The Bishop's Wife

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The Bishop's Wife

1948

1h 49m

Holiday

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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Em B

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/25

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Christine V

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!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/29/24

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Gary K

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/24/24

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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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Henry Koster

Director

Cary Grant

Dudley

Loretta Young

Julia Brougham

David Niven

Henry Brougham

Monty Woolley

Prof. Wutheridge

James Gleason

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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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