A Reel Retro Review: THE BISHOP'S WIFE (1947)

With no new films to review for the foreseeable future, Reel Speak will randomly review a classic film from the TCM library every week. Not just for the sake of filling time, but to hopefully introduce some overlooked and perhaps forgotten screen gems from the past to those of us who may be unfamiliar or unawares of their existence. In the spirit of the season, now comes the holiday series…

 

In December of 1996, holiday audiences were visited by THE PREACHER’S WIFE; an Oscar-nominated, comedy-drama directed by the late great Penny Marshall and starring Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance, and Gregory Hines. Over the years it has become an under-appreciated holiday classic, and often overlooked is that it was a remake of the 1947 film, THE BISHOP’S WIFE. 

 

During Christmastime, Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven), is struggling to find funding for the building of his new cathedral, which is putting stress on his marriage to Julia (Loretta Young). He is visited by the angel Dudley (Cary Grant), who uses his divine powers and wisdom to provide spiritual guidance. 

 

Based on the 1928 novel of the same name by Robert Nathan, the early goings of THE BISHOP’S WIFE finds the Bishop and his family facing many stressors. Henry is under pressure to give in to the demanding wishes of the stern widow Mrs. Hamilton (Gladys Cooper), who is providing most of the funding to the new cathedral and making ridiculous demands. The project has put distance between Henry and Julia, with his poor wife longing for the days when they were a happier couple, spending time with their young daughter. 

 

The arrival of Dudley immediately changes things for the Bishop and his family. Through his nifty miracles and irresistible charm, Dudley pushes everyone in the right direction and sets things on a better path. Henry is the only one whom Dudley reveals his true identity, which is met with skepticism. Things get further complicated when Dudley and Julia grow close, causing Henry to suspect his angel of trying to steal his wife away from him. 

 

Director Henry Koster keeps the drama light and the pacing brisk. There is a lot of fun to be had watching Dudley perform his miracles, most of which are done on-screen with animated-cartoon visual effects…which are a little dated but charming. The real special effect of the film is the script, which does great work with the characters and the situations they find themselves in. 

 

Acting is excellent. Cary Grant turns up the charm to 11, and his sincerity is so good it’s nearly annoying. David Niven is a bit of a grump for most of the film but we do feel for him. Loretta Lynn lights up the screen. 

 

Anyone who has seen the 1996 remake knows what happens to Dudley and why he needs to leave the way he does…which makes for a bittersweet ending even though all the characters have been set straight. As a holiday film, it preaches hope and resilience, and certainly loves a Christmas miracle or two. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it 

 

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THE BISHOP’S WIFE was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture. The film was initially a box office disappointment, as audiences thought the film was a religious picture. It was then re-marketed with a new title, CARY AND THE BISHOP’S WIFE, which increased the film’s box office take by 25 percent.