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The Bishop's Wife

Play trailer Poster for The Bishop's Wife 1948 1h 49m Holiday Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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85% Tomatometer 26 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 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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The Bishop's Wife

The Bishop's Wife

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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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Critics Reviews

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Peter Bradshaw Guardian 12/07/2022
4/5
There is a lot that’s beguiling in this fey and wayward piece with its very theatrical drawing room scenes. Go to Full Review
Walter Goodman New York Times 01/09/2018
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. Go to Full Review
Caren Weiner Campbell Entertainment Weekly 12/04/2012
B+
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. Go to Full Review
Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com 09/03/2020
3.5/4.0
The Bishop's Wife is a joyous film. Go to Full Review
Brian Viner Daily Mail (UK) 12/13/2019
5/5
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. Go to Full Review
David Parkinson Radio Times 12/10/2014
3/5
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. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Rena M @Bibiana554 6h This film was sweet, wholesome, and humorous. In it, a bishop wants to build a cathedral for his own glory as much as God's-resulting in him neglecting his family. An angel comes into his life, transforming his family and friends-and teaching him what REALLY matters in life. Besides excellent acting, the movie also contains some beautiful music and skate dance performances. Whether or not one believes in angels, this is a charming film that any age viewer can enjoy. See more Em B Jan 15 This was the original for "The Preachers Wife" which starred Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. I loved this film as it's such a simple story concept with morals and a great cast. You don't get films like this any more. See more Christine V Dec 29 This is among the most joy filled and inspiring films ever made. We begin every Christmas season by watching this film and cannot imagine Christmas without it. Solid gold cast with Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven, Monty Woolley, James Gleason, Gladys Cooper and Elsa Lanchester. The well written script incorporates the importance of kindness, faith, and charity along with moments of humor—all without being schmaltzy. The superb set design draws the viewer into the rooms with the characters. Great film! A Christmas classic! See more Gary K Dec 24 This film is absolutely my new Christmas favorite. Everything about it was delightful and inspirational, and the splendid cast told a beautiful story about faith, love, and what is most important to remember during the holiday season. The humor and pathos, alike, are handled with skill and imagination. The cozy restaurant interlude; the thrilling ice skating antics; and bittersweet drawing room scenes all contribute, in parts, to produce a remarkable film of charm and humor, and also poignancy. I loved everything about this film. Never was there a more dapper and capable angel than Cary Grant, nor a lovelier leading lady than Loretta Young in this sensitive and whimsical essay on the spirit of love and redemption. Five stars for this one. The Bishop's Wife lifted me up with light and happiness, every bit as much as It's A Wonderful Life sustained my belief that faith and goodness will always prevail. This movie is the best kind of Christmas gift that one could ask for. See more Scott W 06/30/2024 A great rom-com from the Golden age of Hollywood. No one has ever been as elegant as Cary Grant. See more annette Z 05/13/2024 I REALLY LIKE THSI MOVIE IT WAS APRESENT TO ME See more Read all reviews
The Bishop's Wife

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Movie Info

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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