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.

Pleasantly Surprised

I'm not a fan of musicals and the only reason I rented these two is because 'The Bells of St. Mary's' appeared on the BFI Ultimate Film list. To be honest I feared the worst but was quite surprised to find that I actually liked both films.

They both follow the same pattern with Bing Crosby as the young priest sent in to help save a church/school which is facing closure. The films play more like gentle comedies and while straying close at times they stay just the right side of schmaltzy.