A man argues his way into the afterlife by recounting a life of sin
In short: In Ernst Lubitsch's 1943 comedy Heaven Can Wait, Henry Van Cleve arrives at the gates of Hell, confident his dissolute life earns him a spot. To prove his unworthiness of Heaven, he recounts his journey from a spoiled Manhattan youth to a charming, if flawed, husband and father.
Produced and directed by Ernst Lubitsch, the film follows Henry Van Cleve, played by Don Ameche, as he stands before Satan to justify his admission to the underworld. Henry’s life, spanning from his birth in 1872 to his death in 1942, is a series of romantic misadventures and social transgressions. He famously steals his cousin Albert's fiancée, Martha, played by Gene Tierney, and navigates a marriage marked by his own wandering eye and eventual reconciliation. The narrative is framed as a retrospective, with Henry detailing his life to 'His Excellency' in an opulent reception area, hoping to secure his place in the afterlife.
The film is celebrated for its period detail and sophisticated, satirical tone. Critics like Bosley Crowther of The New York Times praised its 'slickest Lubitsch style,' even while noting that the lead performances lacked the necessary flexibility for such mannered comedy. Conversely, Variety highlighted Charles Coburn’s performance as the doting, down-to-earth grandfather as a standout element. James Agee, writing in The Nation, offered a more tempered view, suggesting the film was not Lubitsch's best work but still appeared as a 'jewel' compared to the standard Hollywood fare of the era.
Beyond its critical reception, the film was a financial success, grossing approximately $3.96 million against a budget of roughly $1.12 million. It remains a distinct entry in cinema history, often confused with the 1978 film of the same name, though it shares no connection to the stage play that inspired the 1941 film Here Comes Mr. Jordan. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2015, the movie continues to be studied for its non-chronological structure and its role as a representative example of 1940s costume drama.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Heaven Can Wait (1943 film)
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