The Bells of St. Mary's

Rating:
Summary: A classic, as always
Review: I can't imagine Christmas going by without "The Bells of Saint Mary's". Although it is admittedly not a Christmas movie (there are really only two or three scenes that actually have anything to do with Christmas), the warmth that is associated with Christmas comes through so strongly from Bergman and Crosby, as well as Travers and an excellent supporting cast, that you can't help but pop the VHS in every Christmas, looking for that glowy feeling.

Basically, the story centers on Sister Mary Benedict (Ingrid Bergman), who is in charge at a quickly-fading parochial school, Saint Mary's. Father O'Malley (Bing Crosby) is sent in to help the school find some way to stay on it's feet, and he is immedietly put up against a grumpy business man with a bad ticker (Henry Travers--seen in "It's a Wonderful Life), a seemingly hopeless young girl without much of a family history, and various escapades by the children attending the school (fighting being a large one). While many condemn it as "too sentimental" or "corny", the superb performances of Bing Crosby (Oscar winner for "Best Actor") and Ingrid Bergman (winner of the Golden Globe for her performance) really pull it out of the cliche that it could have become, and leave the Christmas connotation that the film has become known for. Although I prefer the film in it's classic black and white (you just can't replace the aura it gives films), the performances are obviously just as good in color, though the look can be a bit suprising if you're used to the more classic tones.

One little fact that I found quite entertaining about this movie, however, was that there was an actual Priest who was hired to oversee the production and make certain that all Catholic practices were adhered to. He was there every day for filming, most often directly behind the cameras. On the last day of filming, during the final scene of the movie, Ingrid and Bing decided to play a little joke on the Father: After they engaged in their scripted good-byes, the two took liberties and embraced in a passionate kiss, leaving the poor Father fuming helplessly off-camera. You can't help but maybe wish that that had made the final cut...

Rating:
Summary: Hells Bells
Review: I didn't know this film was colorized when I ordered it. Whoever did the color job has the aesthetic sensitivity of a vandal and should be charged with a bias crime. The film is just too ugly to watch.

Rating:
Summary: Every Family Should Watch This The Night Before Christmas
Review: I have watched this movie every Chrismas for the past 20 Years. Bing Crosby signs some dated songs but, even they are great. The ending of this movie always brings tears to my eyes. The relationship between Bing and the aging priest demonstrates what makes Christmas special. I hope my children learned the meaning of Christmas by watching this great movie with me.

Rating:
Summary: Take the time out for this classic!
Review: I love Bing Crosby's beautiful voice, but that is not the only reason to watch this classic. Watching Bergman and Crosby play off of each other is like watching a dance team.Breathtaking and full of anticipation for their next move. This movie is poigniant and touching and worth every minute.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Holiday Movie!!
Review: I love Holiday movies and The Bells Of St. Mary's is one of the best, it has some wonderful scenes including the sad and poignant end scene with Ingrid Bergman and Bing Crosby, you need a box of tissues near you watching that scene! Very highy recommended! They don't call this heartwarming movie a classic for nothing, it truly deserves that status!

Rating:
Summary: a great and inspirational film!
Review: I very highly recomend this film, it's wonderful and inspring. Bing Crosby is grwat in it and so is Ingrid Bergman.

Rating:
Summary: Anyway, just watch this movie!
Review: I was very impressed by a troubled look in Bing's eyes which he sometimes shows in this movie. You'll know Bing Crosby can act with even only the expression of his eyes by watching this movie! Especially, the expression of both Bing and Bergman in the last scene is wonderful!

Rating:
Summary: Bells of St Mary's Beware
Review: If you buy this DVD expecting it to be the video on disc, you will be quite disappointed. Within the first five minutes you'll discover that a scene has been cut. I purchased this version as part of transitioning our holiday film collection to disc from video and I'm quite disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: One of my all time favorite Christmas Movies!
Review: Quite simply the best Christmas Movie. Not one Christmas can pass by without me watching this classic. The best part is with the children and the play. For anyone who has not watched the movie I won't spoil it.

Rating:
Summary: A Christmas Movie Gem!
Review: The Bells of St. Mary's is a very good movie. Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman are wonderful and so is Henry Travers (Clarance the angel in It's a Wonderful Life). I had The Bells of St. Mary's on video and I'm hoping to get the movie on DVD, I have it on my Christmas wish list but if I don't receive it for Christmas I will buy it myself! I know The Bells of St. Mary's is a sequel to a movie called Going My Way, I have never seen that movie but I'm sure it must be a very good movie too and I look forward to watching it someday!