Pennies From Heaven
"I want to live in a world where the songs come true," Arthur Parker says. In that world, bank tellers would eagerly hand out sacks of Depression-era dough to him, every cloud would have a silver lining and Arthur's loveless marriage to Joan would give way to boop-boop-a-doop bliss with passionate Eileen.
Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters and Jessica Harper form the triangle of this razzle-dazzler in which lip-synched 1930s songs contrast with characters' lives. Herbert Ross directs Dennis Potter's movie adaptation of his landmark TV miniseries, filming on sets that recreate Depression-era artwork and bringing a savvy touch to vibrant musical numbers. See Christopher Walken strip to Let's Misbehave. Fall under the spell of a Martin/Peters homage to Astaire and Rogers. Every penny is on the screen. And each looks like a million.
Member Reviews
A modern-day that really captures the Depression-era flick. - estefan
Successfully capturing the feel of the Depression Era musical, the best bits in Pennies from Heaven are the musical numbers that are excellently choreographed and are wonderfully entertaining. Add the terrific costumes and set design and you have a film with that nice, care-free old school feel. Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters and Jessica Harper give some very worthy performances. Christopher Walken's small one-scene bit is also deserving of attention. With a smart script that manages to imitate that 1930's feel and a great direction from Herbert Ross, Pennies from Heaven is definitely worth checking out, despite the initial disappointment of Bernadette Peters' singing voice replaced by singers from the '30s.? - FilmJunkie
Trying really hard to be a good musical, instead this Steve Martin-Bernadette Peters musical just comes up lame. It is too dark to be funny and too bizarre to be dramatic.
I love both of these actors, but it just doesn't work. The chemistry of real old musical is severely lacking.
Weird attempt.Can Steve Sing and Dance? - McStinky
It seems like at some point most comedians decide that they want to show the world that they can do more than just tell jokes or act silly. After his big break out in the 70's, with this appearances on Saturday Night Live and his smash box office hit The Jerk, Steve Martin decided he needed to expand his horizons as well. First came Pennies From Heaven, then came Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid a year later. Well, if you're only looking for the "wild and crazy" Steve Martin that you know and love, this may not be the movie for you. But if you're willing to see Steve in a different light and you are looking for something a just little different you might try this movie out for size. I wouldn't say it's the greatest, but in how many modern movies to you get to see 1930's type song and dance sequences? (if you like that sort of thing). Meant to be serious comparison of the fantasy movies of the time versus the harsh realities of the dirty 30's. Best part of the movie for me was Christopher Walken's dance sequence.
Member Reviews
Read All...
A modern-day that really captures the Depression-era flick. - estefan
Successfully capturing the feel of the Depression Era musical, the best bits in Pennies from Heaven are the musical numbers that are excellently choreographed and are wonderfully entertaining. Add the terrific costumes and set design and you have a film with ...? - FilmJunkie
Trying really hard to be a good musical, instead this Steve Martin-Bernadette Peters musical just comes up lame. It is too dark to be funny and too bizarre to be dramatic.
I love both of these actors, but it just doesn't work. The chemistry of real ...Can Steve Sing and Dance? - McStinky
It seems like at some point most comedians decide that they want to show the world that they can do more than just tell jokes or act silly. After his big break out in the 70's, with this appearances on Saturday Night Live and his smash box office hit The ...