"Sometimes angels must rush in where fools fear to tread." - Dudley
Intro.
It's getting to be that time of year when we wax nostalgic and bring out all those old holiday movies we've watched and loved for years. What I love about holiday or Christmas movies is how they make you feel like everything really is okay or if it isn't okay, that you'll make it through by the love and support of your friends and family. One of my favorite films, a modern one called, The Holiday, features Kate Winslet as Iris, who befriends elderly screen writer Arthur Abbott (Eli Wallach). When he gives her a corsage, he apologizes that it might seem a bit corny. To which Iris replies, "I like corny. I'm looking for corny in my life." That's kind of how I feel at this time of the year. This review of The Bishop's Wife and the ones following later this month may be about corny films, but they are also ones that help bring in that old holiday spirit.Overview
Young bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) is so busy trying to raise the funds to build a cathedral that he doesn't have time for his wife Julia (Loretta Young) or his daughter Debby (Karolyn Grimes). Stressed and worried, he prays for help and gets it in an unexpected form - an angel named Dudley (Cary Grant). Dudley helps everyone he meets, including the maid and cook and strangers on the street. Only Henry seems not to like Dudley, but only because he alone knows that Dudley is not human. Although Dudley helps with the office, he does nothing to get Henry's main contributor, Mrs. Hamilton (Gladys Cooper) to stop being so difficult and withholding her funds. Henry, completely frustrated, orders Dudley to leave, but Dudley cannot because his work is not finished. Since Henry refuses to let Dudley take his place with Mrs. Hamilton, Dudley takes it upon himself to take Henry's place with Julia, at least for a day filled with ice skating and fine dining and a visit to family friend, Professor Wutheridge (Monty Woolley). It's clear that Dudley is understanding, charming and makes everyone he meets feel better instantly (because, you know, he is an angel). After failing to get Dudley out of his life, Henry talks to the Professor and finds that finally he can confess the truth about Dudley. The Professor helps him realize that Dudley is just trying to get the couple back together and to help them enjoy life again. Meanwhile, Dudley has a heart-to-heart with Mrs. Hamilton, who confesses that she no longer wants a cathedral, but wants to give her money to those in need, including Henry's old church, which is in dire straits. The whole movie comes together as Henry delivers his Christmas Eve service, happy that his true calling in life has been fulfilled.
Highlights
I was just thinking about how Cary Grant could play any character he wanted. I mean, I was thinking about how different some of his roles were, like how creepy he was in Suspicion, or hilarious in Bringing Up Baby. Then to see him as an angel, well, that just tops it all. I love him in this role, even more upon this viewing than the last. I think what he manages to convey best of all is how he is conflicted. I loved his line "when an angel becomes jealous of the humans in his charge, it's a warning signal." He is referring to Julia, with whom he has almost fallen in love. It's also fun to watch him with fellow Englishman David Niven and the lovely Loretta Young. All three turn in fine performances.
It seems that all these holiday films want to get at the heart of the real meaning of Christmas. Each one usually arrives at the same conclusion - that in addition to Christ, the gifts of Christmas are love, peace, and the people you care about. The Bishop's Wife does a wonderful job of getting Henry to realize just that. While his transformation is at the heart of the film, so is the transformation of Julia, who must learn to enjoy life and to live in the moment. Dudley is the perfect catalyst for both changes too.
Some scenes in this film are my absolute favorites from holiday movies. For instance, Dudley and Julia ice skating is delightful to watch, and Dudley's story about a shepherd named David fascinates both young Debby and the rest of the household (not to mention the audience!).
Review and Recommendation
The Bishop's Wife is just a simple, old-fashioned feel good movie with some religious subtleties. A wonderful family-friendly film, I recommend it as it's near the top of my list of all time favorite Christmas movies. It's definitely one I'd recommend to Cary Grant fans. Also, if you've ever seen The Preacher's Wife, which was made in 1996, it is a complete remake of this film, complete with a couple named Henry and Julia and an angel named Dudley. I haven't seen it, but am curious to watch it now.
