Watch The Bells of St. Mary's

The Bells of St. Mary's is an American drama movie from the year 1945. It was directed by Leo McCarey, and it starred Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, and Henry Travers in leading roles. The movie is a sequel to the 1944 movie, Going My Way, which also starred Crosby and was directed by the same director. The movie follows the story of Father Chuck O'Malley (Bing Crosby), who is sent to the St. Mary's School in New York City after having helped a troubled youth in a juvenile detention center. The school is run by Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman), who is initially skeptical of O'Malley's unconventional ways of teaching and reaching out to the students. However, they soon develop a strong bond and work together to raise funds for the school, which is on the verge of being shut down due to financial difficulties.

The movie features several subplots, such as O'Malley's attempts to help a boy named Eddie develop his musical talent, Sister Benedict's efforts to help a girl named Patricia deal with her absentee father, and the financial strain put on the school by a wealthy businessman named Horace Bogardus (Henry Travers). The movie also explores themes of faith, love, and sacrifice, as the characters go through various challenges and struggles.

One of the standout features of the movie is the music, which features several of Crosby's popular songs. The most famous of these is "Ave Maria," which is sung by Crosby during a Christmas pageant at the end of the movie. The scene has become iconic, and the song is often associated with the holiday season.

The acting in the movie is also worth mentioning. Crosby, who had won an Academy Award for his role in Going My Way, delivers another strong performance as Father O'Malley. His laid-back and charming demeanor, combined with his powerful singing voice, make him a likable and engaging character. Bergman, who was already an established star by this point, brings depth and complexity to her portrayal of Sister Benedict. She is stern and disciplined, but also caring and compassionate, and her chemistry with Crosby is palpable.

The movie was a critical and commercial success, and it was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Crosby. While it didn't win any of these, it did win one award for Best Sound Recording. The movie has since become a beloved classic, and it is often included in lists of the best Christmas movies of all time.

Overall, The Bells of St. Mary's is a heartwarming and uplifting movie that is sure to leave viewers feeling inspired and optimistic. Its themes of faith, love, and sacrifice are timeless, and its music and performances are top-notch. Whether you're a fan of classic movies, or you're looking for a feel-good movie to watch with the family during the holidays, The Bells of St. Mary's is a must-see.

The Bells of St. Mary's is a 1945 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.