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Book Vs. Movie: The Bishop’s Wife

The 1928 novel by Robert Nathan Vs the 1947 Classic Cary Grant Film

It’s December at Book vs Movie and we are excited about covering holiday-themed films including this selection–The Bishop’s Wife. The original novella was written by Robert Nathan in 1928 is the story of a preacher, Henry Boughman, who dreams of building a huge cathedral at the expense of his relationship with his wife Julia. 

An angel, Michael, appears to help Henry and his family learn that family & love is more important than status. In the meantime, Michael Falls in love with Julia and is distraught to hear they can never have a “mortal love.” Julia decides to try for another baby to fulfill her needs. 

The book is an exploration of faith with vivid conversations between the preacher and a Jewish businessman and Professor Wutheridge who both wish to find out the source of why he is so single-focused on religious expression. 

The movie, which features some child actors from the recently released It’s a Wonderful Life, took some liberties from the book and focused more on the possible romance of Julia and “Dudley” (Cary Grant in a typically amazing performance.” The film was directed by Henry Koster and stars David Niven and Loretta Young

So, between the original story and the movie–which did we prefer? 

This episode is sponsored by Kensington’s newest romance novel by acclaimed South African author Therese Beharrie And They Lived Happily Ever After about a romance novelist, Gaia Anders,  who has an active dream life. In fact, everything she dreams she puts into her stories which double as her love life. Gaia’s waking life can’t compare to her dreams. 

In fact, her childhood was incredibly lonely and she is very shy of romance until she meets her best friend’s brother, Jacob Scott. Jacob is a workaholic with no time for relationships, but he crushes hard for Aiden and wonders how he can get her attention. Jacob has his own demons to conquer as he begins to literally share his dreams with Gaia.

Can they find love while uncovering personal hard truths? 

The story takes place in modern-day Captain Town, South African and you can follow her on ThereseBeharrie.com. Follow the hashtag #OwnVoices Rom-Com to learn about Therese and other romance authors of color. 

In this ep the Margos discuss:

  • The life of writer Robert Nathan and his famous relatives
  • The theme of religious devotion in the early 20th Century in the U.S. 
  • The main differences between the novella & film. 
  • Starring: David Niven (Bishop Henry Brougham,) Loretta Young (Julia,) Cary Grant (Dudley,) Monty Woolley (Professor Wutheridge,) James Gleason (Sylvester,) Gladys Cooper (Mrs. Agnes Hamilton,) Elsa Lanchester (Matilda,) Sarah Haden (Mrs. Duffy,) Karolyn Grimes (Debby,) and Robert J. Anderson

Clips used:

  • Cary Grant meets Debby
  • The Bishop’s Wife  trailer
  • The kids play snowball
  • Dudley flirts with Julia
  • Preacher Henry gives a sermon
  • Music by The Robert Mitchell Boys Choir 

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Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com [email protected]

Margo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ 

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Check out this NEW episode of Book Vs. Movie!