Deus Me Deu um Amigo

I first saw this film on TV about 25 years ago and the magic and chemistry of Bing and Barry was obvious. Years later, I finally acquired this film in VHS format(I had recorded it previously in Beta format). It has everything to offer to movie buffs and I hope that the networks start to show it as a Christmas movie. It took the public about 30 years to catch on to "It's A Wonderful Life". This movie, like another of Bing's gems"Holiday Inn(1942)" could fit right in at any time of the year;and with the beautiful Joan Caulfield-anytime. I think that to date, I've watched it about 30 times. My favorite line is Bing's telling taxi driver Percy Kilbride(who refuses Bing's offer of a tip) "You'ld be a big hit in New York".

Let no one tell you that Hollywood has really changed in the last 100 years. The same phenoms seem to reappear time and time again. One that will always hold a special place in the heart of all who love movies, is the repairing of stars. Thus is the case with Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald. The two stars of Going My Way (1944), the Best Picture winner of that year, come together again for a romp in the country. This time it's far away from the confines of the catholic cathedrals and religious iconadry. Crosby plays a free spirited young doctor, who is basically Father O'Malley without the collar. One can understand why taking the character out of the church was so important to the studios, with out the church Crosby can get the girl. Which in this case that girl is Joan Caulfield. Don't worry it's not going to be that easy, cause this young teacher is already involved with somebody. He is a sort of pompous arrogant know-it-all that just isn't right for young Miss. Caulfield. A woman needs a man who can sing her a song, and show her a good time on a twilit hayride. I have to say that with all it's predictability and repetition, from Going My Way (1944), I have to say that this film has yet to get old for me. I have watched this movie so many times it's worn out the VHS tape. The film is just so much fun, and so light hearted that you can't really not enjoy it's carefree attitude. The songs are so instantly and equally fun, that I find myself just smiling at there pleasant familiarity.

This is a comfortable homespun story about a new doctor, Jim Pearson (Crosby), arriving in town to fill in for the older doctor who needs a vacation. At first Pearson doesn't quite fit in with the local townsfolk yet once he meets the pretty teacher, Trudy, he decides it's worth staying. Barry Fitzgerald takes on the role of crusty Dr. McRory who doesn't get along with or approve of his replacement, Pearson. Given time though events make him reconsider his first impressions. There is a liberal sprinkling of Bing's mellow crooning and even at one point grumpy Barry joins in the singing surprisingly. An enjoyable movie for any Crosby fans, as well as those who appreciate the delightful display of Barry's Irish wit.

Going My Way was such a blockbuster hit for Paramount with the inspired teaming of Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald that sooner or later you knew they would be teamed again.

Going My Way had one problem; with Bing and Barry as priests you couldn't have any romance. So in this one, they're doctors. Bing is supposed to be a temporary replacement while Barry takes a long postponed vacation. Just like in Going My Way, they don't hit it off at first, but circumstances push them together and by the end of the picture they're fast friends and Bing ends up with schoolmarm Joan Caulfield.

Welcome Stranger does stand on its own merits as a picture, it's not just a pale imitation of Going My Way. Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke give Bing four good songs. Personally, I think the highlight of the movie is Bing singing and calling the square dance in Country Style.

He also sings a nice number called Smile Right Back At the Sun. Crosby had a song genre all his own, the upbeat philosophical songs and this is a perfect example of that kind of number. It's in the same vein as Swinging on a Star. No other singer ever sang so many numbers of that type as Crosby or sung them so well.

One of my favorite character actors Charles Dingle is the villain of the piece. Whether he's a serious or a comic villain like here, Dingle never disappoints with his patented brand of pomposity.

I would venture one criticism of the film. I believe Frank Faylen and Wanda Hendrix who play father and daughter could have had their characters more fully developed. I think a lot of their performances was edited out of the finished product.

But Welcome Stranger is still grand entertainment, Crosby and Paramount at their best.

Nah, I felt more "unwelcome" watching this, than welcome. Anyway, if you want to see Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald in more appealing roles, watch "Going My Way" instead. In that movie, the guys play priests. Here, they are doctors.

The trouble was Fitzgerald was so bad, or at least so "crabby," he was downright annoying to watch in here. His Irish brogue with the crabby personality made him all the more irritating. Usually I love the Irish characters and accent, but not the idiot character ("Dr. Joseph McRory") in this movie.

In both films, you get the same thing: the younger man is always the "good guy" and the older, more traditional man is always the "bad guy." Hollywood has always sided with rebels, those who challenge either authority or the old ways.