One assumes going into it that the plot of an episode like this will unfold as follows:
1.) For whatever reason, a dog shows up at the church 2.) The dog, though lovable, will cause lots of problems 3.) The housekeeper will say "either that dog goes, or I do!" 4.) The dilemma is solved when a family that owns a farm outside of the city offers to take and care for the dog. 5.) Everyone is sad to see the pooch go, but all understand that the dog will be happier.
This is exactly what happens in "A Dog for Father Fitz"...but it only takes up the first 20 minutes of the episode; so there's still another solid half hour to go. And believe me, it goes where you don't expect it to, especially considering this was a quickly scripted and produced episode of an hour-long, weekly TV series.
Anyone who values excellent, expertly written, sentimental but high- quality drama will love this episode; I was totally moved by it.
As I watch through "Going My Way" on DVD, the stature of this totally forgotten series becomes increasingly evident. Too bad that Timeless Media wasn't able to clean up and restore their old syndication prints-- - the video is decent, but the audio is muffled and somewhat indistinct; you have to listen very closely in order not to miss anything. Still, I salute them for releasing this very fine series from the tail-end of TV's true Golden Era.
LR
1.) For whatever reason, a dog shows up at the church 2.) The dog, though lovable, will cause lots of problems 3.) The housekeeper will say "either that dog goes, or I do!" 4.) The dilemma is solved when a family that owns a farm outside of the city offers to take and care for the dog. 5.) Everyone is sad to see the pooch go, but all understand that the dog will be happier.
This is exactly what happens in "A Dog for Father Fitz"...but it only takes up the first 20 minutes of the episode; so there's still another solid half hour to go. And believe me, it goes where you don't expect it to, especially considering this was a quickly scripted and produced episode of an hour-long, weekly TV series.
Anyone who values excellent, expertly written, sentimental but high- quality drama will love this episode; I was totally moved by it.
As I watch through "Going My Way" on DVD, the stature of this totally forgotten series becomes increasingly evident. Too bad that Timeless Media wasn't able to clean up and restore their old syndication prints-- - the video is decent, but the audio is muffled and somewhat indistinct; you have to listen very closely in order not to miss anything. Still, I salute them for releasing this very fine series from the tail-end of TV's true Golden Era.
LR