Recently tepidly remade as The Preacher's Wife, the original concept for The Bishop's Wife is often charming. A Bishop faces a crisis in his life and looks to God for help and an Angel promptly arrives on the scene. Much of its success has to do with the great screen presence of Cary Grant. Grant makes the Angel come to save the day a delight and his comic timing is second to none. A look from Grant is often enough to provide a laugh.Loretta Young and David Niven are the couple in need with some excellent support from Monte Wooley.
Winter fantasy. (c) HBO
This black and white film from the Sam Goldwyn vaults is beautifully photographed by Greg Toland and the DVD transfer preserves the luminosity of Toland's camera. The lovely lighting and shadows come to accurate screen life. The picture is sharp and age markings are minimal. The remastered Chase Surround Stereo sound is somewhat thin, but dialogue is clear.