Well, this was a delightful trifle of a film.
Father Chuck O'Malley (Bing Crosby) arrives to save Saint Dominic's parish as they are in financial straits and the elderly Father Fitzgibbons (Barry Fitzgerald), Irish born and bred, is out of touch with his parish. And thanks to his song writing abilities and sheer dumb luck, Father Chuck helps them settle up with the bank, only to have the church burn to a crisp. Yet, Father Chuck is still transferred elsewhere (settling the film up for a sequel, which would happen the following year) but Father Fitzgibbons is rejuvenated and all is still somehow right in the world.
There are several subplots including Father Chuck taking a bunch of borderline juvenile delinquents and getting them to form a choir, not to mention helping a homeless team refine her singing skills and helping the mortgage broker form a heart, sympathy for others. And there are plenty of opportunities for Bing to show off his brilliant singing chops, but he still manages to give a subtle, effective performance though Fitzgerald is the scene-stealer. Both would win Oscars for their roles. Despite this film not having a deep message or even being extraordinary, it is still solid and it is worth your time if just to hear Bing sing. Grade: B+
Side Notes:
-Fitzgerald was nominated for both lead and supporting actor for the same role. He won, deservedly so, for supporting actor.
-Jean Heather may have been able to sing but she gave a far better performance in Double Indemnity.
-It is heavily implied that Father Chuck used to date the opera singer who never knew he entered the priesthood. That subplot should have been explored more.
-For the record, you can throw like an atheist.
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