jarrodmcdonald-1 I think I like THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S a bit better than GOING MY WAY. The contrast in acting styles between Crosby and Bergman really underscores the fact these are two very different people trying to carry out the Lord's work. The filmmakers seem to have refined the formula they established in the first film. Again, Crosby's character has to work his way in and challenge how things have always been done; and again, he builds personal relationships with the children and a couple in love (in this instance, a school girl's separated parents). And similar to how the church was struggling in the earlier story, it's the school that is struggling in the sequel. Plus we have another money-obsessed villain in the form of Henry Travers. And while the various characters experience their ups and downs and individual crises of faith, the very existence of the institution itself is called into question. This all comes full-circle when Bergman's character is diagnosed with tuberculosis and must leave at the end, reminiscent of how Crosby left before. They could have gone right on making a series of these films, with the Father O'Malley character bouncing from place to place like Maisie Ravier. But maybe it's good they stopped after the second one, because it leaves us wanting more and arriving at our own conclusions about the fate of each person and where their faith took them.

mike48128 Made first but released after "Going My Way"! An episodic story about a failing Catholic Elementary School. Father O'Malley (Bing Crosby) again comes to the rescue as the tireless and optimistic priest, sent from the "home office" to access the situation and get things right. Ingrid plays the "tomboyish" head sister that runs the school, which curiously, doesn't appear to be attached directly to a church. It stands alone. All the lower grade Catholic schools I have ever known were always attached or next to a church, nearby. The "villain" in the piece is played by none-other than the actor that played the "Angel Clarence" in "It's a Wonderful Life." He owns the new office building next door and wants to tear down the old, crumbling school for his parking lot. The sisters are praying for a miracle that the new building will become their new school. Of course, that is exactly what happens when he literally has a change of heart. Very well written, but not very different from "Going My Way." No real blockbuster songs, except that "The Bells of St.Mary's" was recorded by Bing with entirely different lyrics and became a "standard" in it's time. Some of the events remind my a lot of other similar films like "The Trouble with Angels" made decades later. Like "Going My Way" a bit long but worth it. The ending is a real "tear-jerker" as Ingrid finds out that she is being transferred out not because she failed or upset Father O'Malley, but because she is sick and needs to get better. Almost out-of-print. It was public-domain for a while and even colorized, but it's just fine in black and white.

kenjha A priest and a nun lead the effort to replace a crumbling church school. This pleasant sequel to "Going May Way" is a nice blend of comedy and drama. Although the earlier film won the Best Picture Oscar, this one is actually better, mainly because the script doesn't meander as much as the first film and because of the presence of Bergman. The actress is terrific and works well with Crosby, who continues his Oscar-winning role as Father O'Malley. This is the movie that's seen on the Bedford Falls movie theater marquee in "It's a Wonderful Life." Travers, who played an angel in that Frank Capra film, here plays a grumpy old man who changes his ways.

rickdumesnil never will this film be outdated. it touches our heart strings.effectively. the story line is never boring....and is quite refreshing. I'm glad it was done in black and white...it conserves its realism. the acting....just breath taking....Ingrid Bergman sublime...the boxing scene...priceless. bing Crosby another tour DE force in playing a role....critics wondered if he could repeat an Oscar winning performance. and henry Travers.....can anyone play this role better than he. the direction flawless... the music superb. the song THE LAND OF BEGINNING AGAIN...MMMMM in my heart forever. they don't make them like this anymore.