Heaven Can Wait, from 1943, is a light romantic comedy starring Don Ameche, Gene Tierney, and Charles Coburn. It was really hard to classify this film into any particular genre---there was an element of romance...there were some lighthearted moments which brought chuckles (particularly involving the fabulous Charles Coburn)...there were also a few surprisingly touching moments which actually made me teary-eyed.
Henry Van Cleve (Don Ameche), recently departed this life at about 70 years of age, presents himself before the devil. Sure that his earthly behavior would never allow him access to "the upstairs," Henry stands before the keeper of "down there," expecting immediate access. He is told, however, that in order to enter "down there," he must meet the requirements. Can Henry relate a crime he has committed, the devil asks him? No, Henry cannot think of a crime; however, he begins to reflect back on a lifetime of relationships with women.
Beginning with his mother (the always-delightful Spring Byington) and then his French tutor, Henry relates how he has always had quite the way with women. When, at age 25, he falls in love with his cousin's fiance, Martha (Gene Tierney), he causes a family scandal by stealing the woman away as his own bride. However, fond of women as he is, Henry has extra-marital affairs, causing the long-suffering Martha to leave him after ten years of marriage. Though she ultimately forgives him and returns to him, Martha is never quite certain of Henry's faithfulness. It is for these behaviors that Henry believes the devil will allow him access to "down there."
So where exactly does Henry end up? Upstairs? Or "down there?" That question will be answered by the end of this sweet film. As I said earlier, this movie made me teary-eyed three different times...not sure why, because it's certainly not a tearjerker. I just found it touching.
Heaven Can Wait, which is in color, gave Don Ameche the chance to age 50 years. At first, he's his normal, quite good-looking self, then there's a touch of gray at the temples, and then, finally, he is nearly bald. I think the makeup people did a very good job of aging him.
This film is out on DVD so it should be fairly easy to track down. It's also available through Net Flix instant viewing and in several parts on You Tube. It's a lighthearted, entertaining 110 minutes, so I hope you get a chance to see this. Happy viewing!!
