The Bishop's Wife

Henry Koster (1947)

104min

U Certificate

Review

Our Score

by David Parkinson

In this fantasy comedy, Cary Grant stars as an angel who descends from heaven to put the marriage of irritable, materialistic bishop David Niven and Loretta Young in order, and to raise money for a new church. There were tensions on the set as Grant clashed with Young and director Henry Koster over Robert E Sherwood's script, which Grant thought substandard. However, 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. His best line, "The only people who grow old are people who were born old to begin with," might well have been his own epitaph.

Summary

Distraught bishop Henry is struggling to cope with building a new cathedral, but receives help from on high in the form of a suave guardian angel. The heavenly visitor proves influential in fundraising, but when he turns his attention to Henry's family life, the cleric suspects his new friend has designs on his wife. Fantasy, starring Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young.

Cast & Crew

Dudley Cary Grant

Henry Brougham David Niven

Julia Brougham Loretta Young

Professor Wutheridge Monty Woolley

Sylvester James Gleason

Mrs Hamilton Gladys Cooper

Matilda Elsa Lanchester

Mildred Cassaway Sara Haden

Debby Brougham Karolyn Grimes

Maggenti Tito Vuolo

Mr Miller Regis Toomey

Mrs Duffy Sarah Edwards

Director Henry Koster

Other Information

Language: EnglishBlack and whiteTheatrical distributor: R.K.O. Radio Pictures LtdAvailable on: video and DVD

Drama

Full Episode Guide

Henry Koster (1947)

Review

Summary

Cast & Crew

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