A 1947 Christmas romantic comedy is being hailed as essential viewing before the festive period.

Featuring Cary Grant – whom many regard as Hollywood’s finest performer – opposite Loretta Young and David Niven, the film showcases a magnificent ensemble bolstered by Gladys Cooper, Monty Woolley, Elsa Lanchester, and James Gleason.

The whimsical comedy was directed by Henry Koster and initially struggled commercially at cinemas. Research revealed audiences steered clear of the film as they assumed it would be overly pious given its name.

The producers subsequently chose to rebrand it as ‘Cary and the Bishop’s Wife’ across certain American territories.

They even incorporated a dark text panel on the film’s promotional materials, asking: “Have you heard about Cary and the Bishop’s Wife?”.

Following the inclusion of Cary Grant’s name in the picture’s billing, the movie performed considerably better commercially, boosting takings by nearly 25 per cent.

Admirers of Cary Grant and Christmas films can view The Bishop’s Wife on BBC2 at 9.15am today, November 8.

The Bishop’s Wife chronicles an angel who steps in to help a struggling bishop navigate his troubles. The film was adapted by Leonardo Bercovici and Robert E. Sherwood from Robert Nathan’s 1928 novel of the same name.

In 1996, the film was reimagined as The Preacher’s Wife, featuring Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, and Courtney B. Vance, and became a tremendous success.

The Bishop’s Wife received five Oscar nominations, including Best Motion Picture and Best Director, and claimed the Academy Award for Best Sound Recording, reports the Mirror.

Indeed, Cary Grant’s festive offering has secured an impressive 85 per cent on the Tomatometer on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.

Whilst one critic said The Bishop’s Wife “is a joyous film”, another wrote: “With the formidable Gladys Cooper and Elsa Lanchester in supporting roles, it’s a sweet, funny, captivating, altogether delightful picture, which too often gets omitted from lists of greatest-ever Christmas films.”

A third reviewer commented on the film: “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.”

One devotee of the movie added: “This is among the most joy filled and inspiring films ever made. We begin every Christmas season by watching this film and cannot imagine Christmas without it. Solid gold cast. Great film! A Christmas classic!”.

Meanwhile another audience review said: “This film is absolutely my new Christmas favorite. Everything about it was delightful and inspirational, and the splendid cast told a beautiful story about faith, love, and what is most important to remember during the holiday season.”

One viewer praised the Christmas film, saying: “I watched it last night for the first time in years. It brought tears to my eyes a few times. What a phenomenal masterpiece! ! ! Great Christmas movie. I highly recommend it.”