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Instead of being about being depressed as in "It's a Wonderful Life," this movie is about being too busy to enjoy the spirit of Christmas. David Niven, Bishop Henry Brougham, is the workaholic, trying to build a new church and seeking funds from all the wealthy parishioners--especially widows. Loretta Young, the title character Julia Brougham, is frustrated but supportive of her husband's efforts but still admonishes him for his behavior. Enter Cary Grant, the angel Dudley sent by God, to help alleviate the situation. We get to see him perform various miracles such as an instant Christmas tree, a typewriter typing a sermon very quickly, a wine bottle that doesn't run out, and a snowball that hits a boy hard after he harassed the bishop's daughter. We have to guess how these miracles were created on the set, because there were no computers in the 1940s, when this movie was made. Loretta Young is a class act in every movie that she is in. You hardly ever hear anything about her. She won an Academy Award as Best Actress for "The Farmer's Daughter," which should have brought her some fame. She is perfect in this role, tempted so feverishly by the handsome Cary Grant, but still maintaining the dignified role of the bishop's wife. The theme of "busyness" is very appropriate for us in the 21st Century. While not being preachy, the movie plays out to cause a change in the bishop. It is a good lesson for all of us during the Christmas season. If you have not seen this movie, it will lift your spirits tremendously. Cary Grant is wonderful in just about every movie that he made--but especially so in this one. David Niven is sublime and makes a very good bishop. Happy viewing!Read full review
If you are looking for a movie to watch on Christmas day with your family, you must include this heart warming story about an angel who intervene the busy lives of an Episcopalian bishop, named Henry Brougham (David Niven) and his wife Julia (Loretta Young). This movie set in Yuletide sprit with bells ringing, choir singing, Christmas wreaths decorating the walls of churches, homes, shops and buildings, and streets and neighborhoods covered with fresh snow. During this time, an angel named Dudley (Cary Grant) enters the lives of the bishop and his wife as an office assistant. At the Victorian home of Bishop Henry not everything is going well. Years of neglect about his own family left Julia on her own while the bishop is busy raising funds for a new cathedral. Dudley’s attentiveness, charm, and sheer magical powers drives Julia to him, but Dudley is only interested in helping Henry to get back with Julia. The writers have cleverly crafted many moments between Dudley and Julia that would be purely romantic, but writers did not forget to remind us that Dudley is an angel and he is not romancing Julia. Several instances of walking down the street, driving in the country and having lunch at local cafeteria, makes her feel that she is appreciated as a woman. The magical ice-skating scene where Dudley charms everyone with his skating ability, and helps Julia to glide on ice is a memorable scene of the movie that the viewers will never forget. Dudley's “angelic” effect is felt by many people: He touches the lives of people he comes in contact with. As the friendship between Julia and Dudley becomes strong Henry begins to feel Dudley is a devil trying to steal his wife from him, but all ends well when Dudley finishes his job by helping Henry to raise money for the cathedral. Cary Grant is spectacular and charms not only Julia but many viewers. I was most impressed by the performance of Julia who is attracted to Dudley; she is tender, a romantic and vulnerable woman who also knows that she is a wife, and a mother.Read full review
A movie story that is as inspiring as the Christmas classic, "It's A Wonderful Life". Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven, Gladys Cooper, and other cast members did a great job in their respected parts. I noted that two children which appeared in "It's A Wonderful Life" were seen in this film as well. I'm an old movie buff. I didn't know this picture existed until just in the last couple of years. After viewing it for the first time, I knew I wanted to see it again. I searched Ebay for it, found it listed in the "Buy It Now" status, and bought it at a fair price. The bottom line is the film touched my heart and reminded me that something greater than us all is watching and concerned for our lives. The story within "The Bishop's Wife" like that of "It's A Wonderful Life", instills meaning and purpose for those who can hear its message. The film is a must have for future viewing at Christmas time, or when needed.Read full review
Received dvd on time & excellent quality. This movie should be watched every Christmas like the movie, " It's a wonderful life". Very good story, acting, light humor. Thank you, keep up the good honest business.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I've always loved Cary Grant and this movie is a typical performance from one of the best of all time.....great story and right up there with IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE in my opinion.....buy it, you won't regret it....it has a wonderful Chrismasy feel!!!!!! I got this for a paltry $3.28 plus s/h and supported Goodwill Ind. as well.....estocks did their usual great job handling the transaction!! I have had several positive experiences with them lately and NO negatives.... all and all I'm a happy Christmas Camper!!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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