The Bishop's Wife (1947)

79% of critics liked it
(19 reviews)
81% of users liked it
(7,334 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

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 49 min.
Directed By: Henry Koster
Written By: Leonardo Bercovici, Robert Nathan
Genres: Drama, Romance, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Feb 16, 1948 Limited
On DVD: Mar 6, 2001
Studio: RKO Radio Pictures

Critic Reviews

, TIME Magazine
It is a big, slick production. The only thing it lacks is taste.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
There must be some excuse for this but I can't imagine what it is.
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.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
We cannot recommend you to a more delightful and appropriate Christmas show.
, Film4
A typically sanctimonious Hollywood Christmas fantasy that works mainly because of the charm of the performers...
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Cary Grant's suave, charismatic angel is the main reason to see craftsman Koster's sentimental, verbose serio-comedy about a bishop (David Niven) struggling with marriage and funds for new church; A Christmas staple along with It's a Wonderful Life.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A warm, sentimental comedy-fantasy.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Cary's charm works as successfully upon audiences as it does upon the film's characters, and his relaxed wit plus Loretta Young's delicate loveliness makes for a frothily touching comedy.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Its feel-good sentiment ends up drowning the film in saccharine.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Holiday classic still charms.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Agreeable Xmas comedy with first-rate cast
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
A decent little romantic comedy that doesn't possess enough vitality to live up to its accolades.

Read all 12 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

Number 9 in the quest for 30, though netflix is making it harder by raising there rates. A lost and forgotten movie from long ago with an all star cast of Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven. Cary Grant plays the angel Dudley who has come to earth to help a bishop in his dream… More
Number 9 in the quest for 30, though netflix is making it harder by raising there rates. A lost and forgotten movie from long ago with an all star cast of Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven. Cary Grant plays the angel Dudley who has come to earth to help a bishop in his dream of a church, along the way the bishop's wife played by Loretta Young falls in love with the angel. This is an excellent Christmas Film once again removed from TV play for its Christian Influence that was at one time instilled in all homes especially at Christmas. 5 Stars
AJ V

Grant is an angel, now both literally and in this movie. How could you not like this movie? It's precious, I love it.
jay n

Adequate holiday inspirational with a great supporting cast and Cary Grant fine in the lead. David Niven and Loretta Young, who is seriously in need of a meal here, don't really connect as a couple. Still pleasant enough.
Randy T

This definitely has a Frank Capra feel to it, even though it was directed by Henry Koster. A 'holiday classic' that's worth viewing year round.
xGary X

Charming festive fantasy in which angel Cary Grant comes to earth to the aid of bishop David Niven who has began to question his faith. Spiritual without being preachy, good-natured and amusing, with a fun turn from cantankerous Monty Woolley who gets most of the best lines. Fans of… More
Charming festive fantasy in which angel Cary Grant comes to earth to the aid of bishop David Niven who has began to question his faith. Spiritual without being preachy, good-natured and amusing, with a fun turn from cantankerous Monty Woolley who gets most of the best lines. Fans of It's A Wonderful Life will enjoy it, and it was remade (badly) as The Preacher's Wife.
Erin C

I liked the first hour or so of this, but it got a little boring after that.
Buddy A

This film may be considered sappy by today's standards, but it's still a remarkable movie nonetheless. Good performances all around in this movie, and well worth a look, especially around Christmas time. Recommended.
Marion R

I liked it. I do feel it's a bit dated, especially some of the effects.
Sunil J

A really sweet holiday film. I usually watch this somewhere between christmas and new years.

Read all 9 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Cary Grant as Dudley

            Loretta Young as Julia Brougham

            David Niven as Henry Brougham

            Monty Woolley as Prof. Wutheridge

            Gladys Cooper as Mrs. Hamilton

            James Gleason as Sylvester

            Elsa Lanchester as Matilda

            Claire Du Brey as Second Lady

            Sarah Edwards as Mrs. Duffy

            Ben Erway as Mr. Perry

            Karolyn Grimes as Debby Brougham

            Sara Haden as Mildred Cassaway

            Teddy Infur as Attack Captain

            Isabel Jewell as Hysterical Mother

            David Leonard as Blind Man

            Margaret McWade as Miss Trumbull

            Anne O'Neal as Mrs. Ward

            Kitty O'Neil as Hat Shop Customer

            Almira Sessions as First Lady at Michel's

            Regis Toomey as Mr. Miller

            Dorothy Vaughan as Delia

            Tito Vuolo as Maggenti

            Margaret Wells as Hat Shop Proprietress

            Erville Alderson as Stevens

            Florence Auer as Third Lady

            Eugene Borden as Michel

            Edgar Dearing as Policeman

            Edythe Elliott as Saleslady

            Joseph J. Greene as Santa Claus

            Bobby Anderson as Defense Captain
See full cast

Now you can share movies with your friends on Facebook!

Discover movies your friends are watching
Keep track of what you want to see
Add your reviews to your Timeline

Get Started