The Bishop's Wife (1947)
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80% of critics liked it
(20 reviews) -
81% of users liked it
(7,512 ratings)
When Episcopalian bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) prays for divine guidance in his efforts to raise the necessary funds for a new cathedral, his prayers are answered in the form of a handsome, personable guardian angel named Dudley (Cary Grant). Establishing himself as a Yuletide guest in the… More When Episcopalian bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) prays for divine guidance in his efforts to raise the necessary funds for a new cathedral, his prayers are answered in the form of a handsome, personable guardian angel named Dudley (Cary Grant). Establishing himself as a Yuletide guest in the Brougham home, Dudley arouses the ire of Henry, who, unaware that his visitor is from Up Above, assumes that Dudley has designs on the bishop's wife Julia (Loretta Young). Eventually, the lives of both Henry and Julia are agreeably altered by the presence of the affable angel: He regains the "common touch" he'd almost lost, while she realizes anew how much she truly loves her husband. Adapted by Robert E. Sherwood and Robert Bercovicci from a novel by Robert Nathan, The Bishop's Wife was remade in 1996 as The Preacher's Wife, with Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston and Courtney B. Vance. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Henry Koster
- Written By
- Leonardo Bercovici, Robert Nathan
- Genres
- Faith & Spirituality, Romance, Classics, Comedy, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Feb 16, 1948 Limited
- Studio
- RKO Radio Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Caren Weiner Campbell, Entertainment Weekly
Grant's turn is thoroughly convincing because he himself appears to be having a terrific time: He's expansive, graceful, and seems always on the verge of chuckling with goodwill.
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, TIME Magazine
It is a big, slick production. The only thing it lacks is taste.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
There must be some excuse for this but I can't imagine what it is.
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Variety Staff, Variety
While a fantasy, there are no fantastic heavenly manifestations. There's a humanness about the characters, even the angel, that beguiles full attention.
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Bosley Crowther, New York Times
We cannot recommend you to a more delightful and appropriate Christmas show.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Cary Grant
as Dudley
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Loretta Young
as Julia Brougham
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David Niven
as Henry Brougham
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Monty Woolley
as Prof. Wutheridge
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Gladys Cooper
as Mrs. Hamilton
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James Gleason
as Sylvester
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Elsa Lanchester
as Matilda
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Claire Du Brey
as Second Lady
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Sarah Edwards
as Mrs. Duffy
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Ben Erway
as Mr. Perry
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Karolyn Grimes
as Debby Brougham
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Sara Haden
as Mildred Cassaway
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Teddy Infur
as Attack Captain
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Isabel Jewell
as Hysterical Mother
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David Leonard
as Blind Man
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Margaret McWade
as Miss Trumbull
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Anne O'Neal
as Mrs. Ward
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Kitty O'Neil
as Hat Shop Customer
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Almira Sessions
as First Lady at Michel's
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Regis Toomey
as Mr. Miller
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Dorothy Vaughan
as Delia
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Tito Vuolo
as Maggenti
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Margaret Wells
as Hat Shop Proprietress
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Erville Alderson
as Stevens
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Florence Auer
as Third Lady
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Eugene Borden
as Michel
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Edgar Dearing
as Policeman
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Edythe Elliott
as Saleslady
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Joseph J. Greene
as Santa Claus
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Bobby Anderson
as Defense Captain
