The Bishop's Wife

The Bishop's Wife

Year: 1948

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Henry Koster

DramaFantasyComedyRomance

Facing a crisis with his cathedral fund, Bishop Henry Brougham seeks divine intervention. He unexpectedly receives an angel named Dudley, who arrives to help but unintentionally complicates matters. Dudley's charm and presence stir up feelings and disrupt the bishop's marriage, forcing Henry to question his values and re-evaluate his relationships in this delightful romantic comedy.

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Timeline & Setting – The Bishop's Wife (1948)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Bishop's Wife (1948). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Christmas Eve

The events unfold on Christmas Eve, a time celebrated for family, generosity, and reflection. This specific evening signifies hope and redemption, making it an ideal setting for the characters to confront their wishes and desires. The blend of holiday spirit and personal conflicts encapsulates the emotional essence of the season.

Location

New York City

The movie takes place in New York City during a snowy evening, capturing the festive atmosphere adorned with Christmas decorations. Known for its vibrant city life, New York City serves as a backdrop for the acts of kindness and the magical encounters occurring throughout the story. Its iconic streets enhance the sense of wonder as the characters navigate challenges and personal growth.

🏙️ City ❄️ Winter 🎄 Christmas

Last Updated: May 27, 2025 at 13:20

Main Characters – The Bishop's Wife (1948)

Meet the key characters of The Bishop's Wife (1948), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dudley (Cary Grant)

Dudley is a charming and gracious angel sent to help Bishop Henry find guidance and clarity in his life. With a captivating presence, Dudley brings light and joy to those around him, inspiring love and hope in Julia, while challenging Henry to reconsider his priorities. He embodies the essence of kindness, making a profound difference despite his mysterious nature.

👼 Angel ❤️ Kindness 🌟 Charismatic

Julia (Loretta Young)

Julia is the compassionate and loving wife of Henry, who reflects on her own emotional turmoil within their strained marriage. Her interactions with Dudley reveal her inner struggles, emphasizing her longing for connection and happiness. An empathetic figure, Julia ultimately seeks fulfillment beyond material desires, aligning her journey with the film's themes of love and hope.

❤️ Love 🎭 Emotional 🌹 Caring

Henry Brougham (David Niven)

Henry is the dedicated Episcopalian bishop grappling with the demands of his position and the pressures from his wife and committee members. His journey reflects a man torn between ambition and personal happiness as he strives to fulfill his dream of building a new cathedral. Through his struggles, Henry learns the importance of prioritizing love and generosity over material accomplishments.

📖 Faith 🎩 Ambitious 😤 Conflicted

Last Updated: May 27, 2025 at 13:20

Major Themes – The Bishop's Wife (1948)

Explore the central themes of The Bishop's Wife (1948), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✨ Hope

The theme of hope runs throughout the film, illustrated by the angel's intervention in the lives of the characters. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing love and connection over material ambitions. As the characters navigate their struggles, hope is depicted as a guiding light leading them to personal revelations.

💔 Love

Love takes center stage as the primary motivator for the characters, particularly Henry and Julia. Their strained relationship highlights the sacrifices made in pursuit of personal and professional desires. Ultimately, it conveys a message that true love requires understanding, empathy, and the willingness to change.

🎁 Generosity

Generosity is a recurring theme reflected in the angel's actions as he performs good deeds for those around him. The story captures the essence of giving during the Christmas season, illustrating how small acts of kindness can significantly impact others' lives. It advocates for selflessness as a means to foster community and connection.

Last Updated: May 27, 2025 at 13:20

Unlock the Full Story of The Bishop's Wife

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The Bishop's Wife Summary

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The Bishop's Wife Summary

The Bishop's Wife Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Bishop's Wife with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Bishop's Wife Timeline

The Bishop's Wife Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Bishop's Wife Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Bishop's Wife

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