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Poster for The Bishop's Wife

The Bishop's Wife

Have you heard about Cary and the bishop's wife?

1947 · 1h 49m · Approved Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Directed by Henry Koster

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Overview

An Episcopal Bishop, Henry Brougham, has been working for months on the plans for an elaborate new cathedral which he hopes will be paid for primarily by a wealthy, stubborn widow. He is losing sight of his family and of why he became a churchman in the first place. Enter Dudley, an angel sent to help him. Dudley does help everyone he meets, but not necessarily in the way they would have preferred. With the exception of Henry, everyone loves him, but Henry begins to believe that Dudley is there to replace him, both at work and in his family's affections, as Christmas approaches.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
85%
Tomatometer
Fresh

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.

Caren Weiner Campbell, Entertainment Weekly
Rotten

There must be some excuse for this but I can't imagine what it is.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Fresh

While a fantasy, there are no fantastic heavenly manifestations. There's a humanness about the characters, even the angel, that beguiles full attention.

Variety Staff, Variety
Fresh

We cannot recommend you to a more delightful and appropriate Christmas show.

Bosley Crowther, New York Times
Fresh

Cary's charm works as successfully upon audiences as it does upon the film's characters, and his relaxed wit plus Loretta Young's delicate loveliness makes for a frothily touching comedy.

Geoff Andrew, Time Out

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