Going My Way (1944) Review

Title: Going My Way

Year: 1944
Director: Leo McCarey
Country: US
Language: English

I would have loved to be Bing Crosby in the 1940's. In 1945 Life Magazine called him "America's number one star, Bing Crosby, has won more fans, made more money than any entertainer in history." Between 1931-1956 he had 396 chart singles and 41 number 1 hits. In the 40's his films were in the top ten of the box office & he won 3 Oscars.


When young Father O'Malley (Bing Crosby) arrives at St. Dominic's, old Father Fitzgibbon (Barry Fitgerald) doesn't think much of the church's newest member.


Going My Way is a charming, deeply sentimental film that addresses inner city in a heartfelt - albeit naïve- way. It is about priests, but the religious aspect is toned down, and the film makes great emphasis on community more than belief. It certainly gave an important lesson while WWII was raging throughout.


Going My Way was an odd Best Picture Winner. Despite winning 7 Oscars (Picture, Song, Actor, Supporting Actor, Director, Story, Screenplay) it wasn't technically innovative and it wasn't a visual feast. The camera is often still; the sets look like sets; the cinematography ix quite unimpressive. The main appealing part of this picture is the acting. Bing Crosby breathes life into a film that would have likely floundered without him.


This film lost me in the middle. I found the pace too slow and the plot a bit meandering. The last 30 minutes brought my interest back as it packed a decent emotional punch. If the film was 40 minutes shorter I would have certainly been keen to re-watch this.