Heaven Can Wait (1943) & (1978) - Science Fiction Fantasy Chronicles: forums

Dave · 17th July 2002, 10:13 PM

I like this -- both versions of it!

I think James Mason makes the best Mr Jordan though.

Tabitha · 17th July 2002, 10:18 PM

I was just thinking about posting this the other day!

I love the version with Warren Beaty - it used to be one of my favourite movies as a child. I have been waiting for it to come out on DVD!

Far superior to the recent Chris Rock remake - I was subject to that movie on a plane last year - it was T E R R I B L E! The name has slipped my mind, but avoid it at all costs.

Dave · 17th July 2002, 10:31 PM

I haven't seen that version, I was thinking of the even earlier 1940's one. The Warren Beatty/ James Mason one is the best.

Tabitha · 17th July 2002, 10:39 PM

I remember now - it was called "Down to Earth". But like I said, avoid!

Was James Mason in the Warren Beatty one? Sweet! I really like James Mason, and it has been so long since I saw the film I didn't realise it was him.

It was one of those movies that made me think: I wish that could happen to me!

Tabitha · 18th July 2002, 04:40 AM

Review of the 1978 Warren Beatty/James Mason version from Amazon.

Quote:

Amazon.co.uk Review
The whimsical comedy-romance Heaven Can Wait is a delightful example of the small sub-genre of afterlife comedies. The film, which teams then lovers Warren Beatty and Julie Christie for a third time following McCabe and Mrs Miller (1971) and Shampoo (1975), is not a remake of the 1943 supernatural film of the same name, but of the Robert Montgomery classic Here Comes Mr Jordan (1941). Here Beatty is American football player Joe Pendleton, who accidentally dies, decades too early, and is incarnated in a new body which, until recently, was occupied by a ruthless multi-millionaire. James Mason is superb as a most authoritative angel (Mr Jordan), heading a fine cast including Charles Grodin, Buck Henry and Jack Warden.

In a sub-plot paralleling The Shop Around the Corner (1940) and revisited in You've Got Mail (1998), Julie Christie plays an English woman outraged that one of the former millionaire's companies is destroying her village, while simultaneously falling in love with the man now occupying the hated millionaire's mortal coil. Much comic and romantic misunderstanding follows, as well as some appealing slapstick, courtesy of Dyan Cannon. Aided by a lovely musical score by Dave Grusin, this is a beautifully played and thoroughly charming bittersweet fantasy about the transcendent power of love. It is a joy for romantics everywhere.

Julie Christie and Charles Grodin as well??!!?
I must track down and re-watch this film

17th July 2002, 10:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dave Wherever I Am, I'm There Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 12,281	Heaven Can Wait I like this -- both versions of it! I think James Mason makes the best Mr Jordan though.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

17th July 2002, 10:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tabitha Save Angel! Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 3,636	I was just thinking about posting this the other day! I love the version with Warren Beaty - it used to be one of my favourite movies as a child. I have been waiting for it to come out on DVD! Far superior to the recent Chris Rock remake - I was subject to that movie on a plane last year - it was T E R R I B L E! The name has slipped my mind, but avoid it at all costs.

17th July 2002, 10:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
Dave Wherever I Am, I'm There Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 12,281	I haven't seen that version, I was thinking of the even earlier 1940's one. The Warren Beatty/ James Mason one is the best.

17th July 2002, 10:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tabitha Save Angel! Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 3,636	I remember now - it was called "Down to Earth". But like I said, avoid! Was James Mason in the Warren Beatty one? Sweet! I really like James Mason, and it has been so long since I saw the film I didn't realise it was him. It was one of those movies that made me think: I wish that could happen to me!