Is The Bishop's Wife Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Bishop's Wife is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 109 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Bishop's Wife Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1947, The Bishop's Wife enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on An Episcopal Bishop, Henry Brougham, has been working for months on the plans for an elaborate new cathedral which he hopes will be paid for primarily by a wealthy, stubborn widow. Under the direction of Henry Koster, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Bishop's Wife offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Bishop's Wife resonates with current cultural themes in the Comedy space. It effectively mirrors local sentiment while maintaining a global appeal, a rare feat in recent releases.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, The Bishop's Wife is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Bishop's Wife centers on a unique premise within the Comedy landscape. An Episcopal Bishop, Henry Brougham, has been working for months on the plans for an elaborate new cathedral which he hopes will be paid for primarily by a wealthy, stubborn widow. He is losing sight of his family and of why he became a churchman in the first place. Enter Dudley, an angel sent to help him. Dudley does help everyone he meets, but not necessarily in the way they would have preferred. With the exception of Henry, everyone loves him, but Henry begins to believe that Dudley is there to replace him, both at work and in his family's affections, as Christmas approaches. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1947 cinema will find satisfying and robust.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Bishop's Wife has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the triumph of the protagonist over internal conflicts. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Bishop's Wife sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Bishop's Wife (1947): with an audience rating of 7.1/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Comedy, Fantasy, Drama, Romance cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Cast of The Bishop's Wife
- Cary Grant – Dudley
- Loretta Young – Julia Brougham
- David Niven – Henry Brougham
- Monty Woolley – Professor Wutheridge
- James Gleason – Sylvester
Top Highlights
Cary GrantDudley
Loretta YoungJulia Brougham
David NivenHenry Brougham
Monty WoolleyProfessor Wutheridge
James GleasonSylvester
Gladys CooperMrs. Hamilton
Elsa LanchesterMatilda
Sara HadenMildred Cassaway
Karolyn GrimesDebby Brougham
Tito VuoloMaggenti
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Bishop's Wife is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Bishop's Wife stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1947 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bishop's Wife movie hit or flop?
The Bishop's Wife is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Comedy, Fantasy, Drama movies.
Is The Bishop's Wife worth watching?
Yes, The Bishop's Wife is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Comedy, Fantasy, Drama cinema.
What genre is The Bishop's Wife?
The Bishop's Wife is a Comedy, Fantasy, Drama movie that An Episcopal Bishop, Henry Brougham, has been working for months on the plans for an elaborate new cathedral which he hopes will be paid for primarily...
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Bishop's Wife movie hit or flop?
The Bishop's Wife is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Comedy, Fantasy, Drama movies.
Is The Bishop's Wife worth watching?
Yes, The Bishop's Wife is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Comedy, Fantasy, Drama cinema.
What genre is The Bishop's Wife?
The Bishop's Wife is a Comedy, Fantasy, Drama movie that An Episcopal Bishop, Henry Brougham, has been working for months on the plans for an elaborate new cathedral which he hopes will be paid for primarily...
Is The Bishop's Wife family friendly?
Yes, The Bishop's Wife is suitable for family viewing as it falls under the Comedy, Fantasy, Drama genre.
Where can I watch The Bishop's Wife?
You can find streaming options and availability for The Bishop's Wife on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of The Bishop's Wife?
The Bishop's Wife features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie The Bishop's Wife?
The runtime and duration of The Bishop's Wife are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
This is one of those wonderful Christmas films that you can watch at any time of the year and still feel a certain feeling of satisfaction afterwards. David Niven is the Bishop who is struggling to get wealthy widow "Mrs. Hamilton" (Gladys Cooper) to fund a new cathedral - without, that is, her putting her late husband's face on the stained glass windows! He prays for guidance and it duly arrives; in the guise of Cary Grant ("Dudley") who quite determinedly, and mischievously, tries to help the Bishop not just with his new church, but with his priorities in general - especially towards his wife "Julia" (Loretta Young) and their daughter. Peppered with some characterful appearances from Elsa Lanchester as their maid, James Gleason as the skating cabbie and Monty Woolley as the professor with the never ending bottle; this is fun yet poignant. It has a sort of spirit to it; of kindness, consideration and Henry Koster gets the best from this whole cast as he builds it all gently to a suitable seasonal conclusion.