Moments of Movie Wisdom: Divine Individuality in ‘The Bishop’s Wife’ (1947)

(L–R) Cary Grant as the mysterious visitor Dudley, David Niven as Bishop Henry Brougham, and Loretta Young as the bishop's wife in the 1947 film "The Bishop's Wife." (MovieStillsDB)

Commentary

The Christmas season is full of traditions and customs, both sacred and secular. One of the most common ways in the United States to get in the holiday spirit is to watch festive movies. Although many films released in the last few decades are now considered Yuletide classics, the most beloved Christmas movies were made during the Golden Era of Hollywood (1934–1954).

Today’s moment of movie wisdom is from “The Bishop’s Wife” (1947). This scene takes place 38 minutes into this 109-minute film. Julia (Loretta Young), the sensitive wife of Episcopalian bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven), and Dudley (Cary Grant), Henry’s mysterious assistant, are paying a visit to her old friend, Professor Wutheridge (Monty Woolley). Julia and Professor Wutheridge ask Dudley who he really is, and he asks whether they would believe him if he said he comes from another planet. Julia says she would, and he explains that we all come from different planets, which is why we all are different.

The Film

Bishop Brougham is trying to raise the funds to build a new cathedral in the Midwestern town where he lives. Unfortunately, the project takes so much of his energy and attention that he has very little time for his wife, Julia, and their young daughter, Debby (Karolyn Grimes). Julia is very troubled because the happy marriage and loving family she once shared with Henry have now been traded for board meetings, committees, and pandering to wealthy potential donors. After snapping at Julia, he prays fervently for help and guidance.

Suddenly, he hears a voice behind him in the study. He sees a stranger, Dudley, who introduces himself as an angel who has been sent to help Henry find his way. The bishop can’t believe the very human, very charming, and very handsome stranger is a supernatural being. Henry becomes extremely jealous as Dudley charms everyone in his life. Secretary Mildred (Sara Haden) and housemaid Matilda (Elsa Lanchester) are entranced by him, and he wins the heart of Debby and even the imposing wealthy widow who dictates Henry’s life, Mrs. Hamilton (Gladys Cooper). However, Henry really becomes frustrated when he thinks Dudley is stealing Julia away from him.

Loretta Young as the wife of the bishop goes skating with Cary Grant as the mysterious visitor Dudley in "The Bishop's Wife." (MovieStillsDB)

The Scene

Professor Wutheridge is an old friend of the Broughams. He’s a cynical, atheistic history professor who celebrates Christmas only out of tradition. Henry no longer has time for poor people like the professor, but Julia dearly misses the early days of their marriage when they had a lot of friends. One day, Henry promises to go to lunch with Julia, yet he later realizes he forgot about a luncheon where he is schedule to speak. Disappointed, she takes Debby to the park. Dudley meets her there “by coincidence” and arranges for Matilda to take Debby home. He takes Julia to lunch at her favorite restaurant, and they have a wonderful time together.

Afterward, while walking around town, they run into Professor Wutheridge. Dudley bumped into him before in the first scene, when he used his angelic knowledge to convince the professor they know each other. Seeing that Julia knows Dudley, the professor invites them both over to his apartment. While there, they enjoy a deep conversation over a glass of sherry.

Its Significance

The professor is very suspicious of Dudley, since he has absolutely no recollection of knowing him before. He asks Dudley to tell them who he is and from where he comes. Dudley responds, “Would you believe me if I told you I’m from another planet?” “I don’t know,” the professor muses. “I’d believe you, Dudley,” Julia says sincerely. “And you’d be right, Julia, as usual. We all come from our own planets. That’s what makes us all different. That’s what makes life interesting.”

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This is such a brief exchange in the scope of the whole film, but it’s an important one. It’s just one example of the divine wisdom which the character of Dudley offers to the other characters throughout the story. Dudley spreads happiness everywhere he goes but only rarely through actual miracles. Usually, he brings a smile to otherwise grumpy or stressed people by offering a compliment, a kind gesture, or just a friendly word. He makes people who are often overlooked feel special by pointing out something unique about them.

Monty Woolley as Professor Wutheridge comforts Loretta Young as the wife of the bishop in "The Bishop's Wife." (MovieStillsDB)

Divine Individuality

There’s a popular trend of trying make everyone the same these days. When people are exceptional, unique, or just a little different, they are often labeled with some syndrome or disorder. By calling so many people, especially children, “neurodivergent” when they simply would have been called nerdy, eccentric, or intelligent in the past, it creates an unrealistic standard of normalcy. It also stunts creativity and natural talent. This brief quote from Dudley is an excellent reminder that every human being is a unique soul with innate God-given gifts, talents, quirks, and attributes.

This movie is one of my favorite Christmas films. The whole story takes place during the days leading up to Christmas. The unnamed city where it’s set is a charming Christmas town with traditional decorations and snow. Certain elements of Dudley’s characterization may be a little fanciful theologically, but there are many moving religious moments which are a refreshing reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.