Going My Way This irresistible Oscar winner from writer-director Leo McCarey (
An Affair to Remember) stars Bing Crosby as a low-key, crooning priest who joins the parish of a no-nonsense but sweet old Irish man of the cloth (Barry Fitzgerald). While Bing turns local toughs into a choir, the elder priest worries over the church building fund and whether he'll get a chance to see his old mother back in Ireland before she dies. One would have to have a heart of stone not to be won over by this charmer, with a lovely ending guaranteed to make you bawl for a week.
--Tom Keogh Holiday Inn
This perennial, Christmas-season favorite from 1942 teamed Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire as entertainers (and rival suitors of Marjorie Reynolds) running an inn that is only open on holidays. It's a great excuse for lots of singing and dancing, seamlessly wrapped in a catchy story, and Astaire's frequent director Mark Sandrich (Top Hat, Shall We Dance) doesn't let us down. The Irving Berlin numbers (each one connected to a different holiday) are winners, with Crosby's warm performance of "White Christmas" a movie touchstone. --Tom Keogh
1 Great entertainment
Both of these movies are absolutely charming, wholesome family entertainment. Both feature Bing Crosby. Of the two, I particularly love Going My Way. It is a musical but, unlike most musicals in which the actors spontaneously break into staged song and dance routines, the music is actually built into the plot. Bing plays a young priest, Father O'Malley, who is sent into a church in New York to ultimately replace an older priest played by Barry Fitzgerald. In one scene, the older priest is reminiscing about his boyhood, long ago in Ireland. He has a music box (in which he keeps his liquor) which plays the lullaby "Tura Lura." He says that his mother used to sing it to him. Therefore, Father O'Malley sings the luulaby to him too. In the movie, there is a group of neighborhood boys and Father O'Malley organizes them into a choir. Accordingly there are scenes of them practicing. For example, Father O'Malley and the boys do "Swing on a Star." It is sort of a duet between Bing and the choir and Bing does his trademark, relaxed, charming interplay. Most moving is when they show Father O'Malley's friend, an opera singer played by real life opera diva Rise Stevens, how they do "Ave Maria." Stevens joins in and the beauty of the scene is almost chillingly moving. I get a lump in my throat every time I see it. Another wonderful scene is where Stevens character is performing at the Met while Father O'Malley watches from backstage. She does a great "Habanera" from "Carmen" that, I am sure, made opera fans out of many who saw this movie. I have played and replayed that scene over and over again. I have seen that opera many times with many different mezzo sopranos playing Carmen but, I only wish I could have seen it with Stevens.
Stevens is actually very good. Although an opera singer, she was a very appealing actress in this movie and she played an important role in the ultimate, tearjerker scene. Of course, I cannot reveal what this scene is, lest I give away the ending but, suffice it to say that, in my opinion, Stevens was wonderful in the role. Also, the scene was a genuine tearjerker, not some hokey nonsense.
There were numerous other musical numbers that are woven into the plot and, the plot, itself, is captivating. It revolves around the inevtitable conflict between the older proiest and the younger one. Father O'Malley has a number of friends, not only Stevens, but also a young priest in a nearby parish. The interplay amoong them and with the older priest makes this more than a mere musical. It is a solid comedy/drama with good character development. I highly recommend this winner of the best picture Oscar.
The other part of the double feature, Holiday Inn is a more traditional musucal where numbers are staged. This movie is also a charmer. The highlight, as every movie buff knows, is Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas." The movie revolves around an inn which is only open on major holidays and is closed the rest of the year. Thus, the musical numbers revolve around holiday themes. Fred Astaire costars and is sort of a rival to the character played by Bing. The two of them are great (of course, as I noted above, Bing Crosby is know for his charming, relaxed interpaly with others). This DVD is a great double feature.
2 Going My Way ... A Classic
"Going My Way" is a must see movie for any Bing Crosby fan. It is here, with this effort, that he won his one and only acedemy award. It should be noted, however, that Bing had some stiff competition for the award ... from Barry Fitzgerald, his co-star in this movie. Barry was nominated in both the Best Actor and the Best Supporting Actor categories (with him winning the latter) and it is he, Barry Fitzgerald, not Bing Crosby who makes "Going My Way" a classic.
As the young priest sent to help a struggling parish, Bing is in good form here, but he is simply out-classed by Fitzgerald (who plays the old priest who runs the parish). Bing sings some memorable songs, including "Would You Like To Swing On A Star" and a very lovely and touching rendition of the old Irish lullaby "Too Rah Loo". And though he never sings, Mr. Fitzgerald takes full advantage of every line he's given to speak ... injecting them with much wry humor, and using them to project "the old country" sensabilities.
This might be the best example:
(When being brought back to the rectory after a failed attempt to "run away")
Cop: "Why don't you just go in there, say that you were a bad boy, and tell them that you're sorry."
Fitzgerald: "Why don't you go to church this Sunday, say that you haven't been to mass in ten years, and tell them that YOU'RE sorry."
There are a couple of short-comings in this picture. The opera singer Rise Stevens is used as an old high school friend of Bing's, and she is forced into the story and then is used too much. If her presence had been eased in, it would have worked nicely, I think, but her celebrity status (in real life) seems to have dictated this clumsy handling of her character. Also, the banker's son, played by James Brown, has an affair, gets married, joins the military service, is whisked off to the war, and comes home as a wounded soldier (in time for the final scene) all in what seems to be a short period of time. I think the essential idea was to get the patriotic sentiment working for this picture, but, there again, it is forced in, and the final product is kind-of hard to buy.
It is, however, the ending of "Going My Way" that certifies it as a classic. This scene pulls the heart right out of your chest (and the tears right out of your eyes). I have read it described as a "privilege" for us to see ... and I agree whole-heartedly with that assessment. It is just a great great ending for a pretty good movie that has an outstanding performance by Barry Fitzgerald.
3 Two ALL TIME CLASSICS!
These two classics belong in everyone's home dvd library.
With "Holiday Inn", you get Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire in TOP form, and it simply doesn't get any better than that. Mix in a plethora of Irving Berlin songs, and the result is pure musical gold. Not only is the all time classic "White Christmas" introduced for the first time -- when Bing had most of his vocal range -- but Bing's interpretation of "Easter Parade" is hardly "chopped liver"! Fred Astaire's dancing is sublime, as usual, especially his very annimated "Firecracker" number. A movie you will watch OVER and OVER AGAIN!
"Going My Way" established Bing Crosby as the truly fine actor he really was. Bing was reluctant to play a priest because of his theretofore image as a male romantic musical lead. However, his warm, understated and deft playing of the Father O'Malley role won him the Oscar for Best Leading Actor of 1944. With an excellent supporting cast -- including Barry Fitzgerald who almost steals the pictute -- "GMW" is an all time family classic. An often overlooked piece of movie trivia is that Bing Crosby was nominated again for Best Actor in 1945 for playing his "Father O'Malley" role in "Bells Of Saint Mary's"! This may be the only time any one was nominated for Best Actor in successive years for playing the same role, which proves that Bing's reluctance to play a priest was severly misplaced! Incidentially, "GMW" won SEVEN Oscars, including Best Picture of 1944.
4 Nice and corny -- perfect for relaxing!
Every now and then you need a silly, no-brainer Bing movie to lift your spirits; it just makes you think everything is going to be OK and that people do really do things for the right reasons. Holiday Inn, if I'm not mistaken, was the first movie that he sang "White Christmas" in -- not as good a flick as "White Christmas" with Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney, of course, but no slouch, none the less.
5 They Don't Make 'em Like this Anymore
This amazing film, which few people know, won eight Academy Awards in its debut in 1943. At that time, America was embroiled in WWII and facing the prospect of a world dominated by fascism and Tyranny. This movie shows the heart of the American People whom the Axis powers thought would never fight back after Pearl Harbor. It demonstrates the soul of a Nation immersed in the peaceful pursuit of individual kindess, compassion and personal commitments to make the World a better place.
This was the world of "The Great Generation." It shows the individual character of the people of the generation which shepherded us through the Great Depression and World War II.
The movie shows that in any generation, in any world we make for ourselves, it is the individual's commitment to decency, honor and hope which brings us through the most difficult times in life. It shows us the value of "a helping hand." It shows us the need for each of us to strive to be something more than what the world would try to force us to become with its challenges and adversities.
When Hemingway wrote "The Sun Also Rises" he was describing the moral bankruptcy of "The Lost Generation" (in the words of Gertrude Stein). The title of the book "The Sun Also Rises" comes from Ecclesiastes: " . . . the sun sets, but, the sun also rises." This message in Ecclesiastes is meant to give hope that even in the darkness we can remain confident that the sun will come again and things will get better.
This movie represents the Sun rising and lighting the way with a new generation in America after WWI and the Great Depression.
Those of all generations might view it. America is in dark times and heading towards times that may be darker. We need to know, from movies such as this, that there is hope in the darkness if we light the candle within.
6 Excellent Double-Bill
On the surface you would not think these two films would complement one another. On the contrary, they do contain a unifying theme: They are heartwarmers, just the anecdote the country needed during the strife that was the World War II.
"Going My Way": A tuneful film that just tugs at your heartstrings. The role of Father O'Malley, the progressive priest that is sent to straighten out the troubled New York parish, fits the easy-going Bing Crosby like a fine suit. Barry Fitzgerald as the curmudgeonly Father Fitzgibbon is not only one of the most indelible characters in film history but also one of the most lovable. This film just floats on good vibes. Five stars.
"Holiday Inn": Thoroughly engaging musical about a jilted singer (Crosby) who opens an inn that only caters to the holiday crowd. Good comic rivalry between Crosby and his former partner(Fred Astaire). Astaire's dance routines are poetry in motion and it doesn't even look like he's trying. I'd like to re-iterate what a previous reviewer said about Marjorie Reynolds being effervescent here as the girl that the boys battle over. I've never seen Reynolds in anything else that I can recall and I'd like to know why. Needless to say, classic score by Irving Berlin. One thing that would give pause to a modern audience is a production number commemmorating Lincoln's birthday done in blackface. Five Stars.
7 Outstanding transfers
This DVD release of GOING MY WAY and HOLIDAY INN is purely OUTSTANDING! As both of these films have been perennial favorites for sixty years, I need not comment on their merits. I will say that these are some of the best DVD transfers of older films I have ever seen. The pictures for both films (in black and white) are crisp and clear, black levels are solid and well defined, and there is no graininess to speak of. Age-related artifacts are virtually non existent. The soundtracks of both films are beginning to show their age, but still sound beautiful and clear. Other than theatrical trailers for both films, there are no other extras, but we get two great films in outstanding transfers for less than the price of one, so we have absolutely no right to gripe.
Although these two films aren't the obvious choices to pair together (Holiday Inn paired with White Christmas, and Going My Way put on the same disc as The Bells of St. Mary's would have been the most obvious choice), this is at most negligible. Hats off to Universal Home Video for this EXCELLENT release. The DVD is a MUST HAVE in any collection. RUN to buy a copy.
NOTE: The cover art shown is not the same as the current, most recent DVD release from Universal Home Video, the one which you see at most retailers during the holidays.
8 laugh and cry, fall in love...
In Holiday Inn it isn't Bing Crosby or Fred Astair that makes the movie outstanding, but rather the relatively unknown "B" movie star of the time, Marjorie Reynolds. As you watch this movie you can "feel" the mood that Marjorie is portraying at the time, just by the look on her face. For example, during the the "Easter" scene, her eyes and smiles say it all, you can see she is in love, and as she sings "White Christmas" at the end you can feel the tears building p in your eyes - thoughout the entire movie she says more with her facial expressions then the most popular movie stars do today in their entire careers... If you love truly good acting, Holiday Inn will make you smile and make you cry, you will love Marjorie Reynolds and it will bring back memories of a time when ladies could truly dance in high heel shoes, we don't see that type of dancing in many movies these days. Picture quality, sound and special effects are not of primary importance in these kinds of films, these are the kind that rely on your own imagination and feelings, much in the way you do when you read a good book.
Going my way is also a good old movie which may bring tears to your eyes at the end and is generally a "feel good" movie. It really does a nice portrayal of the good side of the catholic church. However, it won't make you fall in love with the lead woman as you do with Ingmar Bergman in "The Bell's of Saint Mary's"
Having these movies to watch over and over again to stir up your emotions and forget your toubles is like having a prescription drug to ease you through those tough times in life. However, you must be able to look past the lack of color, the lack of fancy graphics, sounds or special effects and just appreciate the true acting involved.
9 How did these 2 get together?
I think that "Holiday Inn" paired with "The Bells of St. Mary's" or "White Christmas" would have made more sense. Oh well, these are still two GREAT 40's classics. It surprised me that they were both on one DVD! The B&W picture and sound quality are excellent! None of the old "pops & skips" of the really old films. Tom Keogh did a great review (above) so I won't repeat his words. If you're like me you'll be amazed at how the 2 hours FLY by on both of these movies because the stories captivate you with their "old B&W movie" charm. The camera doesn't switch scenes 3 times a second like the movies of today do. The only parts of "Going my way" that I didn't like was the 3 minute "Opera" song and then the same lady singing "Going my Way" later. I hate Opera! But that's me. A real "tear jerker" at the end, however! Get the tissues ready. Holiday Inn is similar to White Christmas, just as the Bells of St. Mary's is similar to Going my Way, but I still watch them all. Bing's voice & Fred's dancing should never be missed! They should be shown in schools to show kids what real movies & good songs were like. I wish Amazon would somehow allow us to preview parts of these movies(like a movie trailer). I'm now starting to collect them since they've come out on DVD. Turnerclassicmovies.com shows trailers from some movies but not all. I view them there and buy them here. Hope this helps someone.
10 Going My Way
A movie that is forgotten by most that is really worth seeing. This movie should be added to the classic Christmas list. This movie makes me laugh and cry, especially because Bing Crosby actually had Barry Fitzgeralds' mother brought over from Ireland and be filmed in the last minutes of the movie. Warm, wonderful and lighthearted.
11 A "Twofer" To Go For
On the face of it, HOLIDAY INN and GOING MY WAY, despite both being Bing Crosby films from the early 40s, were not exacltly an obvious pairing for a DVD "twofer" package. You might think it more likely to pair the former with WHITE CHRISTMAS, say, and the latter with its actual sequel THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S. But this coupling works precisely because it's not so obvious.
Mixing pious Crosby with show-biz Crosby works because, in the last analysis, he's still the same old Bing, affable, low key and agreeable. His priest is still a mensch. His show biz vet is a regular guy looking for a way OUT of the limelight and into a sane and stable way of life. In other words, he's a mensch too.
If you were raised Catholic in the last century, you know that among the clergy, you had your staid, old-school, well, OLD-COUNTRY types, who struck fear in the hearts of children and adults in the parish. Then you had your spirited, fun-loving priests (and nuns), who weren't above playing a few innings of baseball or running a sack race.
GOING MY WAY touches, very lightly, upon the clash of those two strains among the clergy of the era. Actually, the more traditional Father Fitzgibbon (Barry Fitzgerald) is more irascible than truly terrifying. And young Father O'Malley is as all business behind the charm and easy going manner. He just knows that you win more flies with honey than vinegar. And he knows how to get things done. He also knows that he can loosen up the older priest with a few rounds of golf and some fresh air.
The plot amounts to little more than "Let's put on a show to save the parish church." Almost absurdly, a famous opera star (played by famous opera star Rise Stevens) shows up to help out, and high power music publishers rush to buy the young priest's original composition "Swinging On a Star" after hearing Bing and his choir of former street kids sing it as a lark. It's hokum, of course, but it's almost guaranteed to make viewers nostalgic for a more innocent era--even if it's one before their own time.
HOLIDAY INN is a reminder that self-reflexive musicals were almost an established sub-genre from the early 40s on. It's a show-biz tale which turns into your definitive movie-within-a-movie by the end of the film. The show biz format is a little bow to realism (no bursting into song while walking down the street, or scaling a mountain). It's also a tacit admission of Hollywood's self-involvement (the assumption that everyone finds show biz tales utterly fascinating) and, simultaneously, a reaffirmation of mainstream (non-showbiz) values. Distancing themselves from Hollywood and Broadway phoniness is the only way that Bing and his lady love Marjorie Reynolds can find true happiness--of course they still get to stage elaborate floor shows in their Holiday Inn, so ultimately, it's the best of both worlds.
Both movies have plenty of charm, and, as I say, reflect an innocence we seem to have longsince lost. It's no wonder that Bing Crosby films, even when they're not explicitly holiday-themed, have become standard holiday fare for many viewers.
12 Generation to generation with love
What would Christmas be without these wonderful films. Going my Way, Holiday Inn and White Christmas have been a holiday tradition in our family for 3 generations. The movies are packed away every year with all the other Christmas decor only to be pulled out lovingly again next season with every other Christmas memory. Gather your family around and enjoy an evening of entertainment from a time when life was on much simpler terms and the quality of movie musicals was high. Quick banter, lively dancing, beautiful and humorous music all wrapped up with a big red holiday bow. Total pleasure without any guilt!
13 Table for Two, and peanuts too
So, we reluctantly bought this one after wavering for several months. Why or why did we wait?! I knew it would be good -- it's just that we have become spoilt by color movies and I was not too keen on a B&W one. We should never have waited.
First, Holiday Inn... It's been decades since I saw it, so my memory was very foggy. The Kidlet had never seen the movie at all and was a bit, um, well, surprised to see Fred Astaire in that sort of role -- we're used to seeing him as the hero. Royal Wedding comes to mind as a show were he's just a genuine good-guy. In Holiday Inn he's giving Bing a horrible time what with a pretty girl, and trying to steal her away. The car scene is a classic -- you'll enjoy it. All in all, the movie is a nice one, a good story, with WONDERFUL songs. We enjoyed it.
Going My Way was the one that caused me concern. Other reviewers had mentioned tears, and, well, I just wasn't in the mood for a tear-jerker movie. WOW, was I ever wrong. It's the most heart-warming, wonderful, nice and terrific show I've seen in practically forever. I'm so glad I got to see it.
So, break out a bowl of peanuts, and snuggle up while watching these two classics. You'll be glad you did.
14 Watch it year 'round.
This film deserves its place in the Christmas movie pantheon, but there's nothing wrong with watching it any time of the year.
I hardly know where to start in praising "Holiday Inn": the wonderful music -- not just "White Christmas" but "Easter Parade" and others; the dance numbers (first and foremost, Astaire's firecracker dance, but the comic Washington's Birthday dance is hilarious); the teaming of two all-time greats in Crosby and Astaire; a fine supporting cast; the charming setting -- and the list goes on.
15 SWINGIN' ON A STAR, with BING!
Bing Crosby came into his own in the 1940's, becoming the biggest movie star of his time; and by watching "Holiday Inn" and "Going My Way" one can easily see why.
In "Holiday Inn" Bing pairs with the great Fred Astaire, and the result is one of the best movie musicals of all time (not to be confused with stage-to-screen musicals like "South Pacific" and "Oklahoma").
The plot: Bing & Fred are part of a two-guys-and-a-girl song and dance act, and Bing is retiring to marriage and a farm with said girl: but little does he know that Fred and girl have decided to stay in show business, and Bing gets the boot. When Bing makes his farm an Inn open only on holidays, he hires a young lady named Linda Mason to perform with him, and naturally they develop a romance (I love these unpredictable musical plot lines!). Fred, having been given the boot too, shows up at the Inn on New Year's Eve, and in a drunken haze he dances with Linda Mason. Well, now Bing and Fred are rivals for the same girl!
Their comaraderie is instant, and they both frolic through this light-hearted romp with fun and easy-going charm. The brilliant Irving Berlin songs, like "Be Careful, it's my Heart" and the first version of the biggest-selling hit of all time, "White Christmas"; the excellently staged dance numbers by Astaire in "Let's Say it With Firecrackers", "I Can't Tell a Lie" and "You're Easy to Dance With"; and the great supporting cast make this movie most enjoyable.
"Going My Way" is a classic, where Bing play father Chuck O'malley, who is sent to restore a church and an aging cranky priest, steeped in old-fashioned ways (played by the great Barry Fitzgerald). Bing's acting in this film is perfect; it's unforced, natural and totally human; what more is there to acting than that? It's a charming film, with much humor and drama, but not too sappy or syrupy. This movie sweeped the Academy Awards of 1944, winning best picture, best actor for Bing, best supporting actor for Fitzgerald, and best song for "Swingin' on a Star". Immpossible to NOT enjoy.
So, there you have it, 2 movies in one. And the sound and picture quality is excellent. Well worth it to own.
16 A classic for Christmas
Althought this takes place throughout the year, it begins and ends at Christmas time. The story is simple, the romance straight forward, and the acting superb. Holiday Inn is a joy! The romance is complimented with song and dance and the talents of Crosby and Astaire. If you have never seen this wonderful movie, break out the DVD and popcorn and settle in for awhile. Dream of a White Christmas(Was written for this movie, not the one with it's title) as you watch one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time. An added bonus is Going My Way-another wonderful addtion to anyones movie collection. Great value!
17 Holiday Inn is very enjoyable
Holiday Inn is a classic, and a better film than White Christmas.
18 Review for Holiday Inn
This film is good in so many ways. The song and dance numbers were all great. Teaming Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire was a great idea. These two played off each other so well that I can't imagine two other actors doing so well. Even Crosby and Hope wouldn't have done as well here. Marjorie Reynolds was a treat to look at but also had good chemistry with both Crosby and Astaire. The support cast was equally as good, Walter Abel as Danny Reed, Virginia Dale as Lila Dixon and Louise Beavers as Mamie gave solid performances.
The set was also beautiful. Obviously the Hollywood set of Holiday Inn at the end of the film that was supposed to be a reproduction of the real Holiday Inn in Connecticut is the same set used for both scenes. However it is such a realistic set that the viewer never suspects that the Connecticut scenes were filmed indoors. I think the fact that the film was in black and white helps in that respect. A color film may have actually looked more phoney.
The story is a simple one but well put together. I think many viewers can relate to guys trying to steal girls from one another, its a common enough practice today. The ending is a bit fairy tale like but then that is why so many probably like it. We get enough "reality" in our every day lives. It is nice to escape reality with a film like this.
Lastly, the black face scene during the Lincoln Day performance is offensive but it does not ruin the film. Of course a minstrel show today using black face would be unacceptable in today's environment but you can't hold a 1940's film to the same standards. I know some would like to have that scene removed from the film but I disagree. I am of African American decent and while I could view this film as a disgrace I accept it for what it is. Rather than try and obliterate scenes such as this from our film history I think they should be viewed as stepping stones to where African Americans are in film today. There may still be barriers that need to be broken through in the film world but considering where African Americans started we as a society should also take time to appreciate the accomplishments that have been achieved. Black face is out. Demeaning "yesum" roles are for the most part gone and now leading roles that portray African Americans in well to do positions in society are becoming more and more frequent. So while some of the film history regarding African Americans portrays them in a negative manner it is because of those actors and actresses were able to work in those roles and under those conditions that the modern day African American actors and actresses are able be seen in a more positive light. Ignoring the past roles ignores the actors and actresses that struggled through those times.
19 good fil but
I think for it's time it was good movie but it makes to many references to old sterotypes of
african americans, especially the black face routine by bing cosby. That's insulting.
20 Bing Crosby at his peak
Both these films capture Crosby at the height of his wartime fame, "Holiday Inn," is of course one of his great classics which needs little comment -- in "Going My Way" Bing Crosby plays a hip young Catholic priest who arrives to help a troubled parish struggle back to its feet. Of course, what passed for young and hip back then, in this lily white, family-friendly comedy-drama may seem pretty silly these days -- Bing is convincing, though, as he use his suave social skills to listen to and help out those in need. Veteran scene-stealer Barry Fitzgerald plays the doddering, crusty old Irish priest who runs the church before Crosby's arrival... The rest of the supporting cast isn't as strong, but the film still has its charms. Mostly it's just a great chance to observe Crosby at his most magnetic and self-assured. The film also previewed hits like "Swinging On A Star" and Bing's version of "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra," both of which are longtime favorites.
21 Color This One Please
I am in wholehearted agreement with the gentleman who asked for a colorized version of Holiday Inn!! I was sure that this movie would be offered in color on DVD by this time!!
22 Color this one, please!
When are they going to come out with a colorized version of Holiday Inn? I have never seen a film call out for it more than this one!
23 A Five Star Inn
Every so often I check to see whether my favorite movies have made their way onto DVD, and I was rewarded tonight with the news that Holiday Inn is indeed on DVD now. Having never seen Going My Way, I can't comment on its value, but I'll be more than happy to watch it when I finally get my copy of the set.
I remember falling in love with this movie by chance when I was 12, and it took me a good two years to learn the name, but the wait was well worth it. This is one of those movies that you can watch again and again, one time right after another. From the glorious musical sequences to the genuinely feel-good story, you will want to sit down and watch this movie on holidays and any day in between.
24 A Bing Crosby Holiday Double Feature including White Xmas
Bing Crosby's Oscar performance in "Going My Way" and singing the Oscar winning song "White Christmas in Holiday Inn" is only the beginning of two grand holiday treats. Remembering the war years and the theme of God and Country brings an assembly of American Patriotism to the screen. Hollywood War years role provides a generous dose with song and dance. For "Holiday Inn" (1942) a story based on an Inn only open during the 15 major holidays (1940's) with grand scale entertainment being the main attraction. Crosby and Astaire were the top stars and could guarantee almost any movie to be a success. Irving Berlin's grand song writing style proved he the needed ingredient for just about any holiday song. Proving the match of "White Christmas and Bing Crosby" to be the most popular holiday song teaming ever. Going My Way (1944) was Crosby's launch into the Dramatic Actor role with his crooner abilities and witticisms carry him all the way to an Oscar. Father O'Malley (Crosby) a young Catholic priest comes to the rescue of a aging priest (Barry Fitzgerald Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor), troubled church and neighborhood. It isn't long before Father O'Malley brings them all (with us included) together as a community. On the success of "Going My Way" the very next year a sequel was made (Bell's of Saint Mary's ) with Crosby as Father O'Malley and Ingrid Bergman. (Great follow-up movie). These family movies are a great way to introduce kids to our past and classic black and white hollywood. This double feature DVD is a great value with fantastic picture quality and sound.
25 I love both of these movies!
I first saw "Going My Way" when I was stayed home sick from school for two days when I was about 10 years old. I fell in love instantly and have seen this movie over and over again. I love the characters. Barry Fitzgerald is so adorable as the old-school Father who does a lot of head shaking about Bing's new, relaxed clerical manner. "Holiday Inn" is wonderful too with so many songs that we all know. One of my favorite parts of this movie is when Fred Astaire is dancing and throwing the fire crackers down on the stage in the 4th of July performance. This one is not as good as "White Christmas", in my humble opinion but it's definately worth watching a few times.
26 Holiday Inn puts you Inn the Holiday mood
Absolutely the best holiday movie ever. Beautifully cast, amazing set design, and so reminiscent of true Hollywood Christmas you'll wish the century was turing back to 1900.
27 Reviewing it "My Way"
The movie Going my Way is a breath of freash air and a wonderful escape from the modern movies. This movie is both funny and innocent. A movie that both young and old can watch together. The characters in the movie are both warm and different in their own way. A must see during the holidays and beyond.
28 Holiday Inn
Bing Crosby in one of his better roles, sans any of the "Road" pictures he did with Bob Hope. Set in Connecticutt in the 1930's, Bing along with Fred Astaire sing, dance and romance their way through this Irving Berlin orchestrated film. Don't take anything in this movie too seriously, as this is a light hearted romp through the holidays. Although a tad dated now (there's a reference in one part showing Thanksgiving bouncing from the 3rd Thursday of the month of November, to the last Thursday and back, and photos of old bi-wing airplanes), this movie does touch on some really nice moments that today in our hurried state of mind, we seem to forget. The best song of course is "White Christmas" which was release originally in this film. Bing gets the lady in the end (altough Fred Astaire does also), and the supporting cast had a flair for comedy and timing long before today's artists were even thought of. This film does make you wish for the simpler days of large ballrooms, radio shows, and true "Holiday Inns". This one is a definate Christmas favorite in our house, especially after the kids have gone to bed on Thanksgiving night. You can't go wrong with this one for the Holidays.
