Charles Brackett (1892–1969)

This is a screenplay, so I almost put it back. I don't even like reading plays. But I brought it back from my Library bag, and gave it a shot. I'm glad I did.

You know how when you're young and beautiful, and you're used to everybody falling in love with you, and you're always getting attention? This goes on for a long time, so you come to take it for granted. And then, when you're in your 50s, one day you realize that you're not getting that attention anymore, and you have to learn how to be the person that gives yourself all that love and attention that other people used to give you. Now, picture what that's like for a movie star. A very successful, glamorous, rich movie star who is used to fans worshipping her. About a thousand times worse, I guess. Meet Norma Desmond, ex-Hollywood legend, now 50 years old and unable to accept it. She can't, so she lives in a fantasy world into which tumbles young Joe Gillis.… (more)

This is a classic 1940s black and white film, which we'd never seen before the end of 2006 although the DVD had been on our shelves for a while.

It stars David Niven as a Bishop, who is so busy that he barely has time to be with his wife and daughter. It also stars Cary Grant as a slightly unlikely angel, in a suit, sent to help.

There are lots of amusing incidents, and some parts that are quite moving. We thought it very well done, in an era without computer graphics or simple special effects, and the story is good with a thought-provoking message.

Definitely recommended if you like a bit of sentimental nostalgia and a feel-good story.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-bishops-wife-loretta-young-cary-...… (more)