The Bishop's Wife

Rating:
Summary: Delightful Holiday Story
Review: Cary Grant stars as an angel named Dudley who suddenly appears and befriends an Episcopal bishop (David Niven) who is completely focused on raising money for his new church, and the bishop's wife (Loretta Young), who has become lonely and unhappy as her husband has gotten lost in his work. Grant uses little bits of heavenly magic and loads of charm to help Niven raise money and to help Young rediscover the joy of life. He also helps Niven and Young rediscover each other and realize that love must be the highest priority for anyone, including an ambitious bishop who's devoted to his job.

The acting is superb, as one would expect from this stellar cast. The story takes place at Christmas and, while not shown as much as other Christmas movies, I think it's one of the best. Cary Grant, all charm and suave coolness, plays this part perfectly, and the viewer even sees a touch of wistful envy in the angel who cannot have the Earthly love and happiness he helps Niven and Young rekindle for themselves. Buy this one and watch it every Christmas (or any other time you need a happiness booster or a reminder of the importance of love and kindness).

P.S.: "It's a Wonderful Life" is a good movie, but definitely I prefer "The Bishop's Wife".

Rating:
Summary: Heaven Sent......
Review: This review refers to the MGM(2001) DVD edition of "The Bishop's Wife"(1947)......

No Classic Holiday collection should be without this joyous tale. It stars a devine Cary Grant,a lovely Loretta Young, and a "doubting" David Niven.

As Christmas approaches, Bishop Henry Broughm is feeling the pressure of raising money to build a Cathedral. The money is out there, a wealthy woman has volunteered to contribute what's needed to complete the task. But...there's a catch....it must be done her way..and Henry must decide whether to accept and put his principles aside or decline and have no Cathedral. He is so preoccupied with this problem that Julia, his wife feels she is losing him. Henry prays for guidance...and it arrives..in the form of one dapper angel..."Dudley".

Dudley has got his work cut out for him with this asignment. Henry is a tough case. But along the way of trying to enlighten the Bishop of the joys of life(not to mention all the hungry people the money could feed),Dudley, played by Cary Grant touches the lives of all those around him.Most of the women are simply in awe of his prescence(I would be too!),an aging history scholar(played impeccably by Monty Woolley)finds a renewed zest for life and even a cynical cab driver is reformed by the mere prescence of Dudley. But can Dudley get through to Henry in time to restore his wonderful marriage to Julia?....Can even an Angel resist the charms of Loretta Young? You'll be smiling all the way through this touching, classic Christmas story finding out.

The supporting cast are legends in their own rights...As I mentioned Monty Woolley get touched by this angel as does James Gleason, Gladys Cooper and Elsa Lanchester.It is directed by Henry Coster.

The DVD, although not as prsiteen as some other films of this era("Casablana", "It's A Wonderful Life"),presented a nice picture of this 56 year old film. I thought the Black and White images were sharp and clear. Not quite as bright as the others, but an enjoyable view none the less. The sound does need to be turned up quite a bit more than usual, but the dialouge always distinguishable and the beautiful music added greatly to the story. The DVD gives the choice of "Chace Stereo" or the original mono.I viewed it in the 'Chace', and my DVD decoded it in Digital 1.0).There is an origianl theatrical trailer which is actually fun to watch. And..if you think the film transfer is not the greatest, compare it to this trailer....what a difference.It may be viewed in French and Spanish,and also has subtitles in those languages as well...but no subtitles or captions in English for those that might need them..this classic should be made for all to enjoy! For this reason alone, I am going with 4 stars(instead of 5) for the package.

A Classic Christmas story that's great to watch anytime of the year!......enjoy....Laurie

Rating:
Summary: Charming!
Review: THE BISHOP'S WIFE is a thoroughly charming movie about an "angel" (Cary Grant) who changes the life of a bishop (David Niven) who at Christmas time is trying desperately to raise funds to build an elaborate cathedral and has consequently neglected his wife, Julia (Loretta Young). The three leads give beautiful performances, and there is a wonderful supporting cast, including Monty Woolley as a kindly if doubting professor and James Gleason as a loveable cab driver. The screenplay is subtle, as is the musical score. The scene near the end of the film in which Grant, Young, and Gleason take time out for some ice skating is a delightful respite, very much like a number in a movie musical. THE BISHOP'S WIFE is a relatively recent addition to my video library, but it has quickly become my favorite classic Christmas movie -- next to MIRACLE ON 34th STREET and Alastair Sim's A CHRISTMAS CAROL, that is.

Rating:
Summary: A pleasant classic!
Review: Henry Brougham (David Niven), a bishop, has been working diligently, trying to raise enough money so that he can have a cathedral built. He has been so busy with meetings, that he's been neglecting his wife, Julia (Loretta Young) and their young daughter, Debby (Karolyn Grimes). Henry is at his wit's end and has been praying for an answer to his problem. His prayer gets answered in the form of an angel, Dudley (Cary Grant), who has been sent to Earth to help him. Everybody, besides Henry, takes an immediate liking towards the sweet and charming Dudley, especially Julia, who spends a lot of time with the man she thinks is her husband's new associate. Henry soon begins to think that he is trying to steal his wife away from him and that Dudley's interfering with his life. He tells him to go away, but, of course, that is not the last we see of Dudley.

I thought The Bishop's Wife was an appealing, delightful and heartwarming movie, perfect for the whole family. It was cleverly written, each of the actors were splendid in their roles and the supporting cast (Monty Woolley, James Gleason, Gladys Cooper and Elsa Lanchester) was terrific. Highly recommend!

Rating:
Summary: Another overlooked Sleeper Xmas Classic comes to DVD!
Review: "The Bishop's Wife" is a very Vintage Classic from the Metro Goldwyn Mayer movie vault. This 1948 Christmas film has all the yuletide spirit & joy for the family during the holidays. This sleeper classic belongs among the "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) & "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947) movies also of the fabulous post World War II forties. The nation and the world were experiencing renewed family life, church reunions and joyous faith. Hollywood provided us with wholesome family entertainment.

This Black / White movie is presented with a clear digital picture and sound. Standard size (before WideScreen), modified to fit your standard tv. The movie is 1 hour and 49 minutes in length. (this was quite long for the 1940 double feature) Extra Feature: an original movie trailer.

Summary: The Bishop (David Niven) & "The Bishop's Wife" (Loretta Young) are aided by a mysterious stranger (Cary Grant) during the Christmas Holidays. The Bishop has reached a very difficult crossroad in his religious career. Actually he becomes obsessed with building a new cathedral while abandoning all his basic roots & beliefs. He prays for spiritual guidance and a stranger appears to assist him in his quest. This stranger tells the Bishop he is an angel & he has answered his prayer. While "The Bishop's Wife" has the faith & believes, the Bishop has doubt. Will all be solved? This is Hollywood. Cary Grant is an Angel. It is Christmas in the 1940's!!! What do you think?

The cast is perfect and the story is absolutely wonderful.

This movie is a wonderful holiday addition to the family Christmas DVD library! Enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: A Charmer
Review: "The Bishop's Wife" is one of the better Christmas movies out there. I wouldn't place it as high as "Miracle on 34th Street," but it's in that league, and certainly has a similar feel.

Henry Koster does a fine job of giving the film a leisurely pace without letting it drag, and the performances are uniformly solid. It is somewhat of a shame to see David Niven stuck in a part that doesn't allow him much room for humour, as he can be so funny. And I do have to admit that Loretta Young's allure alludes me somewhat. She doesn't seem very dynamic for two men (or should I say a man and an angel) to be making such a fuss over. But she's certainly more than passable.

One of my favorite performances came from Elsa Lanchester, in a minor role as the family maid.

This movie becomes magical only once---during the ice skating scene between Cary Grant, Young and James Gleason. That could have gone on for hours and I would have been transfixed. But not every movie can be magical, and this film is a very good (if non-magical) one.

Pop in on a snowy night, light the Christmas tree, make some hot chocolate, and enjoy.

Grade: B+

Rating:
Summary: A Christmas Present
Review: The Bishop's Wife. This beautifully directed 1940's black and white Christmas movie is charming and heartwarming.

Church Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) wants to build a new and bigger church in the worst way. He is even willing to kowtow to rich demanding congregation members to get funding. Loretta Young as his lovely and somewhat neglected wife Julia, understands how badly her husband wants his new church but she doesn't want him to forget why he became a Bishop and to remember where his real duties lie. In desperation Henry prays for help and guidance. Help comes to him in form of a handsome, debonair and somewhat irreverent angel named Dudley, played superbly by Cary Grant. Grant arrives and immediately steals the heart of Henry's young daughter as well as the hearts of his secretary, maid and wife. When Henry cancels an appointment to hear young members in his congregation sing, Dudley goes instead. Dudley also encourages Julia to buy a rakish hat she admires, he takes her dining and dancing and wins over the disapproving church members who see them together. It seems that angel Dudley can do no wrong, everyone loves him, except Henry who starts to wonder if Dudley really is an angel and what is his real purpose here. David Niven as the somewhat uptight Bishop was the right choice for this role.

There are so many wonderful scenes in this movie. Dudley magically types letters and stuffs envelopes so Henry's secretary can leave the office early to do Christmas shopping; he decorates the tree that the fluttering maid (a very young Elsa Lanchester) has just started to trim; and he has taxi driver, James Gleason, ice skating like an Olympic champion. When the boys won't let Julia's daughter play catch because she throws like a girl, Dudley steps in to give her a good pitching arm. Monty Woolley as the Professor who suspects that Dudley is a VERY special person is simply wonderful.

This is the perfect story for all faiths.

Vannie(~.~)

Rating:
Summary: Only for sentimental junkies
Review: This holiday classic is about a suave, miracle-making angel who mends the relationship between a bishop and his wife. However, his methods are quite unorthodox. He makes subtle moves on the wife and incites jealousy in the bishop. The bishop then realizes how much he loves his wife and wants to spend more time with her. How ridiculous is that? The bishop is not motivated by a love of his values. Instead, he is motivated by the fear of losing his values. Unless you've been brainwashed by Christian ethics, don't waste your time watching this movie.

Rating:
Summary: Charming holiday classic
Review: This film is on the shortlist of my favorite holiday films. From the boy-choir scene to the skating rink, I can watch it again and again.

The casting is flawless. I especially love Elsa Lancester's performance, and the three leads work effortlessly together. I can't decide which performance I love the best. Niven, Grant and Young all seem to be at the top of their careers. Gotta love Cary Grant playing the harp, but then again there is Loretta Young buying her Christmas presents, and David Niven preaching his Christmas sermon.

Being an Episcopal priest, I enjoy the church politics and particulars presented so carefully.

Anyone who loves Christmas will probably love this film. If you don't, expect a visitation from a friendly angel. Just hope it's Cary Grant!

Rating:
Summary: Heaven Sent......
Review: This review refers to the MGM(2001) DVD edition of "The Bishop's Wife"(1947)......

No Classic Holiday collection should be without this joyous tale. It stars a devine Cary Grant,a lovely Loretta Young, and a "doubting" David Niven.

As Christmas approaches, Bishop Henry Broughm is feeling the pressure of raising money to build a Cathedral. The money is out there, a wealthy woman has volunteered to contribute what's needed to complete the task. But...there's a catch....it must be done her way..and Henry must decide whether to accept and put his principles aside or decline and have no Cathedral. He is so preoccupied with this problem that Julia, his wife feels she is losing him. Henry prays for guidance...and it arrives..in the form of one dapper angel..."Dudley".

Dudley has got his work cut out for him with this asignment. Henry is a tough case. But along the way of trying to enlighten the Bishop of the joys of life(not to mention all the hungry people the money could feed),Dudley, played by Cary Grant touches the lives of all those around him.Most of the women are simply in awe of his prescence(I would be too!),an aging history scholar(played impeccably by Monty Woolley)finds a renewed zest for life and even a cynical cab driver is reformed by the mere prescence of Dudley. But can Dudley get through to Henry in time to restore his wonderful marriage to Julia?....Can even an Angel resist the charms of Loretta Young? You'll be smiling all the way through this touching, classic Christmas story finding out.

The supporting cast are legends in their own rights...As I mentioned Monty Woolley get touched by this angel as does James Gleason, Gladys Cooper and Elsa Lanchester.It is directed by Henry Coster.

The DVD, although not as prsiteen as some other films of this era("Casablana", "It's A Wonderful Life"),presented a nice picture of this 56 year old film. I thought the Black and White images were sharp and clear. Not quite as bright as the others, but an enjoyable view none the less. The sound does need to be turned up quite a bit more than usual, but the dialouge always distinguishable and the beautiful music added greatly to the story. The DVD gives the choice of "Chace Stereo" or the original mono.I viewed it in the 'Chace', and my DVD decoded it in Digital 1.0).There is an origianl theatrical trailer which is actually fun to watch. And..if you think the film transfer is not the greatest, compare it to this trailer....what a difference.It may be viewed in French and Spanish,and also has subtitles in those languages as well...but no subtitles or captions in English for those that might need them..this classic should be made for all to enjoy! For this reason alone, I am going with 4 stars(instead of 5) for the package.

A Classic Christmas story that's great to watch anytime of the year!......enjoy....Laurie