Heaven Only Knows (film)
An angel must help a soulless man find his destiny.
A 1947 Western fantasy from United Artists, Heaven Only Knows was directed by Albert S. Rogell and produced by Seymour Nebenzal's Nero Films. Robert Cummings, Brian Donlevy, and Marjorie Reynolds star. The plot follows an angel dispatched to 1887 Montana to assist a man accidentally born without a soul, guiding him to his destiny as a powerful positive influence.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Albert S. Rogell
- Producer
- Seymour Nebenzal
- Story
- Aubrey Wisberg
- Starring
- Robert Cummings
- Brian Donlevy
- Marjorie Reynolds
- Music
- Heinz Roemheld
- Cinematography
- Karl Struss
- Editing
- Edward Mann
- Studio
- Nero Films
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Due to an error in Heaven, Adam 'Duke' Byron is born without a soul in 1858. The 'Book of Destiny' indicates he was meant to marry a minister's daughter in 1885 and set a moral example, but instead he runs a saloon and gambling hall in Glacier, Montana. In 1887, the angel Michael is sent to redirect Duke onto his intended path, but must do so as a human without using miracles. Michael meets Bill Plummer, a rival saloon keeper and partner in a mining company; a dispute has closed the mine, leaving many townspeople destitute. Plummer has hired the Kansas City Kid to kill Duke. Duke's henchman Treason shoots at Michael, nearly hitting a young girl. The parson's daughter and schoolmarm Drusilla Wainwright slaps Duke in anger. Drusilla and others want to take the law into their own hands, but Sheriff Matt Bodine persuades them to wait for Plummer and Duke's men to kill each other. Michael accidentally foils the Kid's attempt on Duke. Showgirl Ginger, Duke's girlfriend, likes Michael; Treason hates him. Plummer sets fire to Duke's saloon, trapping him inside. Michael opens a locked secret passage and rescues Duke. They hide in the school, where Duke tells Drusilla he feels meant for something important. He kisses her, and she initially resists but then responds. In retaliation, Treason, unharmed by the fire, sets Plummer's saloon ablaze. A sickly child named Speck O'Donnell is trapped inside; Michael enters to save him, but Duke follows, sends Michael out, and rescues Speck himself.
Production
The film's story rights were bought in July 1946, with Brian Donlevy always in the conversation for a lead role. On November 26, 1946, the producer confirmed both Donlevy and Cummings had signed on; Cummings had previously worked with the producer on The Chase. Production started December 2. Helen Walker was originally set to star, but after a serious car crash in December 1946, Marjorie Reynolds took her place. Censors limited Michael's actions and demanded he not be linked to the Archangel. The Archangel Gabriel does show up in Heaven, with a quick reference to him sounding his trumpet at the world's end.
Reception
The New York Times critic described the film as 'tolerable entertainment' with good moral intentions that offset its self-conscious awkwardness, but noted that Robert Cummings never seemed to decide whether to be serious or supercilious as Michael, and Brian Donlevy failed to bring conviction to his role. Variety called it an amusing fantasy played in an almost straight manner to give it credence, with a tongue-in-cheek treatment that lent lightness to what could have been heavy drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Heaven Only Knows (film) released?
Heaven Only Knows was released on 12 September 1947.
Who composed the music for Heaven Only Knows (film)?
The music for Heaven Only Knows was composed by Heinz Roemheld.
How long is Heaven Only Knows (film)?
Heaven Only Knows has a running time of 100 minutes.
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