MovieChat Forums > The Bells of St. Mary's (1946) Discussion > Was Father O'Malley afraid of that kid?

Was Father O'Malley afraid of that kid?

posted 17 years ago by Ralph Monroe
1 reply | jump to latest

Ok, in the scene where the bully and the nerdy kid were fighting, Father O'Malley holds up the bully's hand and proudly declares, "The Winner". The nerdy kid is clearly upset O'Malley finds the bully "the better man". Yet, during the second fight, where it's obvious the nerdy kid has developed some rather impressive pugilistic skills, Father O'Malley clearly stays out of it. Is it possible he was afraid the nerdy kid might want revenge for O'Malley's earlier comments?

So, to sum it up in legal terminology: Get lost, you bum.

[–] LesterFester 17 years ago

After "Bully" vs "Nerd" I Fr O'Malley is critisized for encouraging and congratulating the winner while during fight two O'Malley first sees Mother Superior at the window but because her back is to him he does not know what is going on outside. He then proceeds outside for a ringside view witnessing Mother Superior coaching the underdog. It is only towards the end that he realizes she has been doing more than coaching from the window. In fact, O'Malley finds the instruction book later on in the movie. It kind-a-paealells the ongoing battle betweem O'Malley vs Benedict.