Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison
Seen it?1957 | 108 min | Adventure, War, Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. 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 adventure fans and history buffs. If you loved The Caine Mutiny, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Intense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 48 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1957: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A Roman Catholic nun and a hard-bitten US Marine are stranded together on a Japanese-occupied island in the South Pacific during World War II. Under constant threat of discovery by a ruthless enemy, they hide in a cave and forage for food together. Their forced companionship and the struggle for survival forge a powerful emotional bond between them.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
83% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$4 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 62K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Huston
- Deborah KerrSister Angela
- Robert MitchumCorporal Allison USMC