“The Bells of St. Mary’s” is a 1945 American drama film directed by Leo McCarey and starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman. The film serves as a sequel to the 1944 film “Going My Way.” It tells the heartwarming story of Father O’Malley (Crosby) and his interactions with the staff and students at St. Mary’s, a Catholic school facing financial difficulties.

Father O’Malley is assigned to St. Mary’s, where he meets Sister Benedict (Bergman), the strict and dedicated nun who is the school’s principal. While Father O’Malley’s more casual and modern approach clashes with Sister Benedict’s traditional methods, they gradually develop mutual respect and work together to address the school’s challenges.

The film follows the struggles faced by St. Mary’s, including a threat of closure due to financial constraints. Father O’Malley seeks the help of a wealthy businessman, Horace P. Bogardus (Henry Travers), in an attempt to secure funds for the school. Meanwhile, Father O’Malley also forms a bond with a troubled student named Patsy (Joan Carroll), whose troubled home life affects her behavior and academic performance.

As Father O’Malley and Sister Benedict work together, they navigate various obstacles and conflicts while inspiring the students and staff with their compassion and dedication. The film explores themes of faith, love, forgiveness, and the power of community.

In the end, the spirit of unity and the selfless efforts of Father O’Malley, Sister Benedict, and the St. Mary’s community prevail. The film concludes with a heartwarming Christmas pageant that brings joy and hope to all involved, solidifying the bond between the school, its staff, and the community.

“The Bells of St. Mary’s” is known for its uplifting and sentimental portrayal of the Catholic Church and its emphasis on the importance of faith, education, and love in overcoming challenges. The performances of Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman, as well as the film’s timeless themes, have made it a beloved classic.

Directors:
Leo McCarey

Writer:
Dudley Nichols, Leo McCarey

Stars:
Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, Henry Travers

“Little Lord Fauntleroy” is a 1936 film adaptation of the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The movie tells the story of Cedric Errol (played by Freddie Bartholomew), a young boy from New York who discovers that he is the heir to a British earldom. Cedric is initially excited about his newfound title but soon learns that his grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt (played by C. Aubrey Smith), is a cold and distant man who disapproves of Cedric’s mother and wants nothing to do with her or her son.

Despite this, Cedric travels to England with his mother (played by Dolores Costello) to claim his title and inheritance. Along the way, he makes friends with several people, including the earl’s kind-hearted gardener, Dick (played by Mickey Rooney), and the earl’s beautiful but unhappy daughter-in-law, Lady Hester (played by Constance Collier).

Cedric’s natural kindness and innocence eventually begin to thaw the earl’s icy demeanor, and he comes to appreciate Cedric’s positive influence on his household. However, when Cedric falls ill with pneumonia, the earl realizes just how much he has come to care for the boy and rushes to his bedside to offer comfort and support.

In the end, the earl decides to rewrite his will to make Cedric his heir, despite the objections of his scheming lawyer, Havisham (played by Guy Kibbee). Cedric’s mother, who had been prepared to leave England with her son if the earl did not accept them, is overjoyed at the turn of events, and Cedric’s new status as the future Earl of Dorincourt is celebrated by all.

Directors:
John Cromwell

Writer:
Frances Hodgson Burnett, Hugh Walpole, John Cromwell

Stars:
Freddie Bartholomew, Dolores Costello, C. Aubrey Smith

“The Intruder” is a drama film released in 1962, directed by Roger Corman and starring William Shatner, Frank Maxwell, and Beverly Lunsford.

The story takes place in a small southern town, where a white supremacist named Adam Cramer (William Shatner) arrives to stir up racial tension and prevent the integration of the town’s schools. Cramer’s tactics include intimidating locals, inciting violence, and spreading propaganda through a newspaper he has started in the town.

As the tension in the town continues to rise, Cramer’s true motives and intentions are revealed. Through a series of confrontations, the characters grapple with issues of racism, hatred, and morality.

Ultimately, the townspeople are able to come together and confront Cramer, exposing his true nature and bringing an end to his attempts to sow division and hatred.

Overall, “The Intruder” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the destructive nature of racism and the importance of standing up against hate and prejudice. Its themes are still relevant today, and the film serves as a powerful reminder of the need for unity and tolerance in our communities.

Directors:
Roger Corman

Writer:
Charles Beaumont

Stars:
William Shatner, Frank Maxwell, Beverly Lunsford