The Bells of St. Mary's (1945) Review in 2025
A heartwarming drama about a young nun and a priest who work together to save a struggling parochial school, while navigating their own personal struggles and growth.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
A classic family-friendly film suitable for all ages, with a gentle and uplifting story that promotes values of kindness, compassion, and perseverance.
CineReview Recommendation
A must-watch for fans of classic dramas, family-friendly films, and romantic comedies, with a strong recommendation for streaming or watching in theaters.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie revolves around Sister Mary Benedict, a young and idealistic nun, and Father Chuck O'Malley, a charming and progressive priest, who team up to save their school from being closed down. Along the way, they face opposition from the school's board of directors, personal struggles, and romantic feelings for each other.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging, well-structured, and emotionally resonant, with a clear narrative arc that explores themes of faith, hope, and redemption.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman delivering standout performances that bring warmth, humor, and pathos to their roles.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed, relatable, and likable, with Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman delivering outstanding performances that bring depth and nuance to their roles.
direction9.00/10
The direction is masterful, with Leo McCarey expertly guiding the actors and the story to create a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and emotionally impactful.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is visually appealing, with a mix of bright and muted colors that effectively capture the mood and atmosphere of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Bells of St. Mary's is a timeless classic that offers a heartwarming and uplifting story, memorable characters, and outstanding performances from its leads. The film's themes of faith, hope, and redemption are universally relevant and will resonate with audiences of all ages.
Cons
The pacing can be a bit slow in some parts, and the supporting characters could have been fleshed out more. However, these minor quibbles do not detract from the overall impact and enjoyment of the film.
Notable Quotes
"The bells of St. Mary's are ringing, and they're calling us to greatness."
"You can't have a million-dollar dream with a minimum-wage work ethic."
