THIS is what happens when you wish for a miracle *THE BISHOP'S WIFE* (1947) | first time watching

[@blortmeister]

I must say that I like how much respect you have for film: not simply the story or the actors, but the whole process, the context, even the framing. And yet you're not above fangirling over Cary Grant. Love and intelligence are a rare combination--especially around film on YT.

[@002DrEvil]

David Niven was always a good actor. I would recommend A Matter of Life and Death and The Guns of Navarone as 2 of his best performances.

[@melanie62954]

I second A Matter of Life and Death! Powell and Pressburger were such superb filmmakers.

[@tourbillon9617]

I fanboyed over the housekeeper (or cook), Elsa Lanchester. For some reason she mostly gets brief roles, though sometimes important (Bride of Frankenstein/Mary Shelley). I strongly suggest Witness for the Prosecution with Elsa Lanchester, her husband Charles Laughton, and the always so mysterious Marlene Dietrich.

[@lemorab1]

See Elsa in "Bell, Book and Candle" (1958.)

[@oaf-77]

She was even good in ‘The Inspector General’

[@billolsen4360]

Not to mention Elsa's bohemian artist Louise Patterson in "The Big Clock," also with husband Laughton.

[@laurab68707]

The girl who played the daughter is the same little girl who played Zuzu in It's a Wonderful Life and as you saw the boy who Dudley hit with the snowball was the young George Bailey. So two of the children in this movie also played in It's a Wonderful Life.

[@raymeedc]

~ Wonder if Dudley knows Clarence 🤔

[@ozkaz13]

@@raymeedc❤❤❤

[@nathanbohlig6931]

Karolyn Grimes. I actually got to meet her a decade or so ago and chat with her a bit about some of the roles she got to play and actors she got to work with. She said Cary was very kind and would read to her between takes.

[@christinepaige2575]

Thank you -- so interesting about the boy who played the young George Bailey. I've always thought he must have grown up to be a super-handsome man 😍.

[@bunniebee2475]

The girl that plays Debbie is also in It’s a Wonderful Life. She plays Zu-Zu who has the famous petals.

[@melenatorr]

Monty Woolley, quietly stealing scenes as the warm, yet cynical Professor, and showing how he can be totally opposite from "The Man Who Came to Dinner", and yet still project that sly, smiling edge. It's fitting to me that, of all the central people Dudley's associated with, it's this man who stops for an instant, feeling that slight, uncertain whiff of recognition (I love Monty Woolley, who acted alongside Grant in another movie, "Night and Day", a movie based on the life of Cole Porter, a friend of Woolley's).

[@billolsen4360]

9:40 That actress is Gladys Cooper. We was a beauty queen at 19 and started out in silent movies. Yes, she was in "Rebecca" and also played Betty Davis' mother in "Now, Voyager" in 1942 as well as Rex Harrison's mom in "My Fair Lady."

[@sticklebacksummer]

Two great British actors.

[@tgchism]

I'm glad to see someone react to this gem of a film.I think it gets overlooked because of the stronger religion aspect of it today! Loved hearing the history portion at the front of the video but was a little disappointed not seeing Sylvester the taxi driver in your edit of it. He's a minor but notable part of the movie! Well done over all! Thank you!

[@teenaapperson5880]

Loretta Young is divine. Im also a sucker for Cary Grant and David Niven :) I feel bad for the youth who don't have the experience of these treasures! So grateful for you and your channel!

[@freshbrewedasmr3378]

I'm 26, and this is my favorite Christmas movie. I watch it twice or three times during the Christmas season. There's something so wholesome and cozy about it. It's a feel-good movie

[@toshawhatareyoudoing6410]

I love the part where Dudley is telling the story of David and seamlessly flows into Psalm 23. I get all goosebumpy whenever I watch it.😊

[@christinepaige2575]

Yes, I know what you mean. I think that Cary Grant understood the supernatural dimension to his lines in that scene, and conveyed it so effectively that, as you said, it is goosebump-inducing. The director clearly understood it too, as the housekeeper and the secretary are listening and they stop what they are doing as though mesmerized for a moment...what a wonderful, subtly powerful scene that is.

[@JennLynnTarot]

Love this movie 😍 You've gotta watch The Farmer's Daughter with Loretta Young and Joseph Cotton.....great supporting cast too 💓

[@Terry-te1ij]

Gladys Cooper as Mrs Hamilton played Henry Higgins's mother in "My Fair Lady" and Max DeWinter's sister Beatrice Lacy in "Rebecca."

[@beamanact]

Yes, Gladys Cooper! She was in REBECCA. She's also incredible in NOW, VOYAGER with Bette Davis.

[@robinturner1138]

She played the sister of Maxim in Rebecca. Loved the scene where she told Robert at lunch he should get all his teeth taken out! She played Laurence Olivier’s first wife in That Hamilton Woman. Great character actress!

[@johnniekight1879]

Debby was Zuzu in "It's A Wonderful Life". Back in the day everyone wore rubbers or Galoshes over their shoes or boots.

[@andrewforbes1433]

I'm a non-believer, but I am a cultural Christian who loves Christmas, and I have a soft spot for this film. It is suffused with a rare warmth that I can't resist. Gregg Toland's deep focus cinematography is extraordinary.

[@melenatorr]

There's the fantastice Elsa Lanchester as Matilda, whom you have seen (I believe) in "Witness for the Prosecution" and "Bell, Book and Candle"!

[@keithedwinsmith9416]

A Matter of Life and Death Possibly my favourite David Niven film.

[@etherealtb6021]

Such a great film and (IMHO) his greatest performance!

[@brendaclark8344]

One of my favorite David Niven movies is Batchelor Mom with Ginger Rogers. It is a comedy set between Christmas and New Years. I think you will love it.

[@coolaunt516]

I agree the special effects were outstanding, specially for the time.

[@bjm9071]

One of my favorite Christmas films. And if it has Cary Grant, you know it's going to be good!

[@bespectacledheroine7292]

Your channel continually impresses Mia. My biggest hope this new year is Kind Hearts and Coronets. When you live a life of revenge, you dig two graves, but the movie also doubles the laughs!

[@charlieeckert4321]

I second that suggestion. Alec Guinness in multiple roles as the D'Ascoins.

[@bespectacledheroine7292]

@@charlieeckert4321 You come for Guinness and stay for Dennis Price!

[@HuntingViolets]

Oh, yes, _Kind Hearts and Coronets!_

[@HuntingViolets]

@@bespectacledheroine7292 He owns this film. Price is amazing.

[@cwdkidman2266]

Are you the viewer who thought Bringing Up Baby was silly and frantic for no real reason other than to be silly and frantic? If so, my response is A Midsummer Night's Dream, Woody Allen, Duck Soup, and Monty Python. Comedy divides neatly down lines of gender. The Marx Brothers at Paramount had an almost exclusively male audience. So at MGM they became big brothers to young lovers. And the quality fell. The I'd was checked. And the Bruddahs got rich. Guys are quite willing to spend 90 minutes with a bunch of donnish professorial types pretending to ride horses while followed by servants banging two empty halves of coconuts together to make hoof sounds. And guys are very comfortable with silliness for the sake of silliness. As Groucho said in one of the Paramount movies,just as Chico and Harpo were preparing to play, "I HAVE to be here, but that's no,reason you folks can't go to the lobby for popcorn 'til this thing blows,over." If you don't know what I'm talking about, I apologize. And this reply will self-destruct in 30 seconds.

[@cliffchristie5865]

While we're at it, Mrs. Duffy, the accompanist for the choir rehearsal, is played by Sarah Edwards, who played Mrs. Hatch ( Mary's mother ) in "It's A Wonderful Life". If you want to see some engaging, relatable David Niven, watch the 1946 film "A Matter Of Life And Death" - aka "Stairway To Heaven".

[@okay5045]

You are supposed to feel uncomfortable about their relationship. Dudley was catching feelings 😊

[@MoviesWithMia]

I felt it! 😅

[@Sp33gan]

Happy New Year, Mia, and I hope your move goes smoothly. I think the early dining table scene is set like that to show the distance between the bishop and his wife. Sitting at opposite ends of a long table, made visually longer by where the camera was placed. This has long been amongst my favourite movies. Cary Grant's charm is so incredible, it just leaps from the screen. The story telling is excellent and no scene nor dialogue is wasted. David Niven and Loretta Young play their parts perfectly. Your information on Grant deciding to switch roles makes sense and I can't imagine him playing the insecure and misguided bishop. Young was, by what I've read, a bit of a prude in her real life, including keeping a jar in her home where guests were expected to put money into if they allowed a curse word to escape their lips. Apparently, at one party, she got annoyed at Errol Flynn for his frequent use of expletives so he tossed a large bill into the jar and told Loretta that should cover his night of swearing, and to not bother him again. Also appearing in The Bishop's Wife, as the maid who couldn't take her eyes off Dudley the angel, was Elsa Lanchester. She was also the female lead in The Bride of Frankenstein opposite Boris Karloff as the monster. She was a big star in her native England as well as her husband, Charles Laughton, another gifted actor. Elsa would play another maid in Disney's Mary Poppins, with Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. In your thoughts on David Niven films, another of my favourites is The Prisoner of Zenda. Niven is very young and his part isn't big, but he does a great job. The rest of the cast include Ronald Colman, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., the great Raymond Massey, and one of my favourite character actors in C. Aubrey Smith. Niven and Massey would combine again the 1946's A Matter of Life And Death (the US title is Stairway To Heaven). That one is also a classic. As to other Cary Grant movies, I'll recommend two that are great fun. Firstly, as the submarine captain in Operation Petticoat with Tony Curtis as co-lead. Secondly, if you've not seen it, the wonderful Arsenic And Old Lace, a brilliantly paced screwball comedy that also starred Raymond Massey and the underappreciated Peter Lorre.

[@ofbutterfliesandbooks384]

I always thought this scene at 11:30 was filmed this way to emphasize the "distance" between Julia and Henry at the dinner table in how they are sitting so far apart from each other.

[@melenatorr]

Oh, I want Glady's Cooper's dressing gown in her scene with Dudley .....

[@MoviesWithMia]

Yes! I would SLAY in my lounge wear!!

[@geertdecoster5301]

My most favourite Christmas movie. Children still love it. The professor is my own favourite character. That he seems to finally finished his work, well, that's something any academic likes to do. Write just the one thing that makes a difference

[@geraldmcboingboing7401]

Thank you, Mia, for reacting to my favorite Christmas movie!!

[@jamesalexander5623]

You noticed the Boy who Played Young George Bailey .... But you missed that The Bishop's Daughter Debbie played Zuzu in "It's a Wonderful Life"!

[@MoviesWithMia]

Oh darn! I hadn’t noticed!

[@kelseyk530]

Mia...you should have done "Holiday" (1938) with our favorite Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn as a New Year's Eve/Day film. With Lew Ayers in a wonderful performance. It's a very underrated film.

[@wallyllama2926]

Mia, have you ever seen Wuthering Heights with David Niven, Lawrence Olivier and Merl Oberon? Highly recommend.

[@MoviesWithMia]

Oh I have!! I’ll be honest the story of Wuthering Heights frustrates me because the two main characters are ultimately propel their own unhappiness! But the acting in that particular version was sublime!

[@marilynnixon1283]

Gladys Cooper was a stage star in the beginning of the 20th century. She was also a pinup girl in WWI. Bachelor Mother with Ginger Rogers and Niven is another good holiday movie. Monty Wooley in The Man Who Came to Dinner is also good if you haven't done it already. Keep up the good work. I'm a fan of old movies and I'm really enjoying watching someone watch them for the first time.

[@meganhuffmanwrites]

Mia, my dear friend literally introduced me to this movie for the first time THIS past Christmas. I haven't watched the video yet, but I just wanted to say how much I hope you enjoyed it and I cannot wait to hear your reactions. This movie is a delight and it was such a classic that, much like with The Shop Around The Corner --> You've Got Mail they remade it in the 1990's with Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington in The Preacher's Wife and I had the pleasure of checking that one out too, which was also very cute. But this original version is the best. Carey Grant is excellent as Dudley, but honestly I felt it was an absolutely standout performance for David Niven. I could enthuse about it for hours, haha. I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and are enjoying a happy New year so far! Much love!

[@lemorab1]

This original version of "The Bishop's Wife" is absolutely the best. A boyfriend told me about it back in 1977 (when this film was considered fairly obscure) and I saw it on the big screen in the 1980's at the local cinema rep house (these don't exist anymore.) Thanks for sharing your initial viewing with us Mia! Did you know that in 1946, David Niven's wife Primmie died in a freak accident during a party at Tyrone Power's house? He was still grieving when he filmed this. Originally, Grant was playing the Bishop and Niven was playing the Angel. They would've both been good, but I'm glad they switched roles. This has Cary Grant exuding maximum Cary Grantness. It doesn't get any better.

[@alanbehrens4231]

@@lemorab1 Really miss those repertory theaters. Had one in my city.

[@KimSimful]

This is one of my favorites! No one reacts to it!

[@jamesstrickland517]

This has always been one of my favorite Cary Grant movies, along with an Affair to Remember and Operation Petticoat. And his films with Audry Hepburn are all stunning.

[@paulpeacock1181]

I love this movie. Check out Cary and Irene Dunne in the movie Penny Serenade ; they made three movies together.

[@dow311]

That movie make me cry.

[@hollytooker507]

So pleased you chose THE BISHOP’S WIFE, one of my favorites. Yes, the boy played young George Bailey. And Debbie played Zuzu. And as a big fan of Cary grant, you will love another of his little known, but great movies: ROOM FOR ONE MORE with then-wife Betsy Drake.

[@kurtb8474]

The snobby Mrs. Hamilton was played by Gladys Cooper. I remember you reacting to the original Twilight Zone series. She played in two of those episodes.

[@melenatorr]

And Mia is also right, she was the sister in "Rebecca". Cooper often played this type of character, or worse (e.g., "Strange Love of Martha Ivers" or "Now, Voyager"), but, apparently, like many professional movie villains, was sweetheart in real life. My introduction to her was as Rex Harrison's mom in "My Fair Lady", and loved her immediately.

[@oaf-77]

Her own Christmas Carol moment in the end of this really felt so natural and cathartic

[@melenatorr]

@@oaf-77 Amazing actress, and generous with her scene partners.

[@patriciagerresheim2500]

The physical distance between David Niven and Loretta Young at the dining table reflects and emphasizes the emotional distance between them.

[@oaf-77]

That’s what I got too, the distance and awkwardness

[@MoviesWithMia]

Watching the movie again, I totally understood that! Wow, where was my mind the first time and how did I not catch it the first time around 😅

[@patriciagerresheim2500]

@@MoviesWithMia Watching a movie for the first time, there's so much to take in. It's often the case that there are things viewers won't catch the third, fourth, or even fifth time around, if then.

[@SueProv]

I'm fan girling with you Mia. I can't wait for this reaction. I love this movie and al your reactions. I know you're going to love this . The rich old lady played Rex Harrisons mother in My Fair Lady. She was also in Now Voyager with Bette Davis

[@rcmorl6390]

Now Voyager is another of my favorites Ms Mia needs to do if she hasn't already

[@SueProv]

​@rcmorl6390 I love Now Voyager too.

[@pattyo4703]

I love this film. I also love, "The Man Who Came to Dinner." Mia, as usual, gives an enjoyable narrative and analysis.

[@dow311]

Gladys Cooper was in My Fair Lady, Now Voyager (my favorite), The Song of Bernadette and many more.

[@mattsharkey8437]

I need to date this woman. Her taste in film is fantastic!

[@rcmorl6390]

Been waiting for this one. Its one of my favorite essential Christmas movies. Thaks for a great reactuon

[@paulpeacock1181]

Mia, in regards to David Niven, he was in countless movies but he was also a well known writer. You might find his two memoirs interesting reading. The Moon is a Balloon is early life and his experience in the military and Bring On The Empty Horses about his time in Hollywood. During the seventies, I remembered that he was a frequent guest on tv talk shows because he was an excellent storyteller with excellent stories to tell

[@hollytooker507]

Yes! THE MOON’s A BALLOON and BRING ON THE EMPTY HORSES are wonderful memoirs, highly recommended if you can find them. The second title is from a movie directed by Michael Curtiz Niven was making. Not a native English-speaker, Curtiz’s gaffes were famous. In this case he wanted riderless horses to enter. “Bring on the empty horses!”

[@KirRoyale]

Mia, I think that you would enjoy reading David Niven's memoir, Bring on the Empty Horses. It was a best seller in the 1970's. My mother gave it to me one Christmas as she instilled in me a love of classic films. I found it delightful.

[@franciscogarza2304]

Hey Mia! Happy New Year! ⭐ I've suggested you should watch the Academy award winning 1942 romantic war drama "Mrs. Miniver" a sentimental story about a middle class English family that have to survive during the second World War, It was the first film with the plot centered on World War 2 to win best picture a year before Casablanca won for best picture at the 16th Academy Awards in 1944, If you haven't seen it I recommend it.

[@charlieeckert4321]

Another two Cary Grant films I would recommend are Mr. Lucky and His Girl Friday. My favorite David Niven performance is in The Guns of Navarone.

[@ofbutterfliesandbooks384]

If you thought Gladys Cooper's acting was amazing in this movie, which it was, you should see her in Now, Voyager.

[@kelseyk530]

She's also in "That Hamilton Woman" and "My Fair Lady."

[@marykayesugerman6843]

This movie made me cry all through it.

[@kristinaschlegel2680]

You mentioned City of Angels. Have you seen the original Wim Wenders “Wings of Desire”. It’s amazing.

[@MoviesWithMia]

I haven’t but if it’s anything like City of Angels, I am so down!

[@kristinaschlegel2680]

@@MoviesWithMia completely different, but same story. Omgosh - I can't wait for you to watch it. You will value it's beauty (and humor).

[@spyboy1964]

Mia, if you want to see a great movie with David Niven may I suggest A Matter of Life and Death(1946). Produced in the UK by the filmmaking team of Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powell, it is also a romantic film with fantasy elements. It also features some of the best cinematography of that era done by none other than Jack Cardiff ( the cinematographer of The African Queen ). I highly recommend it.

[@Divamarja_CA]

In a stunning move of individuality, I remember when my brother stated he preferred David Niven’s debonair style and suaveness over Cary Grant’s.

[@JPSE57]

Since you like David Niven AND fantasy, check out A Matter of Life and Death (1946) where he mysteriously bails out of a doomed bomber, lives and falls in love, then has to plead for his life in a celestial court.

[@michaeldmcgee4499]

Cary Grant vs David Niven! How can you go wrong?

[@etherealtb6021]

The other reason for the title is Loretta Young was a HUGE star the, David Niven wasn't yet. BTW, if you like him, watch A Matter of Life and Death. I think you'll really love that movie!

[@angelsinthearchitecture]

i love this movie! Such a great reaction! You should watch 'Wings of Desire', i think it's what City of Angels is based on, great movie, love an angel who wants to be human movie

[@etherealtb6021]

I love that movie!

[@994pt4]

One of the best Christmas movies and in dire need of a good blu ray release.

[@happyflower251]

Hi Mia. You will love the movie Now Voyager!!

[@RMBittner]

Highly recommend David Niven and Ginger Rogers in the wonderful holiday comedy “Bachelor Mother.”

[@okay5045]

This is a wonderful movie. Dudley changed everyone around him but the Bishop's wife, she didn't need to be changed just seen. The Bishop and the old woman were changed most profoundly.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

i've turned so many people onto so much music and so many movies. this was one of my favorite LONG BEFORE it became well known later in the 80s. its a bit more "religious" than i usually like but its done with remarkable religious restraint. i mean "the ten comandments" (1956) is a religious film but its still a great movie! in "the bishop's wife" the professor, played by Monty Woolley, is my favorite character. (much like "the day the earth still" (1951) where sam jaffe plays the professor.) here, elsa lanchester plays the house keeper. she played the "bride" in "the bride of frankenstein" (1935) and later specialized in house keeper roles also appearing as one in "mary poppins" (1964). and speaking of sam jaffe, the black-listed actor, have you seen "gentleman's agreement" (1947) starring gregory peck, dorothy mcGuire, john garfield and sam jaffe? an exceptional film about anti-semitism in post war america. jaffe also played "gunga din" (1939) which also starred carey grant and douglas fairbanks jr. and speaking of the late 40s you have to watch 1948's "the snake pit" starring olivia de havilland. she gives a tour-de-force performance in a film about mental illness.

[@dearally4787]

Loretta Young is amazing in the movie “Paula” it is a heart wrenching film but one that stays with you.

[@user-pw6kb3vz8i]

Hey Mia! Huge fan here, I absolutely adore your movie breakdowns and your genuine passion for cinema shines through every single video. You've introduced me to some hidden gems I'd never have discovered otherwise, so thank you! Today, I'm on a mission to spread the word about a Turkish masterpiece from 1966 called "Sevmek Zamanı." Let me tell you, this one might just knock your socks off (and melt your heart!). Imagine a lonely painter, consumed by an impossible love for a woman he's only seen in a portrait. Sounds tragic, right? But trust me, Erksan weaves this forbidden affection into a tapestry of longing, obsession, and breathtaking visuals. You'll be transported to the misty Prince's Islands in Istanbul, and the black-and-white cinematography will have you reaching for your coffee table book just to admire the scene composition. It's not a straightforward romance, though. More like a cinematic Rubik's Cube that messes with your head and heart in the best way possible. And the music, oh my gosh, the music! Hauntingly beautiful melodies that linger long after the credits roll. Just prepare to be glued to the screen, dissecting every shot and wondering what Erksan has up his sleeve next. I know you love diving deep into lesser-known classics, and "Sevmek Zamanı" deserves a spot on your must-watch list. It's the kind of film that sparks endless discussions, and I'd love to hear your take on it after you've seen it. Anyway, just throwing this cinematic gem your way. Trust me, Mia, your viewers (and your heart) will thank you for taking this trip to Istanbul with Erksan. Can't wait for your next video! And keep exploring those cinematic corners, you never know what treasures you might unearth.

[@MoviesWithMia]

Thank you so much for sharing your recommendation! I am eager to explore international classic films, so I will keep Sevmek Zamani in mind for that potential series!

[@JulieRobb-o2o]

Wow. Thank you for your effort spent reviewing.I so enjoyed watching your facial expressions! I'm sure you know for the role of Angel...David Niven was originally cast. After Mr Grant reviewed the script felt switching roles was best suited. Can you imagine? Thankyou for your comments on the spirituality in this film. Their were several notable references of scripture apart from the scene with precious Debbie. Another fact, Mr Niven lost his wife Primmie(in real life) shortly before this film. You can find it online if you didn't. How remarkable that he carried his role so brilliantly. The other characters masterful as well. From Professor, to Silvester to each woman... hats off. The Score and sound effects as well as to the Mitchell Boy Choir rounded out a film that is inspiring. For myself, Mr grant while so adaptable to many roles truly offered his finest ! Loved your review How enchanting.

[@Lemmon36]

please watch THE MUSIC MAN (1962), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (1967) and HELLO, DOLLY (1969)

[@StevesFunhouse]

This is one of my favorite movies and along with Bell Book and Candle (Jimmy Stewart, Kim Novak, Jack Lemmon, Ernie Kovacs AND also Elsa Lanchester ... the inspiration for Bewitched) are 2 of my absolute yearly must-have, must-watch Christmas movies. Your reaction to this one was the best I've seen !!!

[@francoisevassy6614]

Thank you, Mia, for commenting one of my favourite Christmas movies. I love Cary Grant too, saw him in 48 movies may I recommend you « Penny Serenade » for which he was nominated (the Oscar went to Gary Cooper in Sergeant York, they should have been ex-æquo !) and « People Will Talk ». I am very fond of Loretta Young and David Niven, but in this film, I want to point out the minor characters : Gladys Cooper whom you saw in My Fair Lady and who gives an astonishing performance in « Now Voyager », Sara Haden (The Shop around the Corner), James Gleason - too bad you missed his character - and also little Karolyn Grimes (Debbie/Zuzu) who is still alive. Greetings from France 🇫🇷

[@gaylewinds4808]

I think you're right about the snobby lady being Maxim's sister. She's aged, but looks and sounds the same too.

[@ozkaz13]

City of angels is Set in Los Angeles, California, the film is a loose remake of Wim Wenders' 1987 film Wings of Desire (Der Himmel über Berlin), which was set in Berlin. A must see❤

[@MoviesWithMia]

Fantastic film!

[@fast_richard]

I was just looking up Gladys Cooper (Mrs. Hamilton) on IMDB. She not only was the character you though she was in Rebecca, but she was also in an episode of Twilight zone that I remember seeing when I was eight years old and it aired for the first time. The episode Nothing in the Dark featured her as an old woman waiting for death opposite a very young Robert Redford.

[@richardzinns5676]

Another movie from which you might remember Gladys Cooper is My Fair Lady (probably my favorite movie): she is Professor Higgins' mother. As to other David Niven performances, have you seen Around the World in 80 Days? He's incredibly fun in that.

[@okay5045]

If you love the Old woman you must see her in NOW VOYAGER starring Bette Davis she plays Bette's mother.

[@etherealtb6021]

Mia will love that movie!

[@tedcole9936]

Thanks, Mia. As always, I love to ‘discover’ new-to-me old films, this is no exception. Sometimes these old films trigger memories in mysterious ways for me. The ice skating scenes in this movie did just that, bringing back 3 very different and very specific memories. But, ah heck, I guess they are too many and too long to tell. Suffice to say that once in a lifetime, when the entire lake has a clean freeze, thick enough to skate on with no snow on it at all, when the skates fit perfectly so that the blades feel like they are simply a part of you, it’s an opportunity for indescribable joy. My wife and I took a large plastic tarp, fastened it to two long thin strips of pine that we just happened to have, rolled it up, skated upwind, then un-rolled it to make a giant sail. The wind was cold and strong, and we raced down the lake, laughing all the way until we ended up in the cattails at the East end of the lake, a ride of about a half mile. We rolled it up and skated upwind for another run. A neighbor’s dog joined us and ran the whole way with us, jumping and barking the whole way. After that, any time we were out skating, playing hockey with neighborhood kids, or even just shoveling snow off our rink, the dog barked to get out of his house to join us on the lake. Sorry, this story was too long, and had little point, but I’m too old to care. Love the old films, keep up the good work! There’s nothing like skating outdoors!

[@MoviesWithMia]

Thank you for sharing this heart-warming story! I love when films evoke cherished memories from the audience watching! It’s very wholesome ☺️

[@cjpreach]

MIA - the little girl who played Debbie also played ZuZu in "It's a Wonderful Life."

[@oaf-77]

Love this film, David Niven is such a singular actor and Cary Grant is always amazing. Just an amazing cast. Also love Elsa Lanchester

[@deckofcards87]

Loretta Young was a lovely actress with a graceful screen presence. She's in another one of my favourites "The Call of The Wild" with Clarke Gable. And in "The Stranger," with Orson Welles.

[@brittanylin1994]

For the distance at the early dinner scene; it could be to convey the distance growing between Julia and Henry. This is my mom’s favorite Christmas movie; I’m going to show her your video. ☺️

[@teenaapperson5880]

My take on the relationship between Dudley and the wife is they did fall in love. They didn't act on it but there was that romantic love.

[@Austral13]

I'm so glad you did this one. It's one of my mom's favorite Christmas movies.

[@CathleenMJennings80]

YEEEEES! FINALLY - this gem is being seen (and appreciated)! It was my gateway into Cary Grant lol Although I've seen it at least 10x, I never stopped to think that it was called The Bishop's WIFE. Excellent observations throughout. You mentioned in the beginning how the camera felt oddly far away from the characters - if it was intentional, maybe the Bishop & his wife were distant from each other. His concern was about a building and not those who would be in it - making him far from her AND from God.

[@CathleenMJennings80]

I just rewatched it and - at the end - the camera is in a tight close up of the Bishop & Julia... And they are within kissing distance.

[@deckofcards87]

Happy New Year, Mia🎆 🎇 This one's an annual staple for me. I think it might be the role that best encaptulates that charming persona we all love about Cary Grant.

[@HuntingViolets]

"What am I supposed to do with this [ancient coin that is probably worth a lot if I'd check, but, oh, well, it's of no use to me]?"

[@long-timesci-fienthusiast9626]

Hi Mia, so glad you managed to react to this film, I had a feeling you would enjoy it. I was lucky enough to come across it by chance while channel hopping, around 10 - 13 Yrs ago. Also, it was just as it was about to start & I`ve been watching it every Xmas Eve, ever since. There are a number of wonderful traditional Xmas films, at least from 1940 - 1954. I don`t know if it was coincidence or due to the effects of WW II or perhaps both. But, I am grateful for them whichever reason is responsible. I agree with you about Xmas window displays, sadly only large stores (generally in Cities) continue this trend. When I was growing up in the `60`s, even small shops in Towns still did them. As a child, it was a wonderous feeling to stand outside peering in at the amazing displays of all the wonderful items, whether you were likely to get any of them or not.

[@jenniferyorgan4215]

Yes, Gladys Cooper was the sister in Rebecca

[@MoviesWithMia]

I KNEW IT!!

[@missmartylynn]

Happy New Year, Mia. I enjoy watching your reactions because you actually enjoy these wonderful old classics and stars. I also appreciate your recognition of changes in our culture through time, region and race that we no longer have the context for. For example, nosy old Puritan prudes from the Northeast that influenced so much of our social standards today. One clarification though. Ethereal is pronounced: eee-THEER-eee-al. Looking forward to your discovery of another of my favorite movies!

[@douglasswicegood4420]

You should see David Niven and Betty Grable in 1939's "Bachelor Mother" a wonderful classic comedy.

[@rmarkread3750]

What a lovely way to start the new year! Thank you! It is so much fun experiencing movies with you. Thanks again.

[@klyanadkmorr]

I LOVE ANGEL(Immortal)/MORTAL love stories and love the old original novel for it's more simple sincereness and inner monologues saying what in the film WE SEE in the faces and reactions of the great actors. Some same story points the film adopted to portray it's updated more amusing version. The book is worded using the culture and words of that time in 1920's considering even more orthodox in social culture than even 40's film. The book angel Michael is more innocent and pure in trying to be human to help the Bishop FIRST and heart stumbles when meeting the Bishop's wife whose soul heart is so good pure

[@juliehaley2765]

My favourite by far. Thanks for this review

[@randallshuck2976]

This has been a favorite of mine since the mid 50s. I also enjoyed "City of Angels" but I preferred "Michael"(1996?). It was one of Travolta's best movies, in my opinion, as was "Phenomenon" also of 1996. Great reaction to a very good movie. Thanks.

[@andrewkorbel9883]

The effects remind me of Mary Poppins.

[@ofbutterfliesandbooks384]

Omg, I love the movie, City of Angels.

[@MoviesWithMia]

It’s a great film for sure!

[@bharrelson63]

I've never paid any attention to David Niven before but he is great in this. There is one particular scene that made me laugh out loud. No spoilers, not telling.

[@moreanimals6889]

David Niven was in The Pink Panther

[@brightbite]

What Julia and Dudley had would be termed as a Mystical Romance. It is not s3xual in nature, but it is romantic on a spiritual level. 😄 Thanks for introducing me to the term "affectionship." I hadn't heard that. Nice review on one of the few movies which made a permanent (positive) brand on my life.

[@touriewright5428]

Great pic and reaction. I will say the remake is good too and I never say that lightly. :)

[@wallyllama2926]

Can you imagine if your angel was Cary Grant? I wouldn’t make it into heaven.

[@MoviesWithMia]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MoviesWithMia]

You and me both 😈