At a big city Catholic school, Father O'Malley and Sister Benedict indulge in friendly rivalry, and succeed in extending the school through the gift of a building.At a big city Catholic school, Father O'Malley and Sister Benedict indulge in friendly rivalry, and succeed in extending the school through the gift of a building.At a big city Catholic school, Father O'Malley and Sister Benedict indulge in friendly rivalry, and succeed in extending the school through the gift of a building.
- Won 1 Oscar
- 6 wins & 8 nominations total
- Eddie Breen
- (as Dickie Tyler)
- Baby Jesus
- (uncredited)
- Nun
- (uncredited)
- Luther
- (uncredited)
- Nun
- (uncredited)
- Bobby
- (uncredited)
- Cabbie
- (uncredited)
- Tommy Smith
- (uncredited)
- Sporting Goods Salesman
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe production was overseen by a Catholic priest who served as an advisor during the shooting. While the final farewell sequence was being filmed, Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman decided to play a prank on him. They asked director Leo McCarey to allow one more take, and, as "Father O'Malley" and "Sister Benedict" said their last goodbyes, they embraced in a passionate kiss, while the off-screen priest/advisor jumped up roaring in protest.
- GoofsFr. O'Malley tells two nuns he grew up and went to school in Missouri. In "Going My Way" it was established he went to high school in East St. Louis, IL.
- Quotes
Patsy Gallagher: [standing up in class to present a report] The Six Senses.
Sister Mary Benedict: Oh, the subject I gave you was the five senses.
Patsy Gallagher: Well, I chose for my subject six senses.
Sister Mary Benedict: [baffled and confused] Well, go on, Patricia. Go on.
Patsy Gallagher: The Six Senses: To see, to hear, to taste, to smell, to feel... to be.
- Alternate versionsAlso available in a computer colorized version.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Hollywood: The Great Stars (1963)
First of all, I may make some enemies, however...I love Bing Crosby, but the part of Father O'Malley is not merely to serve as a foil for Sister Benedict, but to act much of the time as a veritable idiot! Likable but possibly a tad too clueless to ever have become a priest. For example, his opening stunt where he declares a holiday, can you imagine any Catholic priest actually doing this without first consulting the sisters? He's unrealistically lenient, apparently seeing no need whatsoever for discipline, and disregards standards, encouraging (with no apparent misgivings at all) Sister Benedict to pass a student who has failed the exams. However, he is kind, well intended, and nonjudgmental, as shown by his touching behavior toward young Patsy and her mother, and does sometimes achieve the desired results, I admit, with his relaxed, easy going, laid back style. Wonderful singing as always, with Bing's magnificent, effortless voice. (I didn't see Going My Way, I confess.)
This is Ingrid Bergman's movie. She gives Sister Benedict a sparkling inner light here as she portrays the devout and dedicated nun, trying to save her school while also ensuring its daily operation with kindness, fairness, and genuine concern but also meaningful standards and expectations. She appears strict at times, but has a genuine love for her students and a concern that they truly learn. She glows with pride at her little first graders' Christmas pageant. I love her method for helping young Eddie protect himself against the school yard bullies! Suffice it to say, if I had a child in a parochial school, I would want it run by Sister Benedict and not Father O'Malley!
Unfortunately, these days it's all the negative tales that draw headlines, but my own husband grew up with nuns as teachers during most of his Catholic school years, and he can't sing their praises enough. This movie is a touching, entertaining, and uplifting tale, something of a tribute to all the hard working, dedicated nuns who have taught in parochial schools through the years.
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Leo McCarey's The Bells of St. Mary's
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $21,333,333
- Gross worldwide
- $21,337,978
- Runtime2 hours 6 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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