A Reel Retro Review: THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S (1945)

Reel Speak’s Retro Reviews will randomly review a classic film every week, with the intention of introducing some overlooked and perhaps forgotten screen gems from the past to those of us who may be unfamiliar or unawares of their existence. 

The holiday season is sprinkled with movies that we revisit while the lights and trees are up, which aren’t really centered around Christmas; films such as WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954), IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946), and (groan), DIE HARD (1988). Another such film is Leo McCarey’s THE BELLS OF ST. MARY’S from 1945. 

 

Father O’Malley (Bing Crosby), arrives at his new post at St. Mary’s parish, which includes a run-down city school. His unconventional methods eventually inspire the school, including the Sister Superior Benedict (Ingrid Bergman). 

 

Directed by Leo McCarey, THE BELLS OF ST. MARY’S have several plot elements at work; differences in ideals between O’Malley and Benedict, the school possibly being condemned and taken over by a real estate developer (Henry Travers), a brilliant young girl (Joan Carroll), with separated parents, and a school yard bully. The real emotional hook comes late, when Sister Benedict becomes ill, and O’Malley must wrestle with the burden of sending her away from her beloved school and duties. 

 

Based on an original story by director Leo McCarey, ST. MARY’S functions very well thanks to its simple, straight-talking script. Beneath that is an exploration of ideals; the practical vs. doing the right thing…with the good Mother Superior faced with the decision of flunking a troubled child, and the real estate developer deciding how he can sacrifice his own wants and needs for the good of St. Mary’s…and her children. While the script may seem simple on the surface by today’s standards, its deeper meanings sink in well. 

 

The film is carried by character drama and is brought to life by its excellent cast. Bing Crosby, who first played the character of Father O’Malley in GOING MY WAY (1944), carries all the charm and love that a good father would need in facing many obstacles. Crosby recorded four songs for the film, and croons them away like only he could. Ingrid Berman is excellent, as is the young cast of school children. 

 

THE BELLS OF ST. MARY’S has been associated with Christmas thanks to several scenes involving a Christmas pageant at the school, and a major plot point involving a significant gift for St. Mary’s. The holiday does not figure prominently in the film, but it’s underlying themes of doing good for others makes it perfect viewing while the Christmas tree is up. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it 

 

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Reel Facts: Bing Crosby became the first in history to receive two acting nominations for playing the same character. Henry Travers would later play the guardian angel in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, which would feature THE BELLS OF ST. MARY’S on a theatre marquee. The film would also appear on a marquee in THE GODFATHER (1972).