View Full Version : The Bishop's Wife (1947): the hownos.Allaby viewing session
Tonight at 7pm Eastern
My annual re-watch.
I have seen 10 films directed by Henry Koster . I would rank The Bishop's Wife his third best film, after Harvey and The Robe.
The Bishop's Wife was nominated for five Academy Awards, including best picture.
I guess Karolyn Grimes is the only person alive from this movie.
Nice opening theme music.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing is one of my favourite Christmas carols.
Many people think Grant and Niven should have switched characters.
Many people think Grant and Niven should have switched characters.
Fun fact: Originally Cary Grant played the bishop and David Niven the angel. When original director William A. Seiter left the film, Henry Koster replaced him and viewed what had been shot so far. He realized that the two were in the wrong roles.
I prefer Cary Grant as an actor over David Niven.
William A. Seiter was the original director, but producer Samuel Goldwyn didn't like what he had shot and brought in Henry Koster to shoot a completely new film. The preview audience didn't like the new version, so Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett had to rewrite a couple of scenes without screen credit.
Fun fact: Originally Cary Grant played the bishop and David Niven the angel. When original director William A. Seiter left the film, Henry Koster replaced him and viewed what had been shot so far. He realized that the two were in the wrong roles.
Dana Andrews was suppose to play the bishop and Teresa Wright his wife.
This was remade in 1996 as The Preacher's Wife with Denzel Washington. I saw that version at the theater when it came out, but it wasn't as good as the original.
The last time I watched this was Thursday Dec 22, 2022.
Dudley seems like an unusual name for an angel.
Dudley seems like an unusual name for an angel.
Dudley vs Clarence?
Dudley vs Clarence?
Clarence sounds more angelic to me. Dudley just seems like an odd name.
rauldc14
12-13-24, 08:26 PM
Ah, this is a commentary like the old days? Cool
Loretta Young and David Niven were both Oscar winners. Cary Grant was nominated twice, but never won an Oscar.
Karolyn Grimes was also in It's A Wonderful Life.
I wish an angel would help me throw snowballs at people. :)
I wonder who these extras are playing the busybodies.
"I'm at my most serious when I'm joking."
Me too. ;)
Good dialogue in this film.
Although this film has some good looking stars in it, the best looking one in the cast is the dog.
I always liked this Psalm.
Good dialogue in this film.
How would you compare this to It's A Wonderful Life?
How would you compare this to It's A Wonderful Life?
I prefer It's A Wonderful Life, but this is enjoyable too.
My favorite scene with the boys choir.
Are all angels that good at skating?
Ecclesiastical. There's a word you don't hear often in films.
A beautiful movie which touches on all the christmas themes. 7.5/10
"All the stockings are filled... all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a manger. It's his birthday we are celebrating. Don't ever let us forget that. Let us ask ourselves what he would wish for most... and then let each put in his share. Loving kindness, warm hearts and the stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth."
Great final lines.
A lovely and charming film with wonderful performances. 8/10 from me.
My review
Another annual re-watch (one of the three Christmas movies I watch each year). Comparable to It's A Wonderful Life from the year before and A Christmas Carol . It's just not as dark as either of these as no one in this movie is as desperate as George Bailey or Scrooge but it works on many fronts and strikes all the Christmas themes. Grant is charming and annoying at times as Dudley, the angel. Niven is great as usual in his use of subtle humor. Loretta Young is probably underused somewhat. Love the comedic relief provided by the professor and taxi driver.
The movie is famous for the ice skating scene but my favorite scene is the boys choir scene. A very good Christmas fantasy movie with a great uplifting ending. 7.5/10
vBulletin® v3.8.0, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.