The Bells of St. Mary's

The Bells of St. Mary's

6/12/1945 2h 6m 6.8/10

Overview

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

Top Billed Cast

Joan Carroll

Joan Carroll

Patsy Gallagher

Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman

Sister Mary Benedict

Henry Travers

Henry Travers

Horace P. Bogardus

Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby

Father Chuck O'Malley

William Gargan

William Gargan

Joe Gallagher

Ruth Donnelly

Ruth Donnelly

Sister Michael

Reviews

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

7/1/2022

7/10

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.

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