An angel (Cary Grant) comes to see a bishop (David Niven) who’s struggling with the construction of a new cathedral… but his assignment is more important than that. One year after It’s a Wonderful Life came another Christmas fable, although far from as memorable. This one has a very dapper Grant who comes between the bishop and his wife (Loretta Young), simply because he’s so darn handsome… but improving their marriage is part of his mission. Monty Woolley, as a professor, brings a well-needed touch of acid to an otherwise very cute film. Lovely Christmas atmosphere.
1947-U.S. 108 min. B/W. Directed by Henry Koster. Screenplay: Robert E. Sherwood, Leonardo Bercovici. Novel: Robert Nathan. Cast: Cary Grant (Dudley), Loretta Young (Julia Brougham), David Niven (Henry Brougham), Monty Woolley, James Gleason, Gladys Cooper… Elsa Lanchester.
Trivia: Grant and Niven were originally cast in their opposite roles, with Teresa Wright as Julia and William A. Seiter directing. Remade as The Preacher’s Wife (1996).
Oscar: Best Sound.
