Heavens Above!

Heavens Above! is a 1963 British comedy film directed by the talented duo of John and Roy Boulting. The film cleverly satirizes politics, religion, and the vagaries of human nature. Peter Sellers, a legendary figure in comedy, holds the leading role and is supported by a robust ensemble cast featuring Cecil Parker, Isabel Jeans, and others. This film drives its comedic presentation through a narrative steeped in social commentary, garnering critical acclaim for its bold exploration of somewhat serious and controversial themes.

Sellers, in one of his most socially conscious roles, plays Reverend John Smallwood, an accidental appointee to the parish of an upper-crust city. Remembered fondly for his versatile comedic roles, Sellers perfects the character of Smallwood with an authentic portrayal of a man's purity and good intentions, which often finds itself at odds with the realities of the world. The film narratively places Smallwood, a devout Christian and a firm believer in the power of kindness and charity, amidst a fold of skeptical and self-serving aristocrats who think faith and good deeds are antiquated concepts.

Cecil Parker, adorning the role of Archdeacon Aspinall, is equally impressive, straddling the thin line between comedy and drama effortlessly. Acting as Smallwood's superior, Parker's character is representative of the traditional values of the church, continually challenging Smallwood's modern perspectives, especially regarding charity and kindness. Isabel Jeans, an experienced actress known for her roles in the Golden Age of Hollywood, is the embodiment of the dismissive aristocracy that Shepherd was tasked to convert.

The film's title, Heavens Above!, indicates its satirical focus right off the bat. It follows Reverend Smallwood on his noble endeavor to teach and live by the principles of Christian morality, and explores his interactions with the Craft-Wellborn family, the town's richest and most influential family. This clash between materialism and morality gives the movie its narrative edge, as Smallwood attempts to apply his progressive charity-focused approach to the entrenched and selfish societal norms.

One of the key themes throughout the film is the vastly different interpretations of Christianity, showcased by Reverend Smallwood's optimism and his congregation's skepticism. Sellers masterfully portrays Smallwood's ambivalence and frustration, humorous yet strikingly thought-provoking, amidst a society resistant to his views.

Heavens Above! also cleverly parodies British class society, highlighting the hypocrisy of the wealthy and the frustration of the working class. The biting satire excellently crafted by the Boultings questions the functionality of a society built upon an inequality that even extends to charity. This exposes the film’s critique of the concepts of morality and benevolence as maintained by privilege and wealth.

Moreover, the directors, the Boulting brothers, are very adept at handling this divide. They also allow the comedy and satire to shine without losing sight of the narrative’s seriousness, holding a mirror up to society without passing overt judgments themselves.

In a nutshell, Heavens Above! is a comedy of manners, transforming the normal comedic tropes with profound social commentary. In reverend Smallwood, Peter Sellers gives audiences a character who is part satirical creation, part tragic figure. Additionally, a secondary storyline involving a crazy invention and the repercussions its success has on the town’s inhabitants further elevates the film’s status as a comedic center with psychological depths.

The soundtrack, composed by Richard Rodney Bennett, adds a comical touch, keeping step with the film's tone, enhancing, and juxtaposing the unfolding scenes.

Heavens Above! is a film that, despite its age, still feels contextually relevant today due to its exploration of societal norms, charity, and what it genuinely means to be 'good'. It serves as a reminder of Peter Sellers' incredible ability to balance comedy and drama, ultimately delivering a thoughtful film endowed with comedic elements.