The Bishop's Wife

1947, Other/Fantasy, 1h 49m

25 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

The Bishop's Wife succeeds thanks to the strength of winning performances from a stellar cast, which includes Cary Grant and Loretta Young. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

Dejected by his efforts to raise money to build a cathedral, Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) beseeches heaven for guidance, and is visited immediately by Dudley (Cary Grant), who claims to be an angel. Henry is skeptical, then annoyed when Dudley ingratiates himself into the household as his assistant -- and worse, wins the attentions of Henry's long-suffering and kindly wife (Loretta Young). When Dudley continues to intervene in Henry's struggles, the bishop decides to challenge heaven.
  • Genre:
    Other, Fantasy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Henry Koster
  • Producer:
    Samuel Goldwyn
  • Writer:
    Leonardo Bercovici, Robert Nathan, Robert E. Sherwood
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Home Box Office (HBO) [us], RKO Radio Pictures, Nelson Entertainment [us], Embassy Pictures, Pioneer Entertainment, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
  • Sound Mix:
    Mono

Cast & Crew

Cary Grant
Dudley
Loretta Young
Julia Brougham
David Niven
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
Henry Koster
Director
Leonardo Bercovici
Writer
Robert Nathan
Writer
Robert E. Sherwood
Writer
Samuel Goldwyn
Producer
Hugo Friedhofer
Original Music
Gregg Toland
Cinematographer
Monica Collingwood
Film Editor
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Critic Reviews for The Bishop's Wife

All Critics (25) | Top Critics (7) | Fresh (21) | Rotten (4)

View All Critic Reviews (25)

Audience Reviews for The Bishop's Wife

  • Dec 21, 2014
    The Cary Grant classic The Bishop's Wife is a delightful film that's full of Christmas cheer. A struggling bishop who's working to build a new cathedral gets the surprise of his life when he receives a visitation by an angel. Co-starring Loretta Young and David Niven, the casting's pretty good and so are the performances. However, some of the character development is poorly done; particularly the bishop, whose redemption arch is underserved. Yet Grant lights up the screen, giving the material a charm that overcomes the weaknesses in the script. The Bishop's Wife may be a little too lighthearted, but for a holiday film it works.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Nov 23, 2010
    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
    Bruce B Super Reviewer
  • Sep 05, 2010
    Grant is an angel, now both literally and in this movie. How could you not like this movie? It's precious, I love it.
    Aj V Super Reviewer
  • Dec 20, 2009
    I liked the first hour or so of this, but it got a little boring after that.
    Erin C Super Reviewer
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