Rating: 
Summary: Going My Way ... A Classic
Review: "Going My Way" is a must see movie for any Bing Crosby fan. It is here, with this effort, that he won his one and only acedemy award. It should be noted, however, that Bing had some stiff competition for the award ... from Barry Fitzgerald, his co-star in this movie. Barry was nominated in both the Best Actor and the Best Supporting Actor categories (with him winning the latter) and it is he, Barry Fitzgerald, not Bing Crosby who makes "Going My Way" a classic.
As the young priest sent to help a struggling parish, Bing is in good form here, but he is simply out-classed by Fitzgerald (who plays the old priest who runs the parish). Bing sings some memorable songs, including "Would You Like To Swing On A Star" and a very lovely and touching rendition of the old Irish lullaby "Too Rah Loo". And though he never sings, Mr. Fitzgerald takes full advantage of every line he's given to speak ... injecting them with much wry humor, and using them to project "the old country" sensabilities.
This might be the best example:
(When being brought back to the rectory after a failed attempt to "run away")
Cop: "Why don't you just go in there, say that you were a bad boy, and tell them that you're sorry."
Fitzgerald: "Why don't you go to church this Sunday, say that you haven't been to mass in ten years, and tell them that YOU'RE sorry."
There are a couple of short-comings in this picture. The opera singer Rise Stevens is used as an old high school friend of Bing's, and she is forced into the story and then is used too much. If her presence had been eased in, it would have worked nicely, I think, but her celebrity status (in real life) seems to have dictated this clumsy handling of her character. Also, the banker's son, played by James Brown, has an affair, gets married, joins the military service, is whisked off to the war, and comes home as a wounded soldier (in time for the final scene) all in what seems to be a short period of time. I think the essential idea was to get the patriotic sentiment working for this picture, but, there again, it is forced in, and the final product is kind-of hard to buy.
It is, however, the ending of "Going My Way" that certifies it as a classic. This scene pulls the heart right out of your chest (and the tears right out of your eyes). I have read it described as a "privilege" for us to see ... and I agree whole-heartedly with that assessment. It is just a great great ending for a pretty good movie that has an outstanding performance by Barry Fitzgerald.
Rating:
Summary: Going My Way
Review: A movie that is forgotten by most that is really worth seeing. This movie should be added to the classic Christmas list. This movie makes me laugh and cry, especially because Bing Crosby actually had Barry Fitzgeralds' mother brought over from Ireland and be filmed in the last minutes of the movie. Warm, wonderful and lighthearted.
Rating:
Summary: Going My Way
Review: A movie that is forgotten by most that is really worth seeing. This movie should be added to the classic Christmas list. This movie makes me laugh and cry, especially because Bing Crosby actually had Barry Fitzgeralds' mother brought over from Ireland and be filmed in the last minutes of the movie. Warm, wonderful and lighthearted.
Rating:
Summary: Holiday Inn puts you Inn the Holiday mood
Review: Absolutely the best holiday movie ever. Beautifully cast, amazing set design, and so reminiscent of true Hollywood Christmas you'll wish the century was turing back to 1900.
Rating:
Summary: A classic for Christmas
Review: Althought this takes place throughout the year, it begins and ends at Christmas time. The story is simple, the romance straight forward, and the acting superb. Holiday Inn is a joy! The romance is complimented with song and dance and the talents of Crosby and Astaire. If you have never seen this wonderful movie, break out the DVD and popcorn and settle in for awhile. Dream of a White Christmas(Was written for this movie, not the one with it's title) as you watch one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time. An added bonus is Going My Way-another wonderful addtion to anyones movie collection. Great value!
Rating:
Summary: SWINGIN' ON A STAR, with BING!
Review: Bing Crosby came into his own in the 1940's, becoming the biggest movie star of his time; and by watching "Holiday Inn" and "Going My Way" one can easily see why. In "Holiday Inn" Bing pairs with the great Fred Astaire, and the result is one of the best movie musicals of all time (not to be confused with stage-to-screen musicals like "South Pacific" and "Oklahoma"). The plot: Bing & Fred are part of a two-guys-and-a-girl song and dance act, and Bing is retiring to marriage and a farm with said girl: but little does he know that Fred and girl have decided to stay in show business, and Bing gets the boot. When Bing makes his farm an Inn open only on holidays, he hires a young lady named Linda Mason to perform with him, and naturally they develop a romance (I love these unpredictable musical plot lines!). Fred, having been given the boot too, shows up at the Inn on New Year's Eve, and in a drunken haze he dances with Linda Mason. Well, now Bing and Fred are rivals for the same girl! Their comaraderie is instant, and they both frolic through this light-hearted romp with fun and easy-going charm. The brilliant Irving Berlin songs, like "Be Careful, it's my Heart" and the first version of the biggest-selling hit of all time, "White Christmas"; the excellently staged dance numbers by Astaire in "Let's Say it With Firecrackers", "I Can't Tell a Lie" and "You're Easy to Dance With"; and the great supporting cast make this movie most enjoyable. "Going My Way" is a classic, where Bing play father Chuck O'malley, who is sent to restore a church and an aging cranky priest, steeped in old-fashioned ways (played by the great Barry Fitzgerald). Bing's acting in this film is perfect; it's unforced, natural and totally human; what more is there to acting than that? It's a charming film, with much humor and drama, but not too sappy or syrupy. This movie sweeped the Academy Awards of 1944, winning best picture, best actor for Bing, best supporting actor for Fitzgerald, and best song for "Swingin' on a Star". Immpossible to NOT enjoy. So, there you have it, 2 movies in one. And the sound and picture quality is excellent. Well worth it to own.
Rating: 
Summary: Holiday Inn
Review: Bing Crosby in one of his better roles, sans any of the "Road" pictures he did with Bob Hope. Set in Connecticutt in the 1930's, Bing along with Fred Astaire sing, dance and romance their way through this Irving Berlin orchestrated film. Don't take anything in this movie too seriously, as this is a light hearted romp through the holidays. Although a tad dated now (there's a reference in one part showing Thanksgiving bouncing from the 3rd Thursday of the month of November, to the last Thursday and back, and photos of old bi-wing airplanes), this movie does touch on some really nice moments that today in our hurried state of mind, we seem to forget. The best song of course is "White Christmas" which was release originally in this film. Bing gets the lady in the end (altough Fred Astaire does also), and the supporting cast had a flair for comedy and timing long before today's artists were even thought of. This film does make you wish for the simpler days of large ballrooms, radio shows, and true "Holiday Inns". This one is a definate Christmas favorite in our house, especially after the kids have gone to bed on Thanksgiving night. You can't go wrong with this one for the Holidays.
Rating:
Summary: Holiday Inn
Review: Bing Crosby in one of his better roles, sans any of the "Road" pictures he did with Bob Hope. Set in Connecticutt in the 1930's, Bing along with Fred Astaire sing, dance and romance their way through this Irving Berlin orchestrated film. Don't take anything in this movie too seriously, as this is a light hearted romp through the holidays. Although a tad dated now (there's a reference in one part showing Thanksgiving bouncing from the 3rd Thursday of the month of November, to the last Thursday and back, and photos of old bi-wing airplanes), this movie does touch on some really nice moments that today in our hurried state of mind, we seem to forget. The best song of course is "White Christmas" which was release originally in this film. Bing gets the lady in the end (altough Fred Astaire does also), and the supporting cast had a flair for comedy and timing long before today's artists were even thought of. This film does make you wish for the simpler days of large ballrooms, radio shows, and true "Holiday Inns". This one is a definate Christmas favorite in our house, especially after the kids have gone to bed on Thanksgiving night. You can't go wrong with this one for the Holidays.
Rating:
Summary: A Bing Crosby Holiday Double Feature including White Xmas
Review: Bing Crosby's Oscar performance in "Going My Way" and singing the Oscar winning song "White Christmas in Holiday Inn" is only the beginning of two grand holiday treats. Remembering the war years and the theme of God and Country brings an assembly of American Patriotism to the screen. Hollywood War years role provides a generous dose with song and dance. For "Holiday Inn" (1942) a story based on an Inn only open during the 15 major holidays (1940's) with grand scale entertainment being the main attraction. Crosby and Astaire were the top stars and could guarantee almost any movie to be a success. Irving Berlin's grand song writing style proved he the needed ingredient for just about any holiday song. Proving the match of "White Christmas and Bing Crosby" to be the most popular holiday song teaming ever. Going My Way (1944) was Crosby's launch into the Dramatic Actor role with his crooner abilities and witticisms carry him all the way to an Oscar. Father O'Malley (Crosby) a young Catholic priest comes to the rescue of a aging priest (Barry Fitzgerald Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor), troubled church and neighborhood. It isn't long before Father O'Malley brings them all (with us included) together as a community. On the success of "Going My Way" the very next year a sequel was made (Bell's of Saint Mary's ) with Crosby as Father O'Malley and Ingrid Bergman. (Great follow-up movie). These family movies are a great way to introduce kids to our past and classic black and white hollywood. This double feature DVD is a great value with fantastic picture quality and sound.
Rating:
Summary: A Bing Crosby Holiday Double Feature including White Xmas
Review: Bing Crosby's Oscar performance in "Going My Way" and singing the Oscar winning song "White Christmas in Holiday Inn" is only the beginning of two grand holiday treats. Remembering the war years and the theme of God and Country brings an assembly of American Patriotism to the screen. Hollywood War years role provides a generous dose with song and dance. For "Holiday Inn" (1942) a story based on an Inn only open during the 15 major holidays (1940's) with grand scale entertainment being the main attraction. Crosby and Astaire were the top stars and could guarantee almost any movie to be a success. Irving Berlin's grand song writing style proved he the needed ingredient for just about any holiday song. Proving the match of "White Christmas and Bing Crosby" to be the most popular holiday song teaming ever. Going My Way (1944) was Crosby's launch into the Dramatic Actor role with his crooner abilities and witticisms carry him all the way to an Oscar. Father O'Malley (Crosby) a young Catholic priest comes to the rescue of a aging priest (Barry Fitzgerald Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor), troubled church and neighborhood. It isn't long before Father O'Malley brings them all (with us included) together as a community. On the success of "Going My Way" the very next year a sequel was made (Bell's of Saint Mary's ) with Crosby as Father O'Malley and Ingrid Bergman. (Great follow-up movie). These family movies are a great way to introduce kids to our past and classic black and white hollywood. This double feature DVD is a great value with fantastic picture quality and sound.
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