“Going My Way” sweeps the Oscars on today’s date in 1945

One of my all-time favorite movies, “Going My Way”, swept the Oscars at the 17th Annual Academy Awards held March 15, 1945 at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

The inimitable Bing Crosby, won the Best Actor award for his portrayal of the generous Father O’Malley.  Barry Fitzgerald, won Best Actor in a Supporting Role as the cantankerous, but loveable Father Fitzgibbon.

The movie would produce a sequel, “The Bells of St. Mary” which included Ingrid Bergman as Sister Mary Benedict.

The movie also won awards for…

• Best Motion Picture
• Directing – Leo McCarey
• Original Motion Picture Story – Leo McCarey
• Screenplay – Frank Butler and Frank Cavett
• Song – Swinging on a Star, James Van Heusen, music; Johnny Burke, lyrics

Here’s a video of the award-winning song, “Swinging on a Star”.

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