Parents' Guide to

The Bells of St. Mary's

By Scott G. Mignola, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

A classic of faith and values.

Movie NR 1945 126 minutes
The Bells of St. Mary's Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 2+

Based on 1 parent review

age 2+

Just perfect!

A beautiful movie, with a beautiful message. If you have to watch a movie with the family, this is perfect! I don't think it was melodramatic lol... Henry Travers (Clarence) from "It's a Wonderful Life" acts mighty swell in this film! :D

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (2):

The rapport between Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman is enough to overcome the tired plot, and got the two stars Oscar nominations for their performances. Bearing that in mind, THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S isn't so much about a pair of Catholic do-gooders trying to save their beloved parochial school as it's about that wonderful pairing -- but it is undeniably engaging.

This time around Crosby plays Father O'Malley a bit softer, more quietly subversive, than he did in Going My Way. Why, 40 minutes of movie time pass before he sidles up to a piano and starts crooning. The repentant way he glances heavenward after telling a fib is priceless. That Bergman can look angelic even while coaching a boy on how to box is a testament not only to her screen presence, but to the talents of George Barnes, whose black-and-white camera work also did wonders for her in Hitchcock's Spellbound that same year. You believe she's a sister superior just by the way he makes light fall across her.

Movie Details

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