Amazon.com reviews for
The Bishop's Wife (1947) More at IMDbPro »

The Bishop's Wife (dvd):

Amazon.com video review: A Christmas perennial from 1947, this comedy/fantasy stars Cary Grant as Dudley, an angel who works his heavenly magic on an Episcopalian bishop (David Niven) who is struggling to raise money for a new church and who has grown distant from his wife (Loretta Young). While Young remains unaware of the angel's benevolent influence, this light comedy unfolds with abundant charm and lasting appeal. Featuring engaging performances from its stellar cast, The Bishop's Wife inspired the 1996 remake The Preacher's Wife, starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. --Jeff Shannon

Bishop's Wife (vhs):

Amazon.com video review: Perhaps if The Bishop's Wife had lapsed on its copyright and fallen into the public domain like It's a Wonderful Life, it would be as much a Christmas staple as that classic. It certainly deserves to be. Dudley (Cary Grant) is an angel sent down by the prayers of a new bishop (David Niven). The bishop is trying to build a new cathedral, and he's so entrenched in his fundraising that he's watching his own marriage crumble around him. Loretta Young is devoted, moist-eyed, and basically a great date for the tempted Dudley. They drink in the afternoon, go skating at night, and make impulse buys. The skating sequence beats mightily on one's suspension of disbelief, but the rest of the film is an absolute joy. Grant is suave, worldly, and enchanting. A wonderful present for anyone who has not seen it. --Keith Simanton