When an old and fading St. Dominic's church gets a young new priest (Crosby), things are bound to change. For starters, young Father O'Malley meets the crusty old Father Fitzgibbons (Barry Fitzgerald), who doesn't think much of him or his ideas. The two have their differences but O'Malley is able to inspire some neighbourhood roughnecks to open their hearts and minds in a way the old priest simply could not do. Once the change has begun, the church starts to find its way back into the lives of those who live near its doors, and its meaning to all involved grows dearer to their souls.

The air is filled with music, from the classic 'Ave Maria', sung by Metropolitan Opera star Rise Stevens, to the Academy Award-winning 'Swinging On a Star'. Also winner of the Oscar for Best Film in 1945.