I was delighted when I saw this film again for the first time in years. It truly warms the cockles of your heart and is right up there with It's A Wonderful Life as standard Christmas fare that reminds all of us what the season is really about.
From the moment Cary Grant appears as Dudley, the all too human angel on a mission, we are riveted to the screen. He's out to teach Reverend Henry Brougham (David Niven), a thing or two about Christian charity, and as we all know, "charity begins at home." It seems that in the process of trying to raise funds for a new cathedral, the good Reverend has been neglecting his charming wife, played in her sweet, dignified way by the beautiful Loretta Young.
But Reverend Brougham has also forgotten that his flock needs more than a new cathedral- they need hope, faith and charity and his ministry, which he has forsaken in his quest to court the richest lady in town to donate funds for the new cathedral. Cary's Dudley is out to bring these truths home to him.
But Dudley doesn't just touch the Reverend's life, he brings joy and hope into everyone's life that he comes into contact with.
There's a wonderful skating scene where a taxi driver, Sylvester, played by prolific character actor James Gleason, gets to feel like a kid again and have fun with Julia, (the Reverend's wife, Loretta Young), and Dudley. This scene brought a smile to my face! All the supporting cast are excellent with Gleason, the Professor (Monty Woolley) and the maid, (Elsa Lanchester) being particular stand outs. But Cary steals the show as the irrepressible Dudley.
In the end, you feel that this angel has truly earned his wings! Settle back and get ready to be charmed!
From the moment Cary Grant appears as Dudley, the all too human angel on a mission, we are riveted to the screen. He's out to teach Reverend Henry Brougham (David Niven), a thing or two about Christian charity, and as we all know, "charity begins at home." It seems that in the process of trying to raise funds for a new cathedral, the good Reverend has been neglecting his charming wife, played in her sweet, dignified way by the beautiful Loretta Young.
But Reverend Brougham has also forgotten that his flock needs more than a new cathedral- they need hope, faith and charity and his ministry, which he has forsaken in his quest to court the richest lady in town to donate funds for the new cathedral. Cary's Dudley is out to bring these truths home to him.
But Dudley doesn't just touch the Reverend's life, he brings joy and hope into everyone's life that he comes into contact with.
There's a wonderful skating scene where a taxi driver, Sylvester, played by prolific character actor James Gleason, gets to feel like a kid again and have fun with Julia, (the Reverend's wife, Loretta Young), and Dudley. This scene brought a smile to my face! All the supporting cast are excellent with Gleason, the Professor (Monty Woolley) and the maid, (Elsa Lanchester) being particular stand outs. But Cary steals the show as the irrepressible Dudley.
In the end, you feel that this angel has truly earned his wings! Settle back and get ready to be charmed!