The Bishop's Wife

Released 1947
Runtime 109
Category Family
Language English
Director Henry Koster
Cast Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven, Gladys Cooper, Monty Woolley, James Gleason, Elsa Lanchester
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What it’s about

When Bishop Henry Brougham (Niven) prays for guidance in raising money for an imposing new cathedral, his prayers are answered by the Yuletide arrival of Dudley (Grant), an angel in (very handsome) human form. Quietly and unobtrusively, Dudley helps realign the bishop’s priorities and revive his marriage to wife Julia (Young), who never realizes that Dudley’s heaven-sent. Maybe that cathedral isn’t so important!

Why we love it

Nominated for Best Film at the 1947 Oscars, Henry Koster’s sweet, thoroughly charming “The Bishop’s Wife” was a big crowd-pleaser in its day, and has since become one of our most cherished holiday films. Shot by legendary cinematographer Gregg Toland, it boasts a warm, perceptive script from Pulitzer Prize-winner Robert E. Sherwood. Cary Grant was never smoother playing Dudley, the most debonair of angels. Niven brings humor and humanity to the Bishop, while Young dazzles in the title role. This joyful, witty film still has a lot to say about keeping the spirit of Christmas alive all year round.

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