The Bishop's Wife

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The Bishop's Wife

Released Feb 16, 1948

1h 49m

Holiday

Fantasy

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85%

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26 Reviews

81%

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5,000+ Ratings

Dejected by his efforts to raise money to build a cathedral, Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) beseeches heaven for guidance, and is visited immediately by Dudley (Cary Grant), who claims to be an angel. Henry is skeptical, then annoyed when Dudley ingratiates himself into the household as his assistant -- and worse, wins the attentions of Henry's long-suffering and kindly wife (Loretta Young). When Dudley continues to intervene in Henry's struggles, the bishop decides to challenge heaven.

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Critics Consensus

The Bishop's Wife succeeds thanks to the strength of winning performances from a stellar cast, which includes Cary Grant and Loretta Young.

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

There is a lot that’s beguiling in this fey and wayward piece with its very theatrical drawing room scenes.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 7, 2022

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Walter Goodman

New York Times

Whatever you make of the minor miracles performed along the way, there's no trouble believing that Cary would fall for Loretta or that anybody would fall for Cary.

Jan 9, 2018

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Caren Weiner Campbell

Entertainment Weekly

Grant's turn is thoroughly convincing because he himself appears to be having a terrific time: He's expansive, graceful, and seems always on the verge of chuckling with goodwill.

Rated: B+

Dec 4, 2012

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

The Bishop's Wife is a joyous film.

Rated: 3.5/4.0

Sep 3, 2020

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Brian Viner

Daily Mail (UK)

With the formidable Gladys Cooper and Elsa Lanchester in supporting roles, it's a sweet, funny, captivating, altogether delightful picture, which too often gets omitted from lists of greatest-ever Christmas films.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 13, 2019

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David Parkinson

Radio Times

The playing from all three stars is enjoyable and the festive setting allows Grant to trim a Christmas tree with the flick of a finger.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 10, 2014

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Scott W

A great rom-com from the Golden age of Hollywood. No one has ever been as elegant as Cary Grant.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/30/24

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annette Z

I REALLY LIKE THSI MOVIE IT WAS APRESENT TO ME

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/13/24

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ed m

Fantastic. One of the best Christmas movies.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/25/23

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Michael P

I think the film is really great especially around the Christmas season. Great performance from all three main characters. This fil really slows down the pace of a fast hectic world. If you need de-stressing then this film should really help you!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/23/23

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Rich O

One of the best Christmas movies, a favorite we watch every year.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/11/23

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Shadowman4710

A charming, if somewhat dated post-WWII film about an Angel who comes to earth to help a beleaguered Bishop during the Christmas season. Carey Grant hands in another suave performance and he's aided by a superb supporting cast. It's very wholesome Holiday entertainment.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/10/23

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Henry Koster

Director

Cary Grant

Dudley

Loretta Young

Julia Brougham

David Niven

Henry Brougham

Monty Woolley

Prof. Wutheridge

James Gleason

Sylvester

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Synopsis

Dejected by his efforts to raise money to build a cathedral, Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) beseeches heaven for guidance, and is visited immediately by Dudley (Cary Grant), who claims to be an angel. Henry is skeptical, then annoyed when Dudley ingratiates himself into the household as his assistant -- and worse, wins the attentions of Henry's long-suffering and kindly wife (Loretta Young). When Dudley continues to intervene in Henry's struggles, the bishop decides to challenge heaven.

Director: Henry Koster
Producer: Samuel Goldwyn
Screenwriter: Leonardo Bercovici, Robert Nathan, Robert E. Sherwood
Distributor: Home Box Office (HBO) [us], RKO Radio Pictures, Nelson Entertainment [us], Embassy Pictures, Pioneer Entertainment, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: Samuel Goldwyn Company
Genre: Holiday, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 16, 1948, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 5, 2014
Runtime: 1h 49m
Sound Mix: Mono

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