User Reviews

What a pleasure to revisit this Henry Koster little gem. Everything works in the most unexpected way. The mystic magic of the story is utterly contagious. The unexpected musical number on ice skates by Cary Grant, Loretta Young and James Gleason made me want to see it again straight away and thanks to the new technologies I was able to do it on the spot. There was a remake of this movie a few years ago, remember? No, probably not. Denzel Washington in the Cary Grant part and Whitney Huston in Loretta Young's. To see both films back to back should be a masterclass in film anthropology that proves without a doubt that with the passing of time we have lost something invaluable. I don't know what it is. Maybe there isn't a word for it yet. What I would love to share with all of you is the joy that "The Bishop's Wife" borough to me. Even Gladys Cooper's upper class monster has a moment of exquisite redemption. Not to be missed.

At last here is an angel who really has fun just doing his job. Dudley (Cary Grant) brings a subtle joy to his interventions and interactions. The enjoyment factor is what makes "The Bishop's Wife" special. This charming and seemingly simple film that has been a Christmas holiday staple since its release in 1947.

But like "Groundhog Day", the surface simplicity is misleading, as this is an allegorical tale about the importance of getting outside ourselves and taking steps to escape the ruts of our day-to-day lives; i.e. finding a better way of living. Dudley works a few minor heavenly miracles but his real power is as a cheerleader and personal guide. No need to be an angel to exercise this kind of positive influence on others.

Dudley the angel comes to earth to help a Bishop (David Niven) juggle his professional and marital commitments, the conflict being that his priorities have changed since his promotion from the priest of a struggling parish. Only the bishop knows that Dudley is other than human and it takes most of the film before he is totally convinced. Meanwhile his wife and many others in the town are swept up by Dudley's charms. The Bishop is pre-occupied with securing funding for constructing a new cathedral but begins to catch on that Dudley and his wife are getting along so well that the unimaginable could occur-the angel stealing his wife.

If only one word could be used to describe "The Bishop's Wife" it would be subtle. The special effects are minimalist but effective, the careful framing and lighting of Gregg Toland's ("Citizen Kane") black and white cinematography, the tentative steps title character Julia (Loretta Young) takes as she starts to experience happiness again, and the slow realization by Bishop Henry of how far he has drifted from what matters the most.

The unity and subtlety is best illustrated in the scene of Henry walking up the sidewalk towards the Professor's (Monty Wooley) apartment. Although a few minutes from the end, this is actually the film's climax as Henry is finally confronting himself. As he walks forward the dark screen begins to get brighter; in step with his progress toward spiritual change and discovery is the end of his physical journey. He moves symbolically (and literally) toward the light.

Rounding out the strong cast are James Gleason (Max Corkle in "Here Comes Mr. Jordan") Elsa Lanchester, and Gladys Cooper. Henry and Julia's young daughter is played by Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu in "It's a Wonderful Life").

A nice thing is that while the film's "little" miracles are done on screen they are interwoven into the fabric of the story instead of dominating a scene. This casualness fits the tone of the film as does the occasional satirical line. The most memorable conversation is Cooper's demand (she is pledging money for the new cathedral) that the George figure in the proposed "St. George and the Dragon" stained glass window be made to resemble her late husband. Then Niven (deadpan) asks her whom she wants the dragon to resemble.

There will be a few who do not enjoy this film but I recommend it to anyone who wants a nice holiday film, or who is interested in a relatively deep allegorical tale of one's capacity to be a positive influence on others, or who just wants to see a truly awesome example of technical film-making.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

Dudley, the angel, comes to earth to teach a thing or two to the people of this town, or so it seems. He touches everyone he encounters in a positive way. The message is how we humans get so involved in things that are so unimportant that we miss the big picture.

This film, directed by Henry Koster, is a classic. In fact, I am surprised it doesn't play more during Christmas, or maybe I have missed seeing it around that time of the year that is the setting for the angel's appearance. It seems as though Dudley is pointing to the arrival of Christmas at a time, perhaps, when the season had still a non-commercial aspect and it was, after all, a family affair.

The cast was exceptional. Cary Grant is Dudley, the man/angel who turns everything he touches into a lesson on how to be kind. Julia, the bishop's wife, plays the neglected woman with conviction. David Niven plays the preoccupied bishop who is trying to bring the moneyed people of town to his side in order to erect his monument to his own ego.

Gladys Cooper is also a distinguished face in the film. She is Mrs. Hamilton who learns a thing or two about humility. Elsa Lanchester was a happy figure in whatever film she appeared. Monty Woolley, as the professor is also effective. James Gleason was one of the most prolific character actors of his generation. He is excellent as Sylvester, the taxi driver who befriends Julia and Dudley. Their ice skating sequence is one of the best things of the film.

This is a film to treasure.

A good script and inspired casting is what makes this film a real winner.

Cary Grant as Dudley the Angel has a charm that transcends his role.

When he enters a room his presence fills the screen -- you know he is there even if you cannot always see him.

Loretta Young (who was a last minute replacement) is positively luminescent when she gazes into Dudley's face.

This goes for Elsa Lanchester and Gladys Cooper (the staff at the Bishop's house) too -- they have absolute adoration in their countenance. Not hard to do with Cary Grant I am sure -- but they take it to the spiritual level.

David Niven gives just the right amount of disbelief and cynicism as the Bishop that may have lost his faith.

I have always enjoyed performances by Monty Wooley and again he is perfectly cast as the self-described "has-been scholar."

The special effects are wonderful for a time (1947) when special effects were pretty much in their infancy.

Movie books classify "The Bishop's Wife" as a fantasy -- but there is so much more there than that.

It is a love story, a comedy, a drama and an all around inspiring film.

"Peace on Earth; good will towards men."

I discovered this wonderful movie quite by accident. It was Christmas time many years ago, late at night, I was cruising the channels one last time before retiring for the night. when I saw Cary Grant's face flash on the screen. I had to pause my frenzied surfing. Cary is one of my all time favorite movie stars. Fortunately the movie was just beginning, so I sat back to watch, and was treated to a wonderful Christmas surprise.

Cary is at his wide screen best. All of his charm, wit, and charisma. Endowed by heavenly powers, he bestows his angelic persona upon a small town bishop who is overwhelmed by his mis-guided quest to build a magnificent "earthly" cathedral to glorify God. In frustration at the difficulty in building this false edification to God, he prays to God for guidance. The bishop's prayers are answered in the form of "Dudley", as Cary's angelic character in called.

Dudley proceeds to weave a benign spell over a whole cast of wonderful characters to remind them of the true meaning of Christmas. This charming Christmas fantasy truly warms the hart and kindles the soul.

David Nivin plays the perfect foil for Cary's assignment of "answering the bishop's prayers". Loretta Young's charming demeanor as the bishops devoted, but neglected wife, distracts Cary("Dudley")from his primary mission, and leads the audience on a heart warming journey through small town America at mid 20th century, during a memorable Christmas season.

My young son saw this movie for the first time when he was nine years old. It has become his favorite Christmas movie. He even requested to watch it last summer at age 12. I recommend this film for the whole Family. Put a fire in the fire place, light the scented candles, cuddle up with your love ones, and have a Merry "Cary" Christmas.

This is a classic. Several years ago I got weary of waiting for it to be shown on TV (to offer some relief from the non-stop "It's a Wonderful Life"), so bought my own copy. Now, every year, I sit down before Christmas and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. It gets better with every viewing. All the performances are excellent - even the dog. Highly recommend it.

Silver-screen glamor oozes from this vestigially cloying but devilishly feel-good Hollywood fable about an angel, descending from heaven in the physical form of Cary Grant, is assigned by the Almighty to answer the prayer of an Episcopal bishop Henry Brougham (Niven), who is preoccupied with his imminent fund-raising of a cathedral which puts a strain on his family life.

The angel Dudley, a choir-conducting, ice-skating, harp-thrumming omnipotent being, comes clean with a dubious Henry of his mission and poses as his new assistant, squires Henry's neglected wife Julia (Young) to recollect her fondest memory, charms the entire household including the high-pitched housekeeper Matilda (Lanchester), Henry's prim secretary Mildred (Haden), and the Brougham's small daughter Debby (Grimes), also, convinces an atheist professor Wutheridge (Woolley) to finally knuckle down to write the history book he has been stalling ever since. Eventually, Dudley's mission is not to build a cathedral, the fund can be wisely disbursed to a more exigent need of its time, but to set Henry's derailed life back on track, right before the advert of Christmas.

But there is a hitch, predictably, Dudley develops a feeling for Julia, which raises the tension between him and Henry, who runs away with jealousy (no sagacious scribe to inject him with any scintilla of trust in his devoted wife), and it is all up to a virtuous Julia to pull the plug with a lachrymose face to adumbrate that Dudley's feeling is not unrequited, but bound by a wife's duty, however tempted, it is too sacrosanct for her to shuck that off, a moral lesson inculcated with a beguiling pretense of cinematic illusion.

While the three leads are deftly treading their designated paths with admirable expertise: Grant is particularly jaunty in Dudley's backhanded magickal tricks with an understated poker-face, Young radiates incredible bonhomie and saintliness and Niven, taking everything with a pinch of salt, perfectly offsets Grant's exuding charisma in his own sizzling pique, it is the witty special effects that mostly, gives the movie an endearing quality that weathers with the age and shifting ethos, a self-typing typewriter, a self-replenishing bottle of sherry and a fully-bedecked Christmas tree, it is indeed, small wonders that save the day in Henry Koster's vintage heart-warmer ensconced as a go-to holiday classic with wholesome contentment.

For those who have asked about the name of the music sung by the Mitchell Boychoir in this movie, it took years, but I finally ran it down.

The original piece is named NOEL, and it was composed by Charles Gounod (1818-1893)as a classical church piece. It is not a hymn at all (in the sense that Gregorian Chants aren't hymns), but was translated for film purposes from the original church music.

It can be ordered from AMAZON.COM, the entire title is

CHARLES GOUNOD Musica sacra

and it is track 8 on the CD. I have loved this movie with the Boychoir performance all my adult life. Yes, I know how primitive and predictable this film is when measured by the whiz-bang techno-blitz of today's movies.. but I suppose that's why I love it so.. it's a retrospective trip where for a scant hour-fifty I can revisit some of the familiar stuff that was around when life really did seem a bit simpler.. having said that, it was pretty tame even at the time. But when the Middle East is ablaze with hostility, and no one can agree on anything anymore, I find it somehow reassuring that elements of this movie still have a universal appeal.

Like "Life With Father," also issued in 1947, this is an old-fashioned "nice" film. Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven make up an impressive trio of stars, but Grant has the best role. He makes the best of it, too, with expressions on his face that are funnier than most of the lines he delivers.

One not-so-family oriented thing he does, however, as the "angel," is go out on dates with the bishop's wife (Young). No respectable married woman, especially back then, would ever do that. At least the two of them recognize this fact later. Niven plays the bishop and, as usual in the film world, is portrayed as a weak clergyman.

Nonetheless, it is a charming, feel pretty-good movie that entertains through most of it. There are a few special-effects in here, too, that are good even by today's standards. One example would be the Christmas tree lighting scene.

This would make a good Christmas movie for people looking for suitable films during that holiday.

The Bishop's Wife (1947- Directed by Henry Koster) A bishop (David Niven) trying to raise money for the construction of a new cathedral, prays for guidance. His answer comes in the shape of an angel named Dudley (Cary Grant). Everyone loves the bishop's new assistant, Dudley that is. Especially, the bishop's wife (Loretta Young)! What follows is a joyous movie that showcases each of the three stars best talents. Grant gets to flash those pearly whites of his and be charming and Young gets to look beautiful and torn between depressed husband and fun-loving Dudley, and Niven gets to showcase his British stiff upper lip while at the same time display some very funny slapstick pratfalls. It's a charming movie that has lots of holiday atmosphere. Boys choirs singing, park skaters skating, city shoppers shopping, etc. Why only a scrooge wouldn't like this movie!

It's nearly that time of year and on a cold and windy Sunday, my wife, rather than brave the elements on a window shopping exercise suggested instead we sit in and watch an old Christmas classic. So I selected this old favourite for her which she hadn't seen before (and me in many years) and it's fair to say we were both beguiled by this sub-Capra fantasy.

I say sub-Capra, because, good as it is, it isn't in the class of the perennial "It's A Wonderful Life", with which it shares some plot devices, most obviously the visitation on Earth of a do-gooding angel. However where "It's A Wonderful Life" has a much darker undertone in its literally life or death narrative, here all good angel Cary Grant has to do is divert Bisop David Niven away from a glory-hunting cathedral-building blind alley back to the path of piety and humility and at the same time restore him to the bosom of his loving family.

There are many Christmassy touches, with snow everywhere, ice-skating in the park, Christmas tree decorations and carol-singing boy choirs with many of these giving Dudley the angel (why do angels always cop such corny names?) the opportunity to flex his miraculous muscles to do good. It's all done very entertainingly, the special effects nicely rendered for the time and once Cary gets those less than angelic thoughts about the bishop's pretty wife, Loretta Yong, out of his head and on the way take the rich old cold widow Mrs Hamilton (Gladys Cooper) on a Scrooge-like conversion, the happy ending is never in doubt.

The acting by a big-name cast is affable - Cary is hardly exercised and merely requires to look beatific most of the time and Loretta Young is attractive and effervescent. I'm not sure about David Niven in a dog-collar but he gets the best line (humorously but subtly likening Mrs Hamilton to a dragon) and Golden Age perennials James Gleason and Monty Woolley do well in support.

As a whole the film seems a little too full to bursting with good-cheer and peace for all men - even driving avowed non-believer Wooley to church by the end and encouraging Mrs Hamilton to pledge her millions to helping the poor "everywhere in the world" but that might just be the cynic in me. Enjoy this for what it is, an unpretentious festive fantasy out to spread good cheer to all men - and Amen to that.

How on earth did it take me so long to see 'The Bishop's Wife?' Actually can't really find an excuse really as to why it wasn't seen or heard of sooner, but part of me is feeling a little ashamed for not doing so. Love Christmas films, love feel good films, Cary Grant is one of my favourites and there is a great cast here. The story also sounded very charming. Henry Koster is not a favourite director of mine, but he was responsible for 'Harvey' (am very fond of that film).

After such a nightmare of a year, thank goodness this little miracle came along and in all honesty brightened up what was turning into a fairly bleak life. 'The Bishop's Wife' is easily one of Koster's best and one of the few of his to wow me. It is also a fine example of how to do a feel good film, which it epitomises, gives off the festive feel beautifully and it contains not just one of Grant's best performances it also contains one of his finest lines. Any signs of a troubled production is not obvious at all.

'The Bishop's Wife' is beautifully made for one thing, with some very stylishly beautiful photography. Both Grant and Loretta Young look fabulous in the various close ups and long shots and the darker lighting is very atmosphere. Not to mention the wintry scenery and the simple but impressive visual effects (wisely kept at minimum). Koster provides some of his most accomplished directing, this is much more than just competent but undistinguished level but is instead very skilled and sensitive. Nicely scored too, in good keeping with the gentle mood.

Can't find anything to fault the script for, it's thoughtful and lovingly balanced dialogue that is neither too heavy and complicated or too frothy and simplistic. There is some lovely gentle and genuinely amusing humour here as well as an emotional impact that never goes overboard on the sentimentality and an endearingly good nature impossible to resist. Any darker elements, where Dudley does become not as likeable, don't feel jarring or distasteful. It doesn't feel preachy either, even in the moral dilemma plot strand where it had the biggest danger of being, and flows naturally. The standouts being the last lines and Dudley's "the only people who grow old were born old to begin with."

Furthermore, the story is very warm-hearted and made me smile and well up in equal measure. Was also very surprised that 'The Bishop's Wife's' story is a lot more eventful structurally and emotionally complex than most films that fit under the feel good category, feel good done with substance. The moral dilemma is especially well done, though the skating scene is very amusing and sweet and nothing feels too forced or too neat. The substance is not just there in the story but also in the characters, these characters are a lot more complex than what they seem on paper initially and the film handles the characterisation in a way that is not cliched or one-dimensional (all having shades of light and dark, not just beige).

Grant gives one of his best performances in a tough role, personality-wise it is vintage Grant (charming, subtle, endearingly mischievous, warm in presence but with a tough edge) while with a lot of nuance and honesty. Young matches him beautifully in the charm department and the performance is full of allure and sensitivity without being bland. Their chemistry is pure magic. David Niven is suitably cynical yet sympathetic. James Gleason, Monty Woolley and Elsa Lanchester flesh out what could have been stock roles beautifully and Gladys Cooper relishes playing a dragon of a character.

Concluding, wonderful film. 10/10

Julia (Loretta Young) is frustrated with her bishop husband Henry Brougham (David Niven)'s obsessive fund raising drive to build his new cathedral. She encounters good Samaritan Dudley (Cary Grant). Henry is in disbelief when Dudley claims to be an angel answering his prayer. Everyone is enchanted by Dudley except Henry who struggles to find the funds for his cathedral to the detriment of everything else including his family.

I have never heard of this movie which is odd since I can see this being a perennial Christmas movie. It has many similarities to It's a Wonderful Life. What I don't understand is why Cary Grant wants to be the angel in this. He is much more the romantic lead than David Niven and he could make Henry really sing. The casting is not wrong but I would love to see Niven and Grant switch roles.

I get why The Bishop's Wife is considered a Christmas classic, but I also understand why it's not as prominently featured as other Christmas movies. This film is odd, yet charming. Cary Grant is especially charismatic in his role as Dudley the angel, even if his flirtatious relationship with the titular character (Loretta Young) is somewhat off-putting. I'm glad I finally saw this film - however, I don't plan on making it part of my regular holiday rotation.

Movies that stand the test of time have a few things in common. First, a compelling story line. Second, a strong cast. Finally, the drawing factor. The Bishop's wife has all three.

Dudley, Played by Cary Grant, is an Angel sent to David Niven, the Bishop who wants to build a grand Cathedral. The angel (Cary) Is sent as an answer to his prayer. But the answer may be surprising. The cast includes Loretta Young as the Bishop's wife (Julia) and Monty Wooley as the professor. Loretta Young was a wonderful choice as a caring wife and mother. I can't say enough about Cary Grant. He is as good as it gets.

Karolyn Grimes was very charming in this picture. She Played Loretta Young and David Niven's little girl. She appeared in a number of important scenes and was simply tremendous. I had her on my radio show last year and she was very warm. She talked about how Cary Grant would read to her on the set and how kind he was. Not only to her, but to everyone around him. She said he really loved children. Karolyn also spoke warmly of Loretta Young. Their Relationship lasted long past this movie. She said Loretta sent her uplifting bible verses up until the day she passed away.

"The Bishop's Wife" was released February 16th 1948. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It won for, Best Sound. My daughter and I were taken on a private tour of (The Lot) Formerly United Artists Studio, by a friend of ours. This was where "The Bishop's Wife" was filmed. We were taken to the executive building and shown the trophy room. "The Bishop's Wife's" Oscar for best sound was there on display.

When the filming began, Cary Grant was cast as the Bishop and David Niven as the angel. After Henry Koster took over as director, he felt the casting was wrong. The scenes that were shot to that point were tossed and they started again from the beginning. Mr. Koster was on the mark with the change, This was one of Cary Grant's most widely praised roles.

One final note. Karolyn Grimes, Who played the little girl, is best known for her role in another Classic. She Played Zu-Zu in It's a Wonderful Life. You Remember her legendary line..."Every time a bell rings an angel gets it's wings".

This is a wonderful film. It's a movie for all seasons, not just at Christmastime. Cary Grant is charming as Dudley, the angel sent to answer the prayers of the bishop (David Niven) who is desperately trying to raise funding for a new cathedral. However, he gets under the skin of the bishop as he poses as his assistant. Dudley ultimately opens the bishop's eyes as to what is really precious in life. Loretta Young is sweet and lovely and does a wonderful job as the bishop's loyal wife. It's also amusing to see how Dudley seems to charm everyone with whom he comes in contact. It's very touching and heartwarming, and is just a great feel-good movie. Later redone as the Preacher's Wife with Denzel Washington, I believe the original is the masterpiece. Do see it!

While not quite on the level of "It's a Wonderful Life" or the best of the "Scrooge" adaptations, "The Bishop's Wife" is still a worthwhile holiday classic. Much of the story is relatively lightweight material, but that's not necessarily all bad, since it thereby avoids taking itself too seriously. It is simple but thoughtful, and often quite entertaining. When it picks up a little more substance towards the end, it is then that much more effective for having maintained a lighter tone for much of the movie.

The cast is quite strong. Very few actors could handle a role like Dudley as well as Cary Grant does, giving it plenty of energy and believability. David Niven and Loretta Young also give fine performances. With the likes of James Gleason, Gladys Cooper, and Elsa Lanchester, plus a couple of good moments from Monty Woolley, the supporting cast also helps a great deal. The production is unpretentious, even downplaying the possibilities for miraculous tricks much of the time, and it works well.

The 1990's remake had a couple of strengths, but it was not up to the standard of the classic version. Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston's singing, and a fine supporting performance from Gregory Hines provided some good reasons to see it. But there was too much predictable padding, and the level of the screenplay and the directing were not up to the standard of the cast.

As for the classic version, it avoided most of the potential mistakes. By taking itself less seriously and focusing on a few core developments, it fits together nicely. The closing sequence in particular works very well, and it is easily the best part of the movie.

This is a fine movie--the sort of nice old fashioned film that Hollywood did so well decades ago. A delightful script, excellent acting, along with beautiful sets and deft direction make this simple movie stand up so well even today.

Cary Grant plays an angel that comes to assist the extremely controlling and obsessed Bishop, played by David Niven. While Niven prayed for divine help, he struggled throughout the film with accepting the help on anything but his own terms. He soon learns of Grant's mission, but others are unaware of his Heavenly origins. Grant plays his angelic role in a very deliberately paced and casual manner--almost like combining TV's Mister Rogers with the usual Grant persona! In addition to these two wonderful actors, the film also features Loretta Young, Monty Woolley, James Gleason, Elsa Lanchester and Gladys Cooper. All did a great job of providing color and support in the film.

Perhaps the biggest star of this film, though, were the sets, cinematography and direction. They created a really nostalgic sense to the film that seemed almost better than real life. The snow, the frozen pond and all the other aspects of the film just set the perfect mood. About the only negative at all (and it's a small one) is the skating sequence. While it was nice to see Grant and Young really ice skating in the beginning, using doubles for them as well as James Gleason wasn't very seamless. Having these doubles skating with darkened faces just seemed pretty cheesy but forgivable.

All-in-all, this is a nice fantasy film that should be enjoyed by most anyone except the most cynical viewers.

Reverend Henry Brougham (David Niven) is working very hard to get his cathedral built--in fact, he's so busy speaking to wealthy clients and attending business meetings that he forgets that the one thing he needs most in this world is his wife Julia (Loretta Young) and their daughter Debbie. As Julia feels increasingly hurt at Henry's neglect, who should swoop in but the mysterious, charming Dudley (Cary Grant), telling Henry he's an angel who's there to answer Henry's prayer. Henry can't quite believe this even as Dudley seems to make himself quite at home in Henry's life, charming the wife, the child, the maids... even the taxi driver Sylvester (James Gleason). It's all a bit too much for Henry when Dudley finally brings the cathedral's biggest patron Mrs Hamilton (Gladys Cooper) around to the idea of donating the money to the homeless instead of to the cathedral. Is there anything left of Henry's life that he can salvage? And can he really compete against an angel who has God and little miracles on his side?

THE BISHOP'S WIFE is a sweet little romantic dramedy, perfect for a Christmas night curled up before the TV set. You have to give it credit for packing in a lot more story and real, human characters than you'd expect--it's not stock Christmas heart-tugging schmokum (did I just make up a word?), but a story that's quite genuinely intelligent and real. It's not perfect (what is?), but its presentation of the characters, especially Dudley and Henry, ring true. You can believe that Henry, underneath his bitterness and myopia, really loves his wife. He's just... forgotten his direction in life, is all. Niven does an excellent job with the character, keeping him just this side of prim but making him sympathetic especially when he asks Dudley to put up his fists for Julia.

My favourite secondary characters are Sylvester, played impeccably by Gleason, and the slightly dotty Professor Wutheridge (Monty Woolley). They're actually real *people*. Actually, they even fare better than Julia herself, whom I didn't particularly warm to. I wasn't annoyed by her, but nor did I feel that it was very likely she could get a reverend and an angel to almost come to blows over her. It's a shame that Loretta Young spent most of the film looking pensive, and even in her character's moments of joy--say the ice-skating scene--she simply fails to leap off the screen and run away with the audience's hearts.

Cary Grant has no such problem, however. From the moment he strolls onscreen as Dudley--the guardian angel every girl wished she could have--he has everyone's attention. He makes Dudley just a little bit roguish, a little bit dark. You couldn't really take Grant seriously if he's all decked out in an angel's costume, halo and harp and all, but you *can* imagine him as a sort of very human kind of angel. Which is exactly what Dudley is. It's mostly the smaller moments Grant sneaks into the film and his own performance that make THE BISHOP'S WIFE compelling viewing, and if you came to this film as a Grant fan, you certainly won't leave it disappointed.

All in all, the final film is well-drawn-together, cleverly written and directed, and benefiting from its two powerhouse male leads... Niven cleverly underplaying his part, and Grant suffusing Dudley with the charm and deep, hidden vulnerability he can suggest in all his characters without so much as faking a pained expression. It's definitely a great way to spend a Christmas night, and perhaps any other night. 8/10.

Angels in the film during Christmas are always welcome. The fact is that they always looks impressive. However, if the presence of the angels you can fit in with other elements, particularly convincing story, there will be a kind of problem.

The story in the basics and be sentimental with a clear message. Tall, handsome, charming, charismatic and debonair angel does not fit in this story. THE BISHOP'S WIFE was cheerful and lighthearted film. Very simple and meager story of human spirituality and weaknesses.

Needless to analyze what is not working as it should. In life there are a lot nicer than some of the moral, professional or business ideals. Family and friends are the most important things in the world. What a man needs in order to feel fulfilled and happy? Very little. Clear guidelines.

Acting could be a lot better.

Cary Grant as Dudley is an angel who has a solution for all, compassion for everyone, a warm smile that brightens everyone's heart and love for the bishop's wife. I do not believe in angels, but I believe in Grant's charm.

David Niven as Bishop Henry Brougham is closed his eyes. Basically on the deft and funny way of knowing that his goal brings a lot more dissatisfaction than goodness. Do not let your job or profession away from yourself or from the people you love and who love you. A clear message. Loretta Young as Julia Brougham, I agree that it is nice to see a happy and contented woman. However bad acting and characterization destroyed role that had plenty of room in the story.

The film is a solid, carries a clear and compelling message, however, is superficial and can cause a feeling of illusion.

This is an incredibly wonderful movie which ranks right up there with Casablanca in my eyes and has been sorely under-appreciated by the usually astute IMDb voters. This is Cary Grant's best performance. He is impeccable as an angel who falls in love with an earthling but continues to perform his duties anyway. He gets it all right. Cary Grant is an angel. He was originally cast as the Bishop but demanded to be given the role of the angel instead. This movie is a joy to watch as it shows the power of transformation and the power of the human spirit. I particularly appreciated how Cary demonstrates the humanity of people at all levels of society from the top to the bottom. This is truly a movie for the ages.

"Bishop Henry Brougham" (David Niven) is having a problem. Essentially, he wants to build a new cathedral for a church but a wealthy widow named "Mrs. Hamilton" (Gladys Cooper) wants to have it named and in honor for her late husband. Naturally, Bishop Brougham is opposed to this on the grounds that it is too crass and commercialistic. However, there are no other donors wanting to step up and he knows that if he is going to get the necessary funds he has to do it during the holiday season when people are more charitable. Otherwise, if he wants to get it built he will have to capitulate to Mrs. Hamilton's demands. Not knowing what else to do he prays about it and when he looks around an angel named "Dudley" (Cary Grant) appears. Unfortunately, the Bishop doesn't particularly care for Dudley's mannerisms and his concern transforms into distrust and suspicion when Dudley begins to take his wife, "Julia Brougham" (Loretta Young) all over town. And it's this tension between the two of them that makes this movie so funny. Yet, while I liked the performance of Cary Grant for the most part, I didn't especially care for the manner in which Dudley began to behave in a romantic fashion toward Julia. It just didn't feel right. But that aside, it was still a nice movie overall which viewers might want to check out some time during the holidays.

An angel descends from the heavens to help a bishop facing earthly woes. Released a year after "It's a Wonderful Life," this film is similar to the Frank Capra classic except that it doesn't work on any level. It's meant to be heart-warming, but instead it's dreary and uninteresting and goes on much too long. Grant is charming as usual but is let down by the lousy script. Niven gives a dull, one-note performance as the grouchy bishop. Young, following up her Oscar-winning role in "The Farmer's Daughter," is rather bland here in the title role. The capable supporting cast includes the likes of Woolley and Lanchester, but their talents are wasted.