentle, uplifting story.’
The Bells of St. Mary is a sequel to Going My Way, where Bing Crosby plays a trouble-shooting priest, Fr. Chuck O’ Malley. He’s sent to the financially ailing St. Mary’s convent, where he runs smack into charming and clever Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman), who rules her students with a gentle but decisive hand.
The priest feels the nun is too rigid. She thinks he’s too permissive. There’s confrontation that is a joy to behold. ‘The two leads are seamless all the way home,’ The Movie Guide enthuses.
The movie features some fine songs by Crosby, including Adeste Fidelis, In the Land of Beginning Again, Aren’t You Glad You’re You. It merited several Oscar nominations, among them, Best Picture, Best Director (Leo McCarey), Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Song.
Going My Way (1944) swept the Oscars, giving Crosby his first (and only) Best Actor award. — RKC