Wolff rating: NOT BAD
Plot summary: Unorthodox (for 1944) priest tries to rescue a New York parish that is running out of money.
Biased, pithy comments: 1944 was a time when a world was truly weary of war, and showing death-defying action was probably not going to go over well with the folks on the home front. Thus, this movie is almost all nostalgia from front to back, and this makes for one long, slow movie awash in teary moments, ethnic stereotypes, and what can only be described as face-slapping. However, beneath the stunningly dull exterior is a movie rife with symbolism---how we need to forgive the debts of our allies, we can no longer tolerate the permissiveness of the war and we will expect marriage, that even enemies can be forgiven (i.e. the people we have just defeated), and simply that reunion is around the corner for parents and children. Some find this movie heartwarming; I couldn't stand it, mostly, and the music (except for ``Mule'') doesn't work for me.
Other Notes: Won best picture. Hmm.
How many times I have seen it: x1
Starring: Bing Crosby, Barry Fitzgerald, Frank McHugh.