Leo McCarey's sentimental 1944 film, "Going My Way" is a positive film that dealt with the problems of the inner city back when the term hadn't been coined. St. Dominic's Church is an oasis in the middle of the area that has seen better days. We realize how deeply in trouble the parish is from the start as Mr. Haines is trying to give Father Fitzgibbon an idea of how much he owes the bank and the fact the church will disappear soon.

When Father Chuck O'Malley arrives at St. Dominic to try to save it from its uncertain future, Father Fitzgibbon doesn't have a clue the younger man is going to be over him in all matters of importance. Yet, Father O'Malley never steps over the older priest's shoes to make his rank felt.

This film was shot after the more successful, and better made "The Bells of St. Mary's", but it was released earlier than the other film, probably to capitalize on Bing Crosby's popularity. The film, in fact, is a showcase for Mr. Crosby, who was a likable actor and singer. He has good opportunities in the movie.

As good as Mr. Crosby was in the film, Barry Fitzgerald steals the movie with his Father Fitzgibbon. Mr. Fitzgerald's crusty priest was one of the best creations of his long career. Frank McHugh, another excellent character actor of the era is seen as Father O'Dowd. Gene Lockhart also has a small role as the money man, Mr. Haines. Rise Stevens, the soprano is seen and heard in the film singing in her inimitable style.

The film is a classic that should be seen during the holidays, as it brings cheer and hope to everyone lucky enough to catch a screening of it during Christmas.

"Going My Way" is a wonderful old film--just the sort of thing that Hollywood did best during this golden era. The acting, writing and especially the direction are terrific. However, I won't whitewash the film--it is pure unabashed schmaltz! Now I happen to enjoy schmaltz, so I heartily recommend it to all but the most cynical viewers.

Apparently, the film was seen as a bit of a masterpiece back in the 1940s, as it inexplicably received seven Oscars--including Best Director, Best Picture and Best Actor! In retrospect, this is hard to believe as the film is very good---just not seven Oscars good! And, when you think that it best out films like "Double Indemnity" and "Meet Me in St. Louis" (which, amazingly, received not a single Oscar),you are left assuming that the film probably played better back in 1944 than today. Most people today would like it but be baffled at its receiving all these awards. I know I sure am! As for the plot, I won't go into great detail--there are some wonderful reviews already for this film that do a fine job of this. A young priest (Bing Crosby) is sent to a new parish. Unfortunately, the old fashioned priest who has been serving there for decades (Barry Fitzgerald) is a bit puzzled by Crosby's unorthodox and rather modern methods. How all this is resolved is something for you to see for yourself.

It was fortunate that I have recently seen a Mexican film, "The Little Priest" because the film is pretty much a slight reworking of "Going My Way". While leading man Catinflas' ways of doing things are even more radical than Crosby's, the plot is pretty much the same but without all the singing and a little less sentimentality. I recommend you try both of them--they'd make a nice double-feature.

'Going My Way' is an immensely likable film and very easy to be charmed by. Should it have won Best Picture? That's debatable in a year with films like 'Double Indemnity', 'Laura' and 'Gaslight', but there are worse Best Picture winners around before and after.

The romance does bog the film down a little and could have been developed more, and the scenes with the inner-city street urchins transforming into angelic choir boys are a bit cheesy and suspending of disbelief is somewhat needed. Despite being a long film and a film that moves slowly and takes its time to unfold (things that may alienate some),they didn't come over as problems at all because the emotions all through the story and the winning performances make 'Going My Way' so engrossing.

Bing Crosby has never been better dramatically, appealing street-wise and likable, and as ever his voice is beautiful and mellow, the kind of voice you can listen to for hours and not get tired of it, particularly in the Oscar-winning song "Swinging on a Star". Barry Fitzgerald's peppery and charmingly twinkling performance is also among his best, along with 'And Then There Were None' and 'The Quiet Man'. Love the chemistry between the two of them too. Rise Stevens brings some affecting heart and mystery, and as ever sings with an angelic richness, the film also sees a glimpse of the role she was most famous for for very good reason in "Habanera" from Bizet's 'Carmen'.

It's a lovely-looking film visually, with a real elegance and it's beautifully photographed too. The music is wonderful, especially "Swinging on a Star" and "Habanera" and "Ave Maria" are effectively utilised. The story is incredibly moving and makes one feel good, while the direction is focused for a long film with a number of plot strands and the script expertly balances humour, charm, heart and pathos.

In summary, while not my pick for Best Picture that year there is definitely a lot of love for 'Going My Way'. 9/10 Bethany Cox