The Bells of St. Mary's (1945)

The Bells of St. Mary's (1945)
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In this follow-up to director Leo McCarey's Going My Way (1944), Bing Crosby repeats his Oscar-winning characterization of happy-go-lucky priest Father O'Malley. The good father is sent to help out financially strapped St. Mary's Academy, a parochial school presided over by lovely nun Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman). The film is constructed in anecdotal fashion: Nun and priest gently quarrel over teaching methods; they help patch up the tottering marriage of William Gargan and Martha Sleeper; Sister Benedict plays baseball and teaches a student how to box; Father O'Malley softens the heart of the man who holds the mortgage (Henry Travers) by convincing the poor fellow that he's only got a few months to live; and the kids of St. Mary's put on a much-revised stage version of the Nativity, complete with a chorus of "Happy Birthday" on the occasion of the Virgin Birth. A huge hit at the box office, Bells of St. Mary's was nominated for nine Academy Awards. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Bing CrosbyIngrid Bergman, (more)
Director(s):
Leo McCarey
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Bells of St. Mary's

In this follow-up to director Leo McCarey's Going My Way (1944), Bing Crosby repeats his Oscar-winning characterization of happy-go-lucky priest Father O'Malley. The good father is sent to help out financially strapped St. Mary's Academy, a parochial school presided over by lovely nun Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman). The film is constructed in anecdotal fashion: Nun and priest gently quarrel over teaching methods; they help patch up the tottering marriage of William Gargan and Martha Sleeper; Sister Benedict plays baseball and teaches a student how to box; Father O'Malley softens the heart of the man who holds the mortgage (Henry Travers) by convincing the poor fellow that he's only got a few months to live; and the kids of St. Mary's put on a much-revised stage version of the Nativity, complete with a chorus of "Happy Birthday" on the occasion of the Virgin Birth. A huge hit at the box office, Bells of St. Mary's was nominated for nine Academy Awards. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
126 mins

Complete Cast of The Bells of St. Mary's


Director(s):
Leo McCarey
Writer(s):
Dudley Nichols
Producer(s):
Leo McCarey
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR(Child Classic)
The Bells of St. Mary's Awards:
  • 1945 - Film Daily - 10 Best Films
  • 1945 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Actress
  • 1945 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actress
  • 1945 - Photoplay - Award
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    Francis T.

    I have enjoyed this film. I love the acting between Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman. Their acting abilities and their character is what made this film easier to follow. Thus, I enjoyed it.

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    H. M. N.

    A touching story about change of hearts at a Catholic school with unexpected characters and a surprise ending, which was pleasantly unusual for a Classic film. Catholic schools have a negative view for many today, but this one is positive and uplifting. Ingrid Bergman is indeed perfect. They don't make movies like they used to.

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    Vicki L.

    This is an absolutely beautiful movie! Very sweet story line. If you want an uplifting story that you can watch and not worry about the kids seeing, this is the one. Of course there's the added benefit of listening to the smooth crooning of Mr. Crosby. That alone would put anyone in a better frame of mind :)

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