THE BISHOP'S WIFE (1947)

Film of the Day #226 - 25 Days of Christmas Movies #5

THE BISHOP’S WIFE
1947 • Henry Koster

Cast: Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven, Monty Woolley, James Gleason, Gladys Cooper, Elsa Lanchester, Sara Haden, Karolyn Grimes, Tito Vuolo
Screenplay: Leonardo Bercovici, Robert E. Sherwood; Based on The Bishop's Wife 1928 novella by Robert Nathan
Cinematography: Gregg Toland
Music: Hugo Friedhofer
Producer: Samuel Goldwyn

RKO Radio Pictures

Sometimes angels rush in where fools fear to tread.

A true holiday classic. Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) is lost and without direction and desperately needs to raise money for a new church, while also working tirelessly on his Christmas Eve sermon. He prays for help and guidance but feels he receives none. However, he does receive help in the form of an angel named Dudley.  Dudley is incredibly charming (after all, he IS played by Cary Grant) as an assistant to the bishop.  Everyone falls for him, especially the bishop's wife (played by Loretta Young.)  Bishop Henry becomes increasingly frustrated and jealous of Dudley and what develops is a film that expertly showcases the fine acting abilities of its three leads.  It has a great holiday feel, and both Grant and the film are incredibly charming.

First off, there’s Cary Grant in the role of Dudley, the angel sent to Earth to help out the troubled bishop and his wife. Now, if there's one guy who can pull off a celestial being thing with style and charm, it's Cary Grant. His portrayal of Dudley is the right mix of energy and believability. Instead of being serene and floaty, Grant brings a lively vibe to the role that's hard to resist. He takes Dudley to a level that makes you believe in angels and maybe even wish for one to drop by your place during the holidays. The man had a natural charisma that could light up the screen, and he brought it full force to the character of Dudley. As an angel sent to help a troubled bishop and his wife, Grant manages to balance a sense of otherworldly grace with a playful, down-to-earth demeanor. He's vivacious, witty, and has a twinkle in his eye that's infectious. Grant takes this celestial being and infuses him with humanity, making him relatable and even a bit mischievous. He manages to convey Dudley's genuine concern for the characters without being overly saccharine. There's a sincerity in his expressions, a warmth in his smiles, that makes you believe in the goodness he represents. Grant's chemistry with the rest of the cast, particularly Loretta Young, adds another layer to the film. The dynamic between Dudley and the bishop's wife is playful and heartwarming, and Grant's interactions with the other characters bring out the best in everyone.

Loretta Young steps into the role of the titular bishop's wife in "The Bishop's Wife" with effortless grace. Her performance is elegant. Young's character, Julia Brougham, is not just the wife of the bishop but a pivotal figure in the storyline. She brings poise and sincerity to the role that grounds the fantastical elements of the film in reality. There's a warmth in her interactions with the other characters, that goes beyond her dialogues. Julia is more than just a supportive spouse, she's a woman with her own desires, dreams, and frustration with her husband. In the midst of the Christmas festivities and celestial interventions, Loretta Young's performances the emotional core of the film.

Niven, with his poised and polished acting, adds a touch of depth to the movie. You can't help but feel for the guy as he grapples with the challenges in his life. Bishop Henry Brougham is a man dedicated to his calling, a spiritual leader whose commitment to his community and church is unwavering, but perhaps he has lost his way. Niven skillfully portrays a man grappling with the burdens of faith and responsibility. As the bishop finds himself overwhelmed by the demands of fundraising for a grand cathedral, Niven infuses his performance with vulnerability. You can't help but empathize with Henry as he tries to balance what he believes is his duty to build a new church with the longing for a deeper connection with his wife. The challenges Henry faces are not just external; they are internal battles that Niven portrays with nuance, subtlety and humor.

The Bishop’s Wife is like a warm holiday sweater. The film is set against the backdrop of a festive and snow-covered Christmas time, and it sets the mood just right. Bustling streets. twinkling lights, storefronts decked out in holiday decorations, and the kind of charm only a classic Christmas movie can deliver. The whole city is enveloped in a cozy, magical atmosphere. Now, the thing about Christmas settings in movies is that they have this unique ability to tap into the sentimental side of things. The movie captures that special feeling of goodwill and generosity that's synonymous with Christmas.

If you’re not particularly religious, no worries. You don't need to be a devout believer to appreciate the magic and timeless themes woven into the narrative. If you’re agnostic or atheist, or even just not-Christian, just treat it like you would any other fantasy film. At its core, the film isn't solely a religious tale. Sure, there's a bishop and an angel involved, but the story is more about the everyday struggles we all face: the desire for connection, balancing responsibilities, and the search for meaning. Cary Grant's portrayal of the charming angel Dudley brings a whimsical touch to the film, making it accessible to audiences regardless of their religious affiliations. His interactions with the characters are filled with humor, warmth, and a sense of wonder that goes beyond religious dogma. Dudley is a catalyst for positive change. The central theme of the movie revolves around the importance of human connections and the impact of kindness. The Christmas setting also contributes to the film's universal appeal. The holiday season is often a time of reflection, celebration, and goodwill, themes that resonate across cultures and beliefs.

While the film was not initially a box office success, it has since become a holiday classic over the years. It was remade in 1996 as The Preacher’s Wife starring Denzel Washington as Dudley, Whitney Houston as Julia, and Courtney B. Vance as the preacher.

- Are you expecting a letter?
- Well, you never know. If I did get one, the stamp would certainly be worth saving.

Awards & Notable Accomplishments

• Academy Award Nominee: Best Motion Picture

• Academy Award Nominee: Best Director

• Academy Award Winner: Best Sound Recording

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Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at major digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on Blu-Ray and DVD