Movie Review: The Bishop's Wife (1947)

The Bishop's Wife (1947) directed by Henry Koster

Cary Grant stars as an angel named Dudley who is working the big city crowd one Christmas season, helping people safely cross the street and such. He runs across a somewhat lonely woman named Julia (Loretta Young) who is the titular bishop's wife. Bishop Henry (David Niven) is a young and ambitious fellow who wants to build a cathedral. He has to court big donations from wealthy donors who are not as spiritually motivated as Henry is. He really wants to succeed and, after a frustrating meeting with a donor who wants a memorial to her dead husband in the center of the cathedral rather than more appropriately on the side, prays for help. Dudley shows up at his house and promises to do what he can for Henry. Dudley is already a bit smitten with Julia, so when scheduling conflicts arise, Dudley volunteers to take Julia out. He shows her the fun time that she wishes she was having with Henry, causing some conflict.

The story is an endearing fairy tale told with a more-or-less straight face. Grant has his usual suave and charm. Niven is very young, not quite convincing as a bishop, but gives a good performance nonetheless. The story has a couple of magical moments from angel Dudley, including tree-trimming and refilling glasses of port. The narrative is enjoyable but not quite weighty enough to make this the sort of Christmas classic like It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street.

Mildly recommended--this is a fun seasonal watch for Christmas, and maybe for Valentine's Day too?