Behold Spirit Film of 1947
The Bishop’s Wife
An episcopal bishop is trying to raise money for a new cathedral but is falling short. He prays for divine guidance. The divine sends Cary Grant in response, who helps the bishop, his wife and his parishioners see what is truly important in their lives and church. And because it is Cary Grant, a romantic story line is also present. Everyone doing spiritual or religious work needs to be reminded occasionally of the true purpose for their work.
Uplifting Films: Brian’s 1947 Favorite Films
Gentleman’s Agreement
A journalist poses as a Jew to expose antisemitism. It is a more impactful story because it focuses on upper class, educated New York society. So many examples are uncovered, most of them small, that a powerful portrait of pervasive prejudice is created. The film also examines the way Jewish people respond (or don’t) to antisemitism.
It Happened On Fifth Avenue
Success in life can bring many great things to someone, but it makes it easy to forget the values that started you out on the journey. That is the premise of this film, about a bum who breaks into wealthy people’s homes to stay there while they are away at another of their homes. During this Christmas stay in a Manhattan mansion, he unknowingly meets the family who owns the house. He changes their lives for the better.
Miracle on 34th Street
Is Santa Claus real? A man calling himself Kris Kringle gets hired as the Santa at Macy’s in New York. Kris claims to be the real Santa and ends up on trial for his mental state. The charm of this film explores the magic that has built up around Christmas and the lessons the Christmas season has for us throughout the year.
One Wonderful Sunday
A young couple spend a Sunday in post-war Tokyo with very little money, determined to find amusement. They work hard to stay upbeat and discuss their dreams while in a physical environment full of reminders of war and destruction. The human spirit can have an almost unlimited ability to stay optimistic. We should all try to tap into that current.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Walter Mitty is the quintessential daydreamer, trying to escape his unsatisfying life. Then he gets involved in a fantastic and exciting adventure in real life that helps him become bold enough to go after the life he really wants.
Other Notable Films of 1947
- Black Narcissis
- Body and Soul
- Between Yesterday and Tomorrow (Zwischen gestern und morgen)
- Cynthia
- A Double Life
- If Winter Comes
- The Root of All Evil