The Bishop’s Wife (1947)

Directed by Henry Koster. Starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven, Monty Woolley, James Gleason, Gladys Cooper, Sara Haden, Elsa Lanchester, Regis Toomey, Karolyn Grimes, Tito Vuolo, Sarah Edwards, Margaret McWade, Robert J. Anderson.

Suave angel Grant comes to Earth in response to bishop Niven’s prayers for guidance while struggling to finalize financing for the cathedral he intends to erect, but rather than aid in funding the venture, Grant coaxes a “spiritual awakening” in those around the bishop, including a shared attraction between he and Niven’s wife (Young). Quaint and feathery bit of uplifting fluff succeeds on the indelible charms of its leads (Grant especially), and a few exterior scenes glistening with warm wintry nostalgia (the ice skating scene, the snowball fight, etc.). Pleasantly sentimental goodwill in spades, but it runs on and vanishes from thought quickly; smoothly directed by Koster (who replaced William A. Seiter early in production) and ably supported by the likes of Lanchester and Gleason. Child actors Grimes and Anderson also appeared in another well-remembered holiday film the previous year (It’s a Wonderful Life). Grant was initially cast in the bishop’s role but requested a swap with Niven to play the polished and poised angel—rarely has Hollywood made a more prudent casting change. Remade in 1996 as The Preacher’s Wife.

70/100