Going My Way (1944)

"A sentimental crowd-pleaser, well-directed by Leo McCarey...  Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.com
"A warm and moving sleeper hit.  TV Guide's Movie Guide
"Glossy escapist entertainment that's fun to watch...  Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy

Editor's Note Youthful Father Chuck O'Malley (Bing Crosby) led a colorful life of sports, song, and romance before joining the Roman Catholic clergy, but his level gaze and twinkling eyes make it clear that he knows he made the right choice. After joining a parish, O'Malley's worldly knowledge helps him connect with a gang of kids looking for direction and handle the business details of the church-building fund, winning over his aging, conventional superior (Barry Fitzgerald). Songs such as "Swinging on a Star" sparkle, and both Crosby and Fitzgerald do a fine job tugging at the heartstrings in a gentle, irresistible way that will make viewers return to this lovely film again and again. The overwhelming popularity of this film upon its release was only heightened by the many Academy Awards it won, and its sequel, THE BELLS OF SAINT MARY'S, starring Crosby and Ingrid Bergman, was released in theaters the next year to eager fans and more awards.

	Barry Fitzgerald
	Bing Crosby
	Frank McHugh
	Gene Lockhart
	Frank Butler - Screenplay
	Frank Cavett - Screenplay
	Leo McCarey - Director
	Leo McCarey - Based On Story By
	Leo McCarey - Producer
	LeRoy Stone - Editor
	Lionel Lindon - Cinematographer
	Robert Emmett Dolan, et. al. - Original Music By

This lovable Leo McCarey picture is a sentimental favorite about a dynamic young priest who adds sparkle to a parish overseen by crusty old priest who could sure use some luster. Crosby single-handedly wins over the local toughs by organizing a football team and bolstering the parish coffers with a little ditty he sells. The whole thing just sings. FilmsGraded.com 8 of 10
"Going My Way" was the sensation of the 1945 Academy Awards, winning Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor (Bing Crosby), Best Supporting Actor(Barry Fitzgerald), Best Director (Leo McCarey), and Best Screenplay...With all those awards, the movie had to be either very good or demonstrate excellent family values. It must have been the latter, for while "Going My Way" is pleasant enough, it doesn't have the depth or drama to be a great film...Crosby has little trouble turning a street gang of hooligan kids into a church choir. This is the biggest problem I had with "Going My Way": it is as if he waved a wand and cast a spell on the formerly troubled kids. Their presence as a choir gives an excuse for Crosby to sing a few numbers. It must be remember that Crosby was the biggest selling pop singer ever prior to Sinatra and Presley. Opera singer Rise Stevens drops by to smile widely and help with the high notes. - Brian Koller

DVD Verdict 9 of 10
One of the things you notice when you watch a classic movie is how familiar it feels. Even if you've never seen this particular movie before, every beat feels familiar because you've seen it before--in numerous movies and TV shows that were made afterward. That's the feeling I got as I watched Going My Way, the 1944 movie which showed the world that Bing Crosby, the Road picture guy with the dinky nose, could handle drama...Not only was Going My Way a box-office hit, it was also a critical success in its day...If you like inspirational, heartwarming films, you've got to see this one. It set a standard that's hard to beat. If you're not into inspirational and heartwarming, the Oscar-laden Going My Way still has memorable performances and music going for it. - James A. Stewart