MovieChat Forums > The Bishop's Wife (1948) Discussion > I find this to be a very sad film...am I...

I find this to be a very sad film...am I alone?

posted 17 years ago by aciolino
20 replies | jump to latest

I'm not sure why. But here's a guess.

To me, the lead characters (Grant, Young, and Niven) are the least important. An odd thing to write but, consider: which characters really undergo a metamorphosis and have a revelation which changes who they are?

One: the professor. A somewhat bitter, frustrated man reveals something of the source of his melancholy after drinking some of the Angel's port. His tragedy (a lost love) prevented him from leading a truly full life, hence his lonely, little apartment, and the sense that anytime he passed a cemetary he was apartment searching.

Second: Mrs. Hamilton. Similarly, she made a terrible choice early in life and has tortured herself for it ever since.

Both characters obtain a revelation and are, hence redeemed, as Mrs. Hamilton gives her wealth to the poor, and the Professor attends Christmas Eve services, knowing his book will be written. Still, extremely poignant, if not sad.

Please share your thoughts.

Thanks.

Joe

[–] aciolino 10 years ago

I can't believe so many years have passed since my original post. Thank you all for your responses, which I have delighted in reading. And I look forward to additional responses as time passes.

It has become clear to me, since I first posted, that I AM "the professor" -- which accounts for my strong visceral reaction to him and his story. I'm sure others feel some identification here as well.

It is a great film and I find I treasure and appreciate it more and more. Merry Christmas.

[–] sesarp101 9 years ago

I've just watched it for the first time in a few years and I blubbed uncontrollably (the same as when I was a kid!). The harp scene, the choir, and obviously the last few scenes are all really touching. The music is fantastic, and the performances are spot on.

Every time I watch it I wish it was real, every time I watch it it reminds me to try and be a better person. It might be pure fantasy (although I live in hope there is some truth in there!), but it still means a lot to me on so many levels.

[–] aciolino 9 years ago

Thank you for sharing your experience. And I know you are not alone in the shedding of a tear during this film. I once saw it at a revival house and many folks were using tissues almost throughout the film!

Glad you mentioned the music. I don't recall the composer's name offhand but I remember that he is a well-known film score composer. The music here provides a perfect backdrop of the sweet, the poignant, the melancholic, and the mystical. It is a wonderful soundtrack.

And yes, I agree that it operates and speaks on many levels. What a great film.

[–] kathykato (107) 6 years ago

I watch this a few times every Xmas season, and have, for years. I would describe the movie as sentimental, not sad. I love the music, the nostalgia, the black and white atmosphere. About a decade ago I corresponded by email with Karolyn Grimes, who had played Debbie. I asked her how she was able to learn her lines so well at such a young age, and what it was like to work with Cary Grant. She graciously responded that it's easy for children to learn a great many things because their minds are like sponges, and that Cary Grant was very kind to her. Since I am a Cary Grant fan, I was happy to hear this. Karolyn's personal life had some real tragedy in it,
yet she remains a warm and positive person. Now when I watch the film, it adds even more meaning to the story, about how we can overcome life's difficulties and disappointments when we reach out in love to others.