# Going My Way

> 1944 film by Leo McCarey

**Wikidata**: [Q468877](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q468877)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Going_My_Way)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/going-my-way

## Summary
Going My Way is a 1944 American film directed by Leo McCarey, produced by Paramount Pictures, and starring Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald. A blend of comedy-drama, romance, and musical elements, it won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film was later preserved in the National Film Registry for its cultural significance.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: January 1, 1944, and December 27, 1944.
- **Director**: Leo McCarey.
- **Production Company**: Paramount Pictures (founded May 8, 1912).
- **Genres**: Comedy-drama, drama film, romantic comedy, musical film.
- **Awards Won**: 
  - Academy Award for Best Picture (1945).
  - Academy Award for Best Director (Leo McCarey, 1945).
  - Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Barry Fitzgerald, 1945).
  - Academy Award for Best Story (Leo McCarey, 1945).
  - Academy Award for Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay (Frank Butler, 1945).
- **Nominations**: Academy Award for Best Actor (Bing Crosby, 1945).
- **Recognition**: Included in the National Board of Review’s Top Ten Films of 1944.
- **Preservation**: Added to the National Film Registry (established 1988).

## FAQs
- **Who directed Going My Way?**  
  Leo McCarey directed the film, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Director.

- **What awards did the film win?**  
  It won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor, along with honors for its story and screenplay.

- **Is Going My Way part of any film preservation efforts?**  
  Yes, it is preserved in the National Film Registry by the U.S. Library of Congress.

- **What genres does the film belong to?**  
  It combines comedy-drama, romance, and musical elements, making it a multifaceted production.

## Why It Matters
Going My Way is a landmark film of 1940s American cinema, celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling, musical performances, and strong performances. As a five-time Academy Award winner, it solidified the reputation of Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald, while director Leo McCarey’s work underscored the film’s emotional and comedic balance. Its inclusion in the National Film Registry highlights its enduring cultural and historical value, reflecting the tastes and values of its time.

## Notable For
- Winning five Academy Awards in 1945, including Best Picture.
- Being preserved in the National Film Registry for its cultural significance.
- Blending multiple genres (comedy, drama, romance, musical) into a cohesive narrative.
- Launching Bing Crosby’s peak popularity and Barry Fitzgerald’s Oscar-winning performance.

## Body

### Production and Release
Produced by Paramount Pictures—a studio founded in 1912 and headquartered in the United States—*Going My Way* was released in 1944, with documented dates including January 1 and December 27. The film falls under the genres of comedy-drama, drama film, romantic comedy, and musical film, reflecting its multifaceted appeal.

### Genres and Style
The film seamlessly integrates comedy, drama, romance, and music, a rare combination for its era. Its structure as a musical film, featuring songs like “Swinging on a Star” (which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, though not listed in the provided data), added to its broad appeal. This genre-blending approach contributed to its critical and commercial success.

### Awards and Recognition
At the 17th Academy Awards (1945), *Going My Way* achieved significant acclaim:
- **Best Picture**: Awarded to Paramount Pictures.
- **Best Director**: Leo McCarey received the honor.
- **Best Supporting Actor**: Barry Fitzgerald won for his portrayal of Father Fitzgibbon.
- **Best Story**: McCarey was recognized for the original concept.
- **Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay**: Frank Butler won for the screenplay.

Bing Crosby was nominated for **Best Actor** for his role as Father Chuck O’Malley. Additionally, the National Board of Review included the film in its **Top Ten Films of 1944**.

### Preservation and Legacy
In recognition of its cultural and historical importance, *Going My Way* was selected for preservation in the **National Film Registry** by the Library of Congress. Established in 1988, the registry honors films deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant,” ensuring their longevity for future generations.

### Cultural Impact
The film’s success reinforced the prominence of musical and dramatic storytelling in 1940s Hollywood. Its exploration of faith, community, and personal redemption resonated with wartime audiences, while its blend of humor and heartache set a template for later films in the comedy-drama genre. As a product of Paramount Pictures, it also underscored the studio’s role in producing award-winning, culturally resonant cinema during Hollywood’s Golden Age.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036872/)
2. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film238837.html)
3. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=9318.html)
4. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036872/fullcredits)
5. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
6. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1945)
7. The Movie Database
8. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
9. MusicBrainz
10. Going My Way. Rotten Tomatoes
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. Kinopoisk
13. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/going-my-way/)
14. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
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17. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/19EC-7338-C073-C25C-48FE-G)
18. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/85026)
19. Trakt.tv
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