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    The Bishop's Wife

    Reviewed by
    pietroantoni@

    Henry Koster who in 1953 was to direct the first feature in CinemaScope, The Robe, directed THE BISHOP'S WIFE in 1947, an utter masterpiece. More than a mere comedy; it goes beyond that sphere. It can be seen at anytime but the Christmas season is best for viewing. I have seen it at least 5 times and it's impossible to tire of it. It's a wonderful tale of the season in which both natural and supernatural forces are at work. It is scripted more as a drama with some comedic overtones, a movie that has a lot to say about our humanity, the humour arising from certain characters and playful situations. I must repeat this is one of my all time favourites of Old Hollywood. Cary Grant is totally awesome as the VISITOR to the diocese. Bishop David Niven and wife Loretta Young are joyous to watch on screen as they struggle with a problem. Add to the mix that one gets a supporting cast of pure gold... Montey Wooley as a cynical professor, Dame Gladys Cooper as the woman with power and the engaging totally wistful ELSA LANCHESTER as the housekeeper in the bishop's home, well it is all so glorious. One even gets SARA HADEN, Andy Hardy's aunt from the old film series as the Bishop's secretary. Though the characters obviously appreciate everything of the Christmas spirit, it's a joy to see them trusting and open in an attempt to understand even things that we are not meant to comprehend completely. There are scenes of such delight, even a few shenanigans that just add to the beautiful spirit of the movie. The Bishop's Wife is so charming in creating this beautiful world that has long ago left us. I often wonder what a glorious time it must have been to be American or Canadian, for that matter, just 2 years after WWII, the best years in American life with true peace and harmony which it hasn't had since. The writers of the film have to receive much credit for creating this fantastical American world as beautiful as any picture post card of the season. It's a film that stays with you as it's about something that truly matters, hardly flimsy like almost every Christmas film of today most of which are either lame or stupid.

    10
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    pietroantoni@  23.12.2014 age: 36-49 14,540 reviews

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