Heaven Can Wait
Spoiled playboy Henry van Cleve dies and arrives at the entrance to Hell, a final destination he is sure he deserves after living a life of profligacy. The devil, however, isn't so sure Henry meets Hell's standards. Convinced he is where he belongs, Henry recounts his life's deeds, both good and bad, including an act of indiscretion during his 25-year marriage to his wife, Martha, with the hope that "His Excellency" will arrive at the proper judgment.
Critics Sentiment
Henry convinces Martha to elope with him instead
Martha dies shortly after their 25th wedding anniversary
The film drops significantly from the triumphant second elopement (8.0) to the problematic handling of Martha's death and Henry's later years (5.8), a decline that several reviewers noted as overly sentimental.
Heaven Can Wait begins strongly with its imaginative premise and charming performances, particularly the chemistry between Ameche and Tierney during their romantic courtship and early marriage. However, the film struggles with its moral contradictions around Henry's infidelity and becomes increasingly sentimental in its final act, though it recovers somewhat with a satisfying conclusion that redeems the protagonist.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 43
Don Ameche
Henry Van Cleve
Gene Tierney
Martha Strabel Van Cleve
Charles Coburn
Hugo Van Cleve
Marjorie Main
Mrs. Strabel
Laird Cregar
His Excellency
Spring Byington
Bertha Van Cleve
Allyn Joslyn
Albert Van Cleve
Eugene Pallette
E.F. Strabel
Signe Hasso
Yvette ("Mademoiselle")
Louis Calhern
Randolph Van Cleve
Helene Reynolds
Peggy Nash
Aubrey Mather
James
Tod Andrews
Jack Van Cleve
Florence Bates
Mrs. Edna Craig (uncredited)
Scotty Beckett
Henry Van Cleve - Age 9 (uncredited)
Clara Blandick
Grandmother Van Cleve (uncredited)
Leonard Carey
Flogdell (uncredited)
James Conaty
Man in Park with Top Hat (uncredited)
Jack Deery
Party Guest (uncredited)
Claire Du Brey
Miss Ralston - Jack's Secretary (uncredited)
Crew
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