The Bishop’s Wife

Review: I feel that the best way to find a movie is by word of mouth. I get great recommendations online, but it just means so much more when it’s from someone whose opinion you can trust. That’s why I do my series on reviewing people in my life’s top 10 movies. It’s so I can grow my own catalog of film. And this film came on recommendation from someone with whom I almost always am on the same page with when it comes to movies, my brother Sawyer. He told me this is a film he now rewatches every Christmas season, & while I don’t necessarily share that view, I do think it’s a great film. The 1947 film stars David Niven as a bishop who received a wake up call in the form of an angel, played by Cary Grant. The film holds up incredibly well both aesthetically & narratively. I plan to watch the remake ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ here soon, but this film didn’t really need a remake because of its timelessness. Niven & Grant both give stellar performances, as do Loretta Young, Monty Woolley, James Gleason, & Gladys Cooper. This film is streamable on Peacock & I would absolutely tell you to go watch it.

High: The chemistry between Niven, Grant, & Young makes for a very interesting dynamic, but I’m going to have to place my high as just the filmmaking as a whole. The score really brought the intended emotion to life. I also found the editing very notably well done. I really hope the remake doesn’t disappoint, but I guess I’ll find out soon (look out for that review).

Low: If I had to pick a low (which I really don’t because this whole blog exists because I choose to do it), I would say I didn’t love that all the characters forget all the events of the film. However, I understand why it made since narratively, so I’m really not too upset about it.

Rating: 8.5/10