Movie # 3171 ........................."Bells of St. Mary's" (TCM)

 Movie #3171 "Bells of St. Mary's" (TCM)  Of course, TCM last night showed this movie after "Going My Way" because they reminded us it is a sequel.  Crosby didn't want to do the first one because he was very Catholic and felt uncomfortable playing a priest, but winning the Oscar and enjoying the work on the first one, convinced him to play Father O'Malley in this sequel...... sequels are usually second best, but not in my book --- this is equally as good as the other.  Although I miss Barry Fitzgerald in this one, he is replaced with the inimitable Ingrid Bergman, showing she can do lighter comedy (she could do ANYTHING, in my opinion).  She is the master of elevating the small moments in a film --- with the twinkle of an eye, a small movement of an eyebrow, one tear running down her face --- she is a master to watch, for sure.  O'Malley is still the same, but this time having to tackle with several nuns who run the roost in this church.  And  the film includes a cranky  neighbor next door (Clarence from "It's a Wonderful Life" so it's hard to hate him) who wants the land the church/school is on for his parking lot --- or course, Bergman, the head nun at the church/school has designs for a new school from his business building.  And O'Malley can see both sides of the issue.  This also has a great story line, a gut wrenching emotional ending, and superlative acting.  And it rates 5+ with me, too.  Love both of these Christmas gems..... there is a hysterical little scene with youngsters playing out the Mary and Joseph story that is a must-see!  A double program of these two movies made my evening last night , and I highly recommend both to you.

"BELLS OF ST. MARY'S"    1945         2 hours and 6 mins

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

Director:  Leo McCarey

Writers:  Dudley Nichols, Leo McCarey

Actors:  Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, Henry Travers

can be streamed on pluto t.v., tube, prime video 

Crosby, Bergman nominated, along with director, and best picture, but it won one AA for sound)