The Bishop's Wife

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The Bishop's Wife

1948

1h 49m

Holiday

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

85%

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26 Reviews

81%

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5,000+ Ratings

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.

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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.

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Dec 7, 2022

4/5

There is a lot that’s beguiling in this fey and wayward piece with its very theatrical drawing room scenes.

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Walter Goodman

New York Times

Jan 9, 2018

Whatever you make of the minor miracles performed along the way, there's no trouble believing that Cary would fall for Loretta or that anybody would fall for Cary.

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Caren Weiner Campbell

Entertainment Weekly

Dec 4, 2012

B+

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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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Sep 3, 2020

3.5/4.0

The Bishop's Wife is a joyous film.

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Brian Viner

Daily Mail (UK)

Dec 13, 2019

5/5

With the formidable Gladys Cooper and Elsa Lanchester in supporting roles, it's a sweet, funny, captivating, altogether delightful picture, which too often gets omitted from lists of greatest-ever Christmas films.

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David Parkinson

Radio Times

Dec 10, 2014

3/5

The playing from all three stars is enjoyable and the festive setting allows Grant to trim a Christmas tree with the flick of a finger.

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Scott D

@ZekesDad Jul 19, 2026

I love this movie. I watch it evey Christmas. Cary Grant is magical as the angel. David Niven has some great facial expressions that add to the humor. The special effect were pretty good for the day.

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Christine D

@Roman49ers Jan 3, 2026

Its just not Christmas until Dudley shows up. A family favorite in our home for Christmas

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Dean S.

@DeanDFW Dec 27, 2025

A sappy classic Xmas movie favorite in our house.

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Dave C

@RT27591120 Dec 26, 2025

I find this lovely gentle film so much more uplifting than it's a wonderful life. I think its a hidden gem and even the special effect bring me happiness in there special way

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Kyle M

@RT77296778 Dec 23, 2025

Cary Grant’s suave role as an abstract messenger attributes to what the holidays are about in this otherwise bland love story of little meaning to carry through. (B)

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JAMES B.

@Briceman301 Dec 21, 2025

Better than the sum of its parts.

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Henry Koster

Director

Cary Grant

Dudley

Loretta Young

Julia Brougham

David Niven

Henry Brougham

Monty Woolley

Prof. Wutheridge

James Gleason

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Synopsis

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.

Director: Henry Koster
Producer: Samuel Goldwyn
Screenwriter: Leonardo Bercovici, Robert Nathan, Robert E. Sherwood
Distributor: Home Box Office (HBO) [us], RKO Radio Pictures, Nelson Entertainment [us], Embassy Pictures, Pioneer Entertainment, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: Samuel Goldwyn Company
Genre: Holiday, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 16, 1948, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 5, 2014
Runtime: 1h 49m
Sound Mix: Mono

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