Heaven Can Wait
Seen it?1943 | 112 min | Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (89% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics, anyone who wants a laugh and fantasy fans. If you loved Amadeus or Driving Miss Daisy, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 52 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1943: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
89% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 3 Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$4 million worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 79K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Ernst Lubitsch
- Don AmecheHenry Van Cleve
- Gene TierneyMartha Strabel Van Cleve
- Charles CoburnHugo Van Cleve
- Marjorie MainMrs. Strabel
- Laird CregarHis Excellency
- Spring ByingtonBertha Van Cleve
- Allyn JoslynAlbert Van Cleve
- Eugene PalletteE.F. Strabel
- Signe HassoYvette ("Mademoiselle")
- Louis CalhernRandolph Van Cleve