December 07, 2009.

The Bishop's Wife DVD.

Rating: 5
I have loved this movie for a long time, and was thrilled to find it available on Amazon in DVD format. It is a great "old" movie classic.

December 06, 2009.

Talk about brilliant casting.

Rating: 5
This movie has one of the most brilliant bits of casting ever. I mean, (from a woman's perspective) if an angel were to appear on earth, what better form could he possibly manifest than that of Cary Grant?
Originally, Grant was supposed to play the part of the Bishop, which is well-played by David Niven, and Niven was supposed to play Dudley the angel. Grant reportedly insisted on taking the angel's part, however. He plays it to perfection, right down to the soulful look in his liquid brown eyes.
This is one of the best classic holiday movies. It is not shown as much as "It's a Wonderful Life," and though it is warm and sentimental, it not too sticky-sweet to tolerate.

December 29, 2008.

A classic.

Rating: 5
If you enjoy Christmas classics, you must add this one to your collection. Great storyline.

December 22, 2008.

Classic DVD.

Rating: 5
Very satisfied with packaging, shipping and promptness of delivery. Was also thrilled at the availability of this film.

December 21, 2008.

Near-Perfect.

Rating: 5
This is one of my very favorite Christmas classics. Though I hadn't heard of and didn't see the film until 1980, it immediately joined the ranks of my holiday favorites - at the top of the list. Here's why:

1. Cary Grant as an angel. This is perfect casting and the elegant Mr. Grant plays Dudley with effortless aplomb and grace. The role was made for him and without him the film would probably not be the classic it is (who else could've played an angel and not seemed ridiculous?). Watching each woman in the film fall under his charismatic and kindly spell is special fun.

2. A wonderful supporting cast: Loretta Young, David Niven, James Gleason, Gladys Cooper, Elsa Lanchester, Monty Woolley, Sara Haden, Regis Toomey. This is a splendid ensemble cast and every member delivers. I especially enjoy the great Glady's Cooper's arrogant and demanding aristocrat, Mrs. Hamilton, who becomes putty in Dudley's presence, and the always excellent James Gleason as the cabby, Sylvester. But Niven, Lanchester, Woolley and Haden are all standouts. Loretta Young's soft and astonishing beauty assist her well in the title role as the rather sheltered and innocent but increasingly unhappy wife of a bishop (Niven) who is in the process of losing his way.

3. A good old fashioned Christmas message. The moral of the story is that Christmas is about peace on earth and goodwill toward others, not material objects (gifts, cathedrals, etc.) or personal glory. The plot delivers this message gently and well.

4. It's a Sam Goldwyn film, so it's first rate. Aside from the long, deep list of stars and solid supporting actors, the production is sleek and goodlooking, the plot is engaging, the script facile and often clever and amusing.

Since I first saw "The Bishop's Wife," I've become aware of other classic holiday films (THANKS TO TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES) that were unknown to me before: "Meet Me in St. Louis" (Judy Garland) and "Christmas in Connecticut" (Barbara Stanwyck) in particular. In fact these three are my favorites. Add the 1984 TV version of "A Christmas Carol" starring George C. Scott and the 1970 musical, "Scrooge," with Albert Finney and you have five peerless Christmas classics.