Pop Culture Movies and More: The Bishop's Wife (1947)

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

The Bishop's Wife (1947)

Henry Brougham is a newly appointed Bishop and is having a difficult time raising funds for a new cathedral. His wife misses their old neighbourhood in a poor part of town and he is stressed and preoccupied with his new duties. His prayers are answered when an angel, Dudley, suddenly appears in his study. Dudley tells him that he's there as his assistant and will be present until he is no longer needed. With all of his work, Brougham hasn't had much time for his wife, Julia, and daughter, Debby, so Dudley keeps them company. The main contributor to the cathedral fund, Mrs. Hamilton, has several conditions to be met before she transfers the funds. Henry is forced to compromise his principles to get the money. As Christmas arrives, Dudley spins his charms ensuring a happy Christmas for everyone, particularly Julia and Henry. This is certainly one of the most pleasant Christmas classics I have ever seen coming close to the equally heart-warming: It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Cary Grant is phenomenal as the angel, Dudley. All of his scenes are so charming and delightful in every way. I love how he helps everyone that he passes from guiding blind people across the street to saving a baby whose pram was rolling towards a car. Some of my favourite moments from his character are when he is with Henry, who has a hard time believing he is an angel and when he performs some small miracle, it leaves Henry with a hilarious disbelieving expression. Even when he thinks it was all in his head, his reaction to seeing him through the window the next day will forever be priceless, it is so funny. The two have a great conflicting relationship as Henry wants Dudley to go, despite everybody else loving him, whereas, Dudley just can't help but be continually joyful and caring to all, brightening the world in everything he did. Everyone who has met him or been touched by his kindness is left with huge smiles and all the ladies have such dreamy looks on their faces. I love how Dudley knows everybody's names without them having to introduce themselves, he just casually uses their names as if they had known each other for years. This plays into one of my all-time favourite sequences in the film, the choir scene. Dudley and Julia visit the boy's choir, where they only find two boys there. With Christmas and Basketball keeping the boys busy and away, Dudley proceeds to greet the two boys (who he of course knows their names) and begins the choir. As they begin, Dudley holds out his hands and beckons at the doors, which began opening with boys flooding in with some confused expressions and all begin to join in song. It is a superb sequence that gets a chuckle from me, whilst also having some beautiful angelic music. Another iconic sequence is the ice skating where we see Dudley and Julia have a lovely time with some impressive skills shown. One of the most impressive aspects of this film is the visual effects that are used when Dudley performs some miracles. Particularly the moment when he throws some cards up into the air, which then fly into the correct sections of the boxes and for the day and age, it looks incredible. For the majority of the film, Henry is only concerned for only his cathedral, paying little to no mind to his family. That is until Dudley shows him what he has by making him miss out on time with his family, making him want to fight for them. Especially when he comes to realise he is mortal whereas Dudley is an angel. Overall, what a marvellous film. Another testament to those classic Christmas movies of old. An enjoyable fantasy which can be viewed with the whole family each festive season.