There is a lot that’s beguiling in this fey and wayward piece with its very theatrical drawing room scenes.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 7, 2022

The Bishop's Wife is a joyous film.

| Original Score: 3.5/4.0 | Sep 3, 2020

With the formidable Gladys Cooper and Elsa Lanchester in supporting roles, it's a sweet, funny, captivating, altogether delightful picture, which too often gets omitted from lists of greatest-ever Christmas films.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Dec 13, 2019

Whatever you make of the minor miracles performed along the way, there's no trouble believing that Cary would fall for Loretta or that anybody would fall for Cary.

| Jan 9, 2018

The playing from all three stars is enjoyable and the festive setting allows Grant to trim a Christmas tree with the flick of a finger.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 10, 2014

Grant's turn is thoroughly convincing because he himself appears to be having a terrific time: He's expansive, graceful, and seems always on the verge of chuckling with goodwill.

| Original Score: B+ | Dec 4, 2012

It is a big, slick production. The only thing it lacks is taste.

| Dec 8, 2008

A typically sanctimonious Hollywood Christmas fantasy that works mainly because of the charm of the performers.

| Dec 8, 2008

Cary Grant's suave, charismatic angel is the main reason to see craftsman Koster's sentimental, verbose serio-comedy about a bishop (David Niven) struggling with marriage and funds for new church; A Christmas staple along with It's a Wonderful Life.

| Original Score: B- | Feb 12, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 4, 2007

There must be some excuse for this but I can't imagine what it is.

| Nov 27, 2007

A warm, sentimental comedy-fantasy.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 27, 2007

While a fantasy, there are no fantastic heavenly manifestations. There's a humanness about the characters, even the angel, that beguiles full attention.

| Nov 27, 2007

We cannot recommend you to a more delightful and appropriate Christmas show.

| Mar 25, 2006

Cary's charm works as successfully upon audiences as it does upon the film's characters, and his relaxed wit plus Loretta Young's delicate loveliness makes for a frothily touching comedy.

| Feb 9, 2006

Its feel-good sentiment ends up drowning the film in saccharine.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jan 17, 2006

This is a decent enough movie, well worth a watch, but it falls short of being a true classic.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 30, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 29, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 19, 2004

Holiday classic still charms.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Oct 30, 2004