Heaven Can Wait

Heaven Can Wait, a 1943 film directed by Ernst Lubitsch, is an elegant, distinctively styled comedy that blends elements of fantasy and romance. Starring Gene Tierney, Don Ameche and Charles Coburn, it showcases robust performances wrapped in luxurious, eye-catching visuals that take the audience on a playful journey, breathing life into the golden age of Hollywood cinema.

The story is centered around the main character, Henry Van Cleve, portrayed by Don Ameche. On his 70th birthday, Van Cleve passes away and finds himself in limbo standing in front of an exotic gentleman referred as His Excellency, played by Laird Cregar. The entry criteria to hell is that the person should have led a sinful life, full of wrong deeds. Van Cleve is too willing to enter hell, as he is of the belief that he has not led a good life, despite the fact that his life was far from being conventional, he was happy.

However, His Excellency isn't sure if Van Cleve is quite wicked enough to qualify for entry into hell, thus inviting Van Cleve to share his life story in order for His Excellency to judge his eligibility. From here, film takes its viewers into the past, beginning from Van Cleve's birth in 1872, and continuing through his youth, adulthood, and old age.

Young Van Cleve is brought up in an affluent family, surrounded by the grandeur and elegance that wealth could afford in 19th century America. His family, composed of his stern father Randolph Van Cleve, played by Louis Calhern, and lenient grandfather Hugo, acted by Charles Coburn, are eager to groom him into a dutiful member of society. However, Van Cleve has other plans.

The second key character, Martha Strable-Van Cleve, dazzlingly executed by Gene Tierney, enters the story and alter the course of Van Cleve's life. Their lives intertwine in a deeply romantic, sometimes tumultuous relationship that shapes Van Cleve's decisions and gives the film its essence.

Lubitsch provides a stark contrast between Van Cleve's own perception of his life and how those around him might perceive it, creating a complex character imbued with charm and fallibility. Many sequences in the movie have been colorfully and meticulously crafted providing it an aura of a painting in motion. The cinematography and art direction complement the film, taking the viewers back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Ameche's performance is remarkably astute, as he wonderfully captures the nuances of his character, evolving subtly as the tale unfolds along the timeline. It's a performance that emits a magnetic charm and builds a strong connection with the audience.

Gene Tierney grace the screen effortlessly. Her character, Martha Strable-Van Cleve, has been etched out meticulously, and Tierney does justice to the role equally well. Her performance is radiant and her chemistry with Ameche stands out and feels genuine.

Charles Coburn, as the indulgent grandfather, provides many of the film's humorous moments, and Laird Cregar, as the suave, sophisticated devil, His Excellency, elevates the film’s mystical ambiance.

The film is peppered with Lubitsch's trademark wit and humor, accompanied by Samson Raphaelson's crisp dialogue. The entire narrative revolve around human frailties, aspirations, choices, and the many dimensions of love. All central characters are well-rounded, layered and beautifully presented. Also noteworthy is the film's score by Alfred Newman that adds the right accompaniment to the narrative.

Heaven Can Wait is a sophisticated balance of comedy, fantasy, and romance. It juxtaposes the notions of joy, morality, and life dilemmas in a charmingly entertaining movie, and the viewers are guided through the story with delightful humour and poignant moments.

Ernst Lubitsch masterfully presented a very simple plot with enough class and sophistication, turning the movie into a timeless classic. Heaven Can Wait is one of Lubitsch's late-career films, but it still embodies the director's renowned 'Lubitsch touch', blending style, substance, and subtlety with a dash of surprising humor. The film is a feast for the eyes and the soul, beautifully capturing the elegance, flamboyance, and sophistication of Hollywood's golden age.