The Bells Of St. Mary's (1945)

 

The Bells Of St. Mary's - 1945

Coming up next is 1945's "The Bells Of St. Mary's", a sort of follow-up film to 1944's "Going My Way".  In this film, we follow Father Chuck O'Malley to the parish of St. Mary's, where he becomes pastor as well as being in charge of the parochial school run by a nun who has her own ideas about education and won't stand for Father O'Malley's unconventional ways.

The film's cast includes Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, Henry Travers, William Gargan, Ruth Donnelly, Martha Sleeper, Rhys Williams, Joan Carroll, and Una O'Connor.

Father Chuck O'Malley is new to the parish of St. Mary's.  He's warned by the lady who runs the boardinghouse where he is staying that the nuns at St. Mary's School caused his predecessor to be taken away to a rest home.  O'Malley isn't sure what to make of that intro.

O'Malley visits St. Mary's School and casts his eye over the grounds.  The whole place is very run down and has been threatened with being condemned by the city government.

When Father O'Malley meets with the school's headmistress, Sister Mary Benedict, he finds out just what his landlady means.  Sister Mary Benedict takes a traditional approach to education, and she isn't very tolerant towards Father O'Malley's more nonconformist and unconventional attitude.

On a tour of the school with Father O'Malley, Sister Mary Benedict shows him the building that is being erected next door.  She and the other nuns are praying that the new building's owner, Mr. Bogardus, will donate the building to them so they can have a new school.

O'Malley meets with Mr. Bogardus, and he finds out that the older man just wants to be liked by the community.

Meanwhile, there is trouble happening in the lives of a couple of the school's students.  Patsy is having trouble at home, and the problems with her home life are spilling over into her schoolwork.

While Father O'Malley works with Patsy, Sister Mary Benedict helps a young boy named Eddie, who is being bullied.  She even tries to teach him how to fight so that he can stand up for himself in the schoolyard.

Along with the students who are having specific problems, Sister Mary Benedict must deal with a few impertinent practical jokers as well.

Eventually, Father O'Malley and Sister Mary Benedict realize each other's strengths and begin to work together for the good of the school.  They even watch a rehearsal of probably the most adorable children's Christmas pageant that I've ever seen!

One day, Sister Mary Benedict is taken very ill.  A doctor is sent for.  She's eventually diagnoses with tuberculosis, but this information is kept from her.  It's planned that she is to be sent away from the school, which makes her upset.  She's justified in that feeling, because she's not being told the reason why.

Before she leaves, Sister Mary Benedict is given the joy of seeing Mr. Bogardus donate his newly finished building to the school.  She is so excited that she can hardly contain herself.

At the graduation exercises for the students who are moving on from St. Mary's Father O'Malley gives them a pep talk for going out into the world.  He also tells them that if they are ever in trouble they should pick up the phone and dial "O" for O'Malley.

Afterwards, as Sister Mary Benedict prepares to leave the school, she goes to say goodbye to Father O'Malley.  He tells her the real reason why she is leaving.  She is very grateful and promises to get better quickly so she can return.

Parting as friends, Father O'Malley says, "If you ever need anything, no matter what it is or wherever you happen to be..."  Sister Mary Benedict interrupts with a smile and says, "Yes, I know.  I'll just dial 'O' for O'Malley."

Cast rundown:

   Bing Crosby.................................Father Chuck O'Malley

   Ingrid Bergman............................Sister Mary Benedict

   Henry Travers..............................Horace P. Bogardus

   William Gargan............................Joe Gallagher

   Ruth Donnelly..............................Sister Michael

   Martha Sleeper.............................Mary Gallagher

   Rhys Williams..............................Dr. Mackay

   Joan Carroll.................................Patsy Gallagher

   Una O'Connor..............................Mrs. Breen

And that's it for The Bells Of St. Mary's.  During the production of the film, a Catholic priest served as an advisor.  At the final scene, Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman decided to play a prank on him.  Instead of just saying goodbye, the two embraced and kissed passionately.  The priest immediately began loud protestations, to the laughter of Bergman and Crosby.

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