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The Bishop's Wife (1947)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
16 February 1948 (USA)
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Plot:
A bishop trying to get a new cathedral built prays for guidance. An angel (Cary Grant) arrives, but his guidance isn't about fundraising. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Bishop
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Angel
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Christmas
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Ice Skating
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Benefactor
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Awards:
Won Oscar.
Another 4 nominations
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NewsDesk:
User Comments:
A Light But Worthwhile Holiday Classic
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Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Cary Grant | ... | Dudley |
 | Loretta Young | ... | Julia Brougham |
 | David Niven | ... | Bishop Henry Brougham |
 | Monty Woolley | ... | Prof. Wutheridge |
| James Gleason | ... | Sylvester |
| Gladys Cooper | ... | Mrs. Hamilton |
 | Elsa Lanchester | ... | Matilda |
| Sara Haden | ... | Mildred Cassaway |
| Karolyn Grimes | ... | Debby Brougham |
| Tito Vuolo | ... | Maggenti |
| Regis Toomey | ... | Mr. Miller |
| Sarah Edwards | ... | Mrs. Duffy |
| Margaret McWade | ... | Miss Trumbull |
| Anne O'Neal | ... | Mrs. Ward |
| Ben Erway | ... | Mr. Perry |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
109 min
Country:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Certification:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
William A. Seiter was the original director, but producer Samuel Goldwyn didn't like what he had shot and brought in Henry Koster to shoot a completely new film. The preview audience didn't like the new version, so Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett had to rewrite a couple of scenes without screen credit.
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Goofs:
Crew or equipment visible: In several shots throughout the movie, the dog trainer's shadow can be seen. When Dudley pushes Julia's chair in, at Henry's back a shadow moves, and the dog gets up and walks over to Dudley.
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Quotes:
Prof. Wutheridge:
When you want to know about a woman, ask the old men. They know.
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in Christmas Movie Quiz (2007) (VG)
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Soundtrack:
Lost April
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FAQ
Is "The Bishop's Wife" based on a book?How many other "wife movies" are there?
Is there any evidence that Dudley is really an angel? Does he do anything magical?
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While not quite on the level of "It's a Wonderful Life" or the best of the "Scrooge" adaptations, "The Bishop's Wife" is still a worthwhile holiday classic. Much of the story is relatively lightweight material, but that's not necessarily all bad, since it thereby avoids taking itself too seriously. It is simple but thoughtful, and often quite entertaining. When it picks up a little more substance towards the end, it is then that much more effective for having maintained a lighter tone for much of the movie.
The cast is quite strong. Very few actors could handle a role like Dudley as well as Cary Grant does, giving it plenty of energy and believability. David Niven and Loretta Young also give fine performances. With the likes of James Gleason, Gladys Cooper, and Elsa Lanchester, plus a couple of good moments from Monty Woolley, the supporting cast also helps a great deal. The production is unpretentious, even downplaying the possibilities for miraculous tricks much of the time, and it works well.
The 1990's remake had a couple of strengths, but it was not up to the standard of the classic version. Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston's singing, and a fine supporting performance from Gregory Hines provided some good reasons to see it. But there was too much predictable padding, and the level of the screenplay and the directing were not up to the standard of the cast.
As for the classic version, it avoided most of the potential mistakes. By taking itself less seriously and focusing on a few core developments, it fits together nicely. The closing sequence in particular works very well, and it is easily the best part of the movie.