The Bells of St. Mary's (1945)
2h 6m | PG-13
Father O'Malley is sent to St. Mary's, a run-down parochial school on the verge of condemnation. He and Sister Benedict work together in an attempt to save the school, though their differing methods often lead to good-natured disagreements.
Director: Leo McCarey
Studio: Republic Pictures
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Video: 720p
Cast
Bing Crosby
as Father Chuck O'Malley
Ingrid Bergman
as Sister Mary Benedict
Henry Travers
as Horace P. Bogardus
William Gargan
as Joe Gallagher
Ruth Donnelly
as Sister Michael
Joan Carroll
as Patsy Gallagher
Reviews
With the possible exception of Julie Andrews, I don't think I've seen anyone more suited to the role of a nun than Ingrid Bergman. Here she runs the eponymous school for young children. The arrival of the new Father "O'Malley" (Bing Crosby) causes a few ripples - they gently clash on the approach to educating the children, but for the most part remain focused on trying to get their neighbour "Mr. Bogardus" (Henry Travers) to donate a building he owns next door, so the school can extend. Essentially an engaging triple-hander, this is an enjoyable feel-good film that demonstrates the skills of all three, very much in their element, with a solidly uplifting story and the odd bit of crooning from Crosby. It is a bit too long, but the ending is a little heart-rending - if also just a bit dragged out - and it has something of a Christmas feel to it that makes it easy to watch.