I’m probably the last to see this wonderful Christmas movie, but if there is anyone else out there who hasn’t seen it either, please know that I loved it. I don’t want to give the plot away, but he message is spot on, and Cary Grant as eye candy is not bad either!
My only beef with the movie is that I’m sensitive to the fact that it is a homogeneously all white cast, with no minorities, no people of color, no disabilities, no alternative lifestyles depicted– only white privilege together with those even more privileged. That spells out the myopia of some in 1949 when this was made, as well as elucidates how far we’ve come in regards to inclusion, even though we have much further to go. But look beyond skin deep appearances here, and the story is sound. I give this classic, “black and white movie” (ha!) five stars anyway, forgiving them this gaping omission as a product of their times.
We watched this film “from the silver screen” for free on Amazon prime, but I think it is generally available otherwise. If you haven’t seen this classic, now would be a good time. Enjoy!
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4 Comments
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Have not seen it…will…Elisa Landcaster! Wow! Thanks for the treat!
I am watching Gentleman Jack on HBO and loving it….
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I also haven’t seen it- will enjoy it tonight. Thanks for the post- I’ll read what you wrote tomorrow.
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Polly,
Love your website and appreciated your review of The Bishop’s Wife.
Every work of art requires context and here is mine.
Every Saint has a past.
Every Sinner has a future.
What mattered then,
and now is in the The Bishop’s Christmas Eve Sermon;
“Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.
Once upon a midnight clear,there was a child’s cry.
A blazing star hung over a stable and wise men came with birthday gifts.
We haven’t forgotten that night down the centuries;
we celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees,
the sound of bells and with gifts.
But especially with gifts.
You give me a book;
I give you a tie.
Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer,
and Uncle Henry could do with a new pipe.
We forget nobody, adult or child.
All the stockings are filled — all that is,
except one.
And we have even forgotten to hang it up.
The stocking for the child born in a manger.
It’s his birthday we are celebrating.
Don’t ever let us forget that.
Let us ask ourselves what he would wish for most,
and then let each put in his share.
Loving kindness,
warm hearts
and the stretched out hand of tolerance.
All the shining gifts that make peace on earth.”
The Bishop’s Wife Sermon on You Tube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzRUZYI8XdU
May everyone be blessed with Christmas filled with Joy, Peace and Agape. -
One of my favorites!! We watch it every year – I especially love the sermon of the Empty Stocking at the end.
Glad you enjoyed!
I agree with your point about the homogeneity of the cast though – we watched White Christmas on Christmas Day and I had the exact same reaction.
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