The Bishop's Wife [DVD] [1947]

Although many films have been made since they began, few have made such an impact on my wife and I. The film contains an excellent story throughout, has no need for bad language or explicit sex to sell itself to us. It was first seen on TV and we are overjoyed to be able to secure it on DVD for countless other viewings - provided by Amazon of course.

Not only my favourite Christmas movie but one of my all time favourites. Cary Grant starred in many classic movies but none where his comedy was so subtle and the sentiment so high. For me it evokes the spirit of Christmas like no other of the period and it reminds us that most of our real Christmas favourites are from this golden age of cinema, whether that is It's a wonderful life or Miracle on 34th Street. Cary as Dudley is the most suave 'angel' you could ever imagine and David Niven is brilliant as Bishop Henry Brougham, a man whose faith is being tested and his family is being neglected.Lorreta Young is cast as the beleaguered and neglected wife and Dudley reminds her of the fun that she and Henry once shared. Their love for one another triumphs and their friendships with characters like the Professor are renewed.The ice-skating on the pond is without a doubt a highlight along with the snowball fight. If there is a scene stealer in this film it has to be James Gleason as the cab driver Sylvester, whose character is used as a device to connect some of the film key scenes. And they all live happily ever after...don't they.BTW avoid at all costs the Preachers Wife, starring the late Whitney Houston, a terrible remake that lacks the star quality of this unsurpassed original.

We love this film, and had to properly search to find one that was original black and white and not colourised. The only issue with this copy is that the primary market seems to be Korean and has subtitles. These can be removed by altering the subtitle setting but annoyingly has to be done every time you want to view it. Otherwise all good.

Very romantic "old" black and white film, but with a timeless moral/story. About an angel (Cary Grant) who comes down to earth to perform a good deed and saves the marriage of a local priest (David Niven). It was one of my partner's favourite Christmas time films that she remembers watching "by accident" once on TV, so I had to get it for her. So pleased that I found it on Amazon. Thank you.

The Bishop's Wife is a story which takes place at Christmas and the Bishop, played by David Niven, is trying to raise funds for a new Cathedral. He is too preoccupied with this and has neglected his loving wife, played by Loretta Young, with a danger that the marriage may suffer.It is at this point that heaven intervenes and sends an Angel knocking on their door in the guise of Cary Grant. At no time does the Bishop know that Grant is an angel and nor does his wife. The handsome newcomer shows affection towards the Bishop's wife and she in turn responds. Heaven is, in effect, showing the Bishop what could happen if he continues not to pay loving attention to his wife.It is a great romantic comedy with a surprise ending and is an extremely human story which can be seen and enjoyed any time of the year, not just Christmas.

This film is so heart warming.It's a great film for all the family to enjoy together.Can't pick out a favourite scene as I love the whole film.Cary Grant is wonderful as ever.Lovely to watch on Christmas Eve!

Great storyline. Well put together with a nice mix of characters to enhance the story. Make sure you get this version that offers subtitles, as the volume is low on my player.

An absolute Christmas classic to be enjoyed over and again. I watch it as soon as November arrives.