Heaven Can Wait
Newly deceased playboy Henry Van Cleve (Don Ameche) presents himself to the outer offices of Hades, where he asks a bemused Satan for permission to enter the gates of Hell. Though the Devil doubts Henry’s sins will qualify him for eternal damnation, Henry proceeds to recount a lifetime spent wooing and pursuing women. Nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture and Director, Heaven Can Wait is an enduring classic that showcases director Ernst Lubitsch’s trademark blend of wit, urbanity, and grace.
Member Reviews
Has Its Moments - MovieLover5
I assume this was nominated for a Best Picture because it was a bit different. Unfortunately nearly 70 years later, you can only think that it's over long and pretty damn slow. Having said that, there are some good lines in it, mainly by the supporting cast (Eugene Pallette, Marjorie Main and Charles Coburn). The 2 stars, Don Ameche and Gene Tierney, are fine but they certainly don't have much comic work to do. It's an odd film but if you enjoy period ones, this will do.Ech - rnhaas
It's only intermittently funny (though there are gags throughout), it's preposterous (even if Hell existed, Satan as a concierge? Seriously?), it's so...I mean, everyone is rich and spoiled and ridiculous. I don't know how this is a classic. And it just goes to show you what a crock the Oscars are when this is the kind of fluff that got nominated. Dreck, even if it looks nice.Beautifully Made Romance Takes Us Back - bwod
Don Ameche (Cocoon) and the glamorous Gene Tierney (Laura) starred in this 1943 version of "Heaven Can Wait".(Not to be confused with Warren Beatty's 1978 film of the same name.)
A light romantic comedy, with startlingly beautiful visual design; including sumptuous sets, costumes, and "Technicolor", it's a good old-fashioned love story set against the turn-of-the-century New York. With great comic relief coming from Charles Coburn, who plays "Grandpa". Worth a look, for its production values, and original script. They don't make them like this anymore. Two thumbs up.
Member Reviews
Read All...
Has Its Moments - MovieLover5
I assume this was nominated for a Best Picture because it was a bit different. Unfortunately nearly 70 years later, you can only think that it's over long and pretty damn slow. Having said that, there are some good lines in it, mainly by the supporting cast ...Ech - rnhaas
It's only intermittently funny (though there are gags throughout), it's preposterous (even if Hell existed, Satan as a concierge? Seriously?), it's so...I mean, everyone is rich and spoiled and ridiculous. I don't know how this is a classic. And it just ...Beautifully Made Romance Takes Us Back - bwod
Don Ameche (Cocoon) and the glamorous Gene Tierney (Laura) starred in this 1943 version of "Heaven Can Wait".(Not to be confused with Warren Beatty's 1978 film of the same name.)
A light romantic comedy, with startlingly beautiful visual design; including ...