Film of the Week: The Bishop’s Wife, 1947

Producer Samuel Goldwyn, by all accounts, was enthusiastic about his film adaptation of the novel, The Bishop’s Wife, by Robert Nathan. He had a top-notch cast which included David Niven, Dana Andrews and Teresa Wright. The film was sure to be a success—especially during the Christmas season.

However, the story which centers around the lonely wife of an ambitious Episcopal Bishop whose life is interrupted by an interfering angel, was a failure with preview audiences. Goldwyn had to act quickly to salvage the film before its release. He swiftly fired director William Seiter, replacing him with Henry Koster. Goldwyn also hired Charles Bracket and Billy Wilder to quietly rewrite the script. Essentially, a completely different picture was made.

Along with the new script came a new cast. Teresa Wright had to withdraw from the project due to a pregnancy. Dana Andrews, who had been cast as the Bishop, was dismissed from the film. Koster brought in Cary Grant to replace Andrews, but Grant didn’t want to play the Bishop. He wanted to play the charming, dashing angel. And, so David Niven, who had been cast as the angel, became the Bishop to allow Cary to get his wings. Loretta Young replaced Teresa Wright and was given the opportunity to create a character that solidified her place in the Hollywood pantheon.

The redone The Bishop’s Wife previewed quite well, and plans were made to release the film. A peculiar trailer was producer (see below) which features the three main cast members shambling around the studio, out of character. It’s quite odd. Some believe that this odd trailer was created to maintain the “secrecy” of the identity of Cary’s character. Others believe that it was made this way because the picture was behind schedule and actual footage had not been finalized.

The result is a charming film which quickly became an American Christmas favorite. It’s a charming story with a lovely cast which also includes Gladys Cooper, Monty Woolley and Elsa Lanchester. It’s just the sort of fanciful, delightful picture that’s perfect for the holidays, and, despite the troubles endured in making it, turned out to be a real gem.