The Bishop's Wife (1947)
Kernel Score: 78% · 274 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Drama, Romance
Released: 1947-12-25
Runtime: 109 minutes
Where to watch The Bishop's Wife
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, BYUtv, Fawesome, The Roku Channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
An Episcopal Bishop, Henry Brougham, has been working for months on the plans for an elaborate new cathedral which he hopes will be paid for primarily by a wealthy, stubborn widow. He is losing sight of his family and of why he became a churchman in the first place. Enter Dudley, an angel sent to help him. Dudley does help everyone he meets, but not necessarily in the way they would have preferred. With the exception of Henry, everyone loves him, but Henry begins to believe that Dudley is there to replace him, both at work and in his family's affections, as Christmas approaches.
The Bishop's Wife parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that The Bishop's Wife is a wholesome 1947 Christmas classic about an angel helping a bishop rediscover his family and faith.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Bishop's Wife
If you liked The Bishop's Wife, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- It's a Wonderful Life (1946) — 91%
- Spellbound (2011) — 83%
- Wings of Desire (1987) — 87%
- Angel-A (2005) — 76%
- Great Expectations (1946) — 82%
- Piku (2015) — 79%
- The Cutting Edge (1992) — 80%
- Silver Skates (2020) — 83%
Director
Henry Koster
Cast
- Cary Grant as Dudley
- Loretta Young as Julia Brougham
- David Niven as Henry Brougham
- Monty Woolley as Professor Wutheridge
- James Gleason as Sylvester
- Gladys Cooper as Mrs. Hamilton
- Elsa Lanchester as Matilda
- Sara Haden as Mildred Cassaway
- Karolyn Grimes as Debby Brougham
- Tito Vuolo as Maggenti
The Bishop's Wife FAQ
Is The Bishop's Wife good?
The Bishop's Wife has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 274 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Bishop's Wife?
In the US you can stream The Bishop's Wife on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, BYUtv, Fawesome and The Roku Channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Bishop's Wife OK for kids?
The Bishop's Wife is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that The Bishop's Wife is a wholesome 1947 Christmas classic about an angel helping a bishop rediscover his family and faith.
What movies are like The Bishop's Wife?
If you liked The Bishop's Wife, try It's a Wonderful Life, Spellbound, Wings of Desire and Angel-A.