Bing Crosby Collection - Going My Way / The Bells Of St. Mary's Details

[Highly rated reviewer]

Crosby: Re-evaluation Needed

Bing Crosby is the biggest selling recording artist of the twentieth century, and even now stands at number three in the list of the biggest box office draws in cinema history, yet he has become sidelined and almost forgotten today, his unpretentious, self-deprecating style not suited to the brasher requirements of the rock generation, what was considered cool and laid back in the 1940s seeming staid and square in the 1960s and beyond. He really does bear re-visiting, though: the casual, seemingly spontaneous delivery which led Capra to compare him favourably to Spencer Tracy; the rhythmic cadences of his intonation lending colour and personality to a rather bland script; the tonal smoothness and richness of his singing voice, all lead me to wonder why he is so under-valued today.

As to the charges of schmaltz and sentimentality - not so. Modern Hollywood, mired in political correctness and positive imaging is schmaltzy and sentimental: this is warm and uplifting. Watch it with an open mind, and you'll see what I mean.

A Terrific Feel-Good Film

Going My Way is a terrific feel-good film that should appeal to young and old alike. I would describe it as a light comedy with many memorable scenes and fine acting throughout.

Bing plays Fr.O Malley, a young priest sent to St. Dominic's Parish in New York to deal with problems both spiritual and financial. The priest in residence is the elderly Fr. Fitzgibbon, played by the wonderful Barry Fitzgerald who won an oscar for his role as best supporting actor.

Central to the story is the way in which Fr. O Malley touches the hearts of those around him as they respond to his pure, unselfish nature. It is an impressive performance by Crosby who also won an Oscar for best actor. (In all, the film collected no fewer than seven academy awards).

The film does incline towards the sentimental, but this is not over-played and never becomes mawkish. On the contrary, the emotionally charged scenes are skillfully handled and hold a sense of truth and honesty that engages the viewer in a rich, rewarding experience.

The film also has a timeless, enduring quality and manages to retain its freshness and appeal after repeated viewings.