Going My Way

It’s the final movie night of the year. For a change of pace, why not end with a calm and uplifting classic?

Bing Crosby stars as the Father Charles O’Malley, an energetic and optimistic priest who’s just been assigned to help revive an old church in New York City. He quickly clashes with the church’s older pastor, who is annoyed by the younger priest’s easy-going and casual manner, but O’Malley is determined to make a difference, especially by starting a boys’ choir to help keep the parish youth out of trouble.

The film’s low stakes and polite humor make it an ideal story to relax with. It may perhaps be overly chipper or sentimental by today’s standards, but as we take stock of the year behind us and look forward to the new year ahead, it may help remind us of the things that matter most.

While the film does not feature an overtly Christmas story, it takes place around Christmas, and so is often listed as a seasonal classic. (Also be sure to check out the film’s sequel, The Bells of St. Mary’s, which we also recommended.)

Runtime: 2 hours, 6 minutes
Rated G
USCCB — A-I
81% on Rotten Tomatoes
IMDb Parents Guide