The Bishop’s Wife

(Henry Koster, US 1947, 109 min., 35mm)

Come Christmastime, Bishop Brougham (David Niven) finds his life in tatters: he can’t come up with the funds for a new cathedral, and his wife (Loretta Young) seems to be losing faith in their marriage. Enter Dudley (Cary Grant), an angel who has been sent down in answer to the prelate’s prayers—but is this divine being getting a little too close to the bishop’s wife? A delightful reminder of the days when Hollywood could make a faith-themed film with style, The Bishop’s Wife is a charming classic. Nominated for five Academy Awards in total, including Best Picture and Best Director for Henry Koster.