|
|
Post by wmcclain on Dec 27, 2019 13:26:31 GMT
The Bishop's Wife (1947), directed by Henry Koster. A debonair angel helps a troubled bishop through a tough Christmas season. He spends more time with the bishop's wife. This is a well-liked if lesser known Christmas film. We see it as part of our holiday rotation, but I have problems that keep it from being a Christmas classic for me: - Too sugary sweet.
- The plush bishopric is a glum, unhappy place. The bishop's depressed demeanor drags the whole story down.
- David Niven and Loretta Young have little chemistry. Maybe clergy marriages were supposed to be passionless.
- Cary Grant needs to be a little devilish. Too good doesn't look right on him.
A nice subplot has the radical, jovial, free-thinking Professor (who looks a lot like Kris Kringle), to his own amazement, showing up at church on Christmas Eve. A nudge from the angel, a good story and a minor miracle was all it took. We have two kids from It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Photographed by Gregg Toland. Remade in 1996 as The Preacher's Wife with Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. Available on Blu-ray. 
|
|
|
|
Post by spiderwort on Dec 27, 2019 15:09:51 GMT
Thanks for the review, Wm. This is one of my favorite holiday films, and I have to say that what bothers you about it does not bother me. I love its sensitive spirituality - and I don't mean in a religious sense; rather, it has the transcendent, mystical quality that is always manifest in the works of Robert Nathan, upon whose novel the film is based ( Portrait of Jennie being another example of his magic). I agree with you about the chemistry between Niven and Young, but I think that's more or less intentional and works to the film's advantage until Dudley has finished his work; then I feel a palpable connection between the Bishop and his wife. And I love Monty Woolley as the semi-cynical professor and James Gleason as the jolly cab driver. The skating scene has always been one of my favorites. And I think Gladys Cooper's role in this is my favorite of hers. Her transformation is believable and moving and critical to the character arc of the Bishop. Oh, and, of course, Elsa Lanchester is utterly charming. And there's also the boy's choir scene, so beautifully done and sung by the the Mitchell Boys Choir.
I saw it again recently and loved it as much this time as all the times before. |
|
|
|
Post by marshamae on Dec 27, 2019 16:57:29 GMT
Did not know that this was from a Robert Nathan book. That makes sense. There is a lot to like in this film. The choir scene, the warming ,joyful effect Dudley has on everyone, are lovely moments.
I struggle and finally reject the film’s view of angelic presence. And the lack of chemistry between Young and Niven is a nearly fatal flaw. I’m sure there were endless discussions about this pre production. Did I read that Cary Grant was offered the bishop’s role? I think that would have been great casting.
|
|
|
|
Post by petrolino on Dec 27, 2019 17:08:34 GMT
I like this movie. Makes a nice double-bill with 'Eternally Yours' (1939).
|
|
|
|
Post by biker1 on Dec 27, 2019 20:00:27 GMT
Loved it as a kid, but watching it again last year got a bit weary of the saccharine treatment. Sill, good of its type. Favorite Loretta Young is the farmer's daughter (1947) from the same year - that's one out of the Hollywood bag.
|
|
|
|
Post by snsurone on Dec 27, 2019 20:19:06 GMT
Along with 1950's A CHRISTMAS CAROL, this is the only Christmas movie I really like.
I'm glad that Dudley wasn't "devilish"; that would have ruined the entire plot.
Henry was a deeply flawed man with little faith in his true calling.
He was so intent on building that damned cathedral that he failed to realize how he was neglecting both his family and his parishioners.
This is primarily revealed by the long dinner table separating husband and wife, reminiscent of the increasing differences between the protagonist and his first wife in CITIZEN KANE, symbolized by the ever-lengthing table.
It took the angel Dudley to make Henry recognize his faults and to make the first efforts to alleve them.
And he did it in a calm, non-sarcastic manner.
While I believe this film contains Loretta Young's best performance, IMO, the real acting honors belong to Dame Gladys Cooper.
Through gentle coaxing, Dudley managed to make her reveal her true feelings toward her late husband, whom she intended to memorialize via that mammoth cathedral.
BTW, this movie reminds me a little of an early episode of COLUMBO (I forget the title) where Johnny Cash played a singer with a lust for teenage girls.
His wife, played by Ida Lupino, staged gospel shows to raise money for a tabernacle, but hubby wanted a percentage for himself.
Cash eventually murdered her by drugging her coffee and then bailing out of their Cessna plane, which then crashed.
Of course, Columbo exposed him as the killer.
Anyone else remember this episode?
|
|
|
|
Post by teleadm on Dec 27, 2019 20:25:34 GMT
If an angel comes and he looks like Cary Grant, It's not difficcult to understand David Niven's character's jealousy.
It's a warm a nice movie and very suitable for the season.
A bit surpriced to see a toned downed Monty Wooley, especially after seeing his bravura in The Man Who Came to Dinner.
Veteran actor and playwright James Gleason does a very funny ice-dance (via a double).
|
|
