An Episcopal Bishop, Henry Brougham, has been working for months on the plans for an elaborate new cathedral which he hopes will be paid for primarily by a wealthy, stubborn widow. He is losing sight of his family and of why he became a churchman in the first place. Enter Dudley, an angel sent to help him. Dudley does help everyone he meets, but not necessarily in the way they would have preferred. With the exception of Henry, everyone loves him, but Henry begins to believe that Dudley is there to replace him, both at work and in his family's affections, as Christmas approaches.
Cary's charm works as successfully upon audiences as it does upon the film's characters, and his relaxed wit plus Loretta Young's delicate loveliness makes for a frothily touching comedy.
– Geoff Andrew,
Time Out,
9 Feb 2006
fresh:
We cannot recommend you to a more delightful and appropriate Christmas show.
– Bosley Crowther,
New York Times,
25 Mar 2006
fresh:
While a fantasy, there are no fantastic heavenly manifestations. There's a humanness about the characters, even the angel, that beguiles full attention.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
27 Nov 2007
rotten:
There must be some excuse for this but I can't imagine what it is.
– Dave Kehr,
Chicago Reader,
27 Nov 2007
fresh:
Grant's turn is thoroughly convincing because he himself appears to be having a terrific time: He's expansive, graceful, and seems always on the verge of chuckling with goodwill.