The Preacher’s Wife is a 1996 American Christmas fantasy comedy-drama directed by Penny Marshall and released by Touchstone Pictures. It is the second official remake of the 1947 classic The Bishop’s Wife and is based on Robert Nathan’s 1928 novella of the same name.
The 1996 version modernizes the story by setting it within a contemporary African-American Baptist community in New York City, infusing the narrative with soulful gospel music. It stands out as one of the most prominent mainstream Hollywood films to center Black church culture, combining heartfelt storytelling with iconic performances.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | December 13, 1996 |
| Director | Penny Marshall |
| Runtime | 124 minutes |
| Budget | ~$60 million |
| Worldwide Box Office | $57.1 million (domestic $48.1M, international $9M) |
| MPAA Rating | PG |
| Filming Locations | New York City; Newark & Paterson, NJ; Westchester County, NY |
| Cinematography | Miroslav Ondříček |
| Editing | George Bowers & Stephen A. Rotter |
| Production Companies | Touchstone Pictures, Samuel Goldwyn Company, Parkway Productions |
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Reverend Henry Biggs (Courtney B. Vance) is an exhausted pastor of a historic Baptist church struggling to maintain his congregation amid a crumbling neighborhood. Overwhelmed, he prays for help. Enter Dudley (Denzel Washington), a charming angel sent to assist.
Dudley’s mission becomes complicated when he grows fond of Julia (Whitney Houston), Henry’s devoted wife, who feels overlooked. Through a series of small miracles, the Biggs family and their congregation rediscover faith, love, and community. At its heart, the story celebrates marriage, purpose, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Principal Cast
- Julia Biggs – Whitney Houston (her first major starring film role; executive soundtrack producer)
- Reverend Henry Biggs – Courtney B. Vance
- Dudley (the angel) – Denzel Washington
- Joe Hamilton – Gregory Hines
- Marguerite Coleman – Jenifer Lewis
- Beverly – Loretta Devine
- Jeremiah Biggs (young) – Justin Pierre Edmund
- Saul Jefferys – Lionel Richie (cameo)
- Hakim – Darvel Davis Jr.
- Mrs. Havergal – Mary Alice
Special cameos include Lionel Richie, Paul Bates, and members of the Georgia Mass Choir.
Production Background
- Initially developed in the late 1980s with Denzel Washington attached.
- Whitney Houston campaigned for the role of Julia and personally chose Penny Marshall as director.
- Filming took place winter 1995–1996, including Harlem churches and soundstages in Newark.
- A full-scale replica of snow-covered streets was built for the climactic ice-skating scene.
Music and Soundtrack – A Cultural Milestone
The soundtrack, executive produced by Whitney Houston, is one of the best-selling gospel albums of all time:
- Released: November 26, 1996, on Arista Records
- #1 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums; #3 on Billboard 200
- Certified 3× Platinum in the U.S.
- First album to debut #1 on both Gospel and R&B charts
- Iconic tracks: “I Believe in You and Me”, “Step by Step”, “Joy to the World”, “Who Would Imagine a King”, “I Love the Lord” (Grammy winner)
The soundtrack remains a staple of Christmas and gospel music nearly 30 years later.
Critical Reception
- Rotten Tomatoes: 62%
- Metacritic: 53/100
- Roger Ebert: 3/4 stars – praised the warmth of Whitney Houston and charm of Denzel Washington.
Critics noted the story was predictable but impossible to dislike, and the film’s music and performances stood out.
Box Office and Legacy
- The film grossed $57.1 million worldwide against a $60 million budget.
- Despite initial underperformance, it became a perennial holiday favorite on TV.
- Frequently screened at church Christmas events and watch parties.
- Recognized for authentically portraying contemporary Black church life.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Award nomination – Best Original Musical or Comedy Score
- 7 NAACP Image Award nominations – won 3 (Outstanding Lead Actress – Whitney Houston, Outstanding Album, Outstanding Gospel Artist)
- Blockbuster Entertainment Award – Favorite Song (I Believe in You and Me)
Cultural Significance
- First major studio film authentically portraying Black church culture.
- Introduced the Georgia Mass Choir to mainstream audiences.
- Whitney Houston’s only leading theatrical film role.
- Remains a staple of Black Christmas cinema alongside films like This Christmas.
Where to Watch Today (December 2025)
- Streaming: Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Tubi (free with ads)
- Digital Purchase/Rental: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, Vudu
- Physical Media: Blu-ray (2012 release), DVD widely available
Conclusion
Nearly 30 years later, The Preacher’s Wife endures as a heartwarming holiday classic. Whitney Houston’s luminous performance, Denzel Washington’s charm, and its gospel-infused soundtrack continue to captivate audiences. This timeless story of faith, love, and community reminds viewers that miracles often unfold in quiet, everyday moments—making it the perfect film for Christmas celebrations and family traditions.
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