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The Preacher's Wife

The Preacher's Wife

They needed help. What they got was a miracle.

19965.82h 3m

Overview

Good-natured Reverend Henry Biggs finds that his marriage to choir mistress Julia is flagging, due to his constant absence caring for the deprived neighborhood they live in. On top of all this, his church is coming under threat from property developer Joe Hamilton. In desperation, Biggs prays to God for help – which arrives in the form of an angel named Dudley.

Directed by Penny Marshall
Written by Robert Nathan, Nat Mauldin, Allan Scott
Produced by Samuel Goldwyn Jr.
Box OfficeBudget: $40.0MRevenue: $48.1M

Top Cast

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington

Dudley

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston

Julia Biggs

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance

Reverend Henry Biggs

Gregory Hines

Gregory Hines

Joe Hamilton

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis

Margueritte Coleman

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine

Beverly

Paul Bates

Paul Bates

Saul Jeffreys

Justin Pierre Edmund

Justin Pierre Edmund

Jeremiah Biggs

Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie

Britsloe

Victor Williams

Victor Williams

Robbie

Themes & Keywords

angelchurch choirgospelreverendcrisis of faithwoman directorchristmas

About The Preacher's Wife

The Preacher's Wife is a family, fantasy, drama, comedy, romance film released in 1996 exploring themes of angel, church choir, gospel, reverend, crisis of faith, woman director. Directed by Penny Marshall, it stars Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance. Good-natured Reverend Henry Biggs finds that his marriage to choir mistress Julia is flagging, due to his constant absence caring for the deprived neighborhood they live in. On top of all this, his church is coming under threat from property developer Joe Hamilton. In desperation, Biggs prays to God for help – which arrives in the form of an angel named Dudley.

Movies Similar to The Preacher's Wife

Discover titles like The Preacher's Wife — ranked by similarity and community votes

We found 15 movies similar to The Preacher's Wife

If you enjoyed The Preacher's Wife, you'll love these handpicked recommendations. Each title below shares similar themes, tone, and storytelling style. Our algorithm analyzes genres, keywords, director filmography, and cast connections to find the closest matches. Whether you're looking for the same emotional depth, narrative structure, or visual style, these picks are curated to deliver the best viewing experience for fans of The Preacher's Wife.

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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.

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George Bailey has spent his entire life giving to the people of Bedford Falls. All that prevents rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town is George's modest building and loan company. But on Christmas Eve the business's $8,000 is lost and George's troubles begin.

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Charles, an attorney, and Helen, his devoted wife, seem to have everything – money, a beautiful mansion – the American Dream. However, as Helen prepares to celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary, her life takes an unexpected twist when she comes home to find her clothes packed up in a U-Haul van parked in the driveway. Charles is divorcing her and kicks her out. Helen moves in with her grandmother Madea, an old woman who doesn't take any lip from anyone. Madea helps Helen through these tough times by showing her what is really important in life. Helen is forced to rediscover love, life, and religion in her pursuit for happiness.

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With Christmas Eve just around the corner in bustling New York, five lonely and sad strangers find their lives inadvertently intersected.

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