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| Released: |
1944 |
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| Genre: |
DRAMA MUSICAL COMEDY
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| Origin: |
US |
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| Length: |
126 |
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A new priest (Bing Crosby, pictured) rescues an ailing church and its old, stubborn curate (Barry Fitzgerald). |
Reviewed by Chris Tookey
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One of the most popular films of the 40s, and it isn't hard to see why: it's good-hearted, entertaining, beautifully acted; and Leo McCarey's skilful direction keeps it, for the most part, from degenerating into schmaltz.
It still has a lot of charm, although its view of human nature seems unduly sunny, and there is a distinct lack of dramatic tension: on a fundamental level, it fails to give evil its due.
Its worst sin is that it was later recycled to produce such abominations as Sister Act I and II. Leroy Stone's editing and Lionel Lindon's photography were oscar-nominated, and the song Swingin' On a Star (Music and lyrics by James Van Heusen and Johnny Burke) was voted Best Song.
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