Oh! Heavenly Dog

Oh! Heavenly Dog is a blend of classic comedy, romance, and mystery wrapped in a fantasy. It was imaginatively directed by Joe Camp and features well-established stars such as the hilarious Chevy Chase, the charming and graceful Jane Seymour, and the talented canine actor Benjean (famous for playing the character of Benji in various movies). Released in 1980, this movie brings a unique twist to the mystery and detective genre that proves to be as touchingly endearing as it is laugh-out-loud funny.

The film opens with Browning, portrayed by the comedic genius Chevy Chase. Browning is an American private investigator based in London who struggles to make ends meet. In spite of his down-on-luck circumstances, Browning manages to retain his sharp-witted humor, a fact which Chevy Chase deftly portrays with his characteristic charm and quick-tongued banter. When assigned to investigate a case of potential art theft involving a Leonardo Da Vinci painting, Browning is unceremoniously killed in a case of mistaken identity and ascends into the afterlife.

The story takes an interesting turn when Browning finds himself in a sort of celestial lobby, faced with an enigmatic spiritual being whom he humorously dubs "Mr. Higgins" portrayed by Omar Sharif. Due to a clerical error, and with a policy that any soul has to be returned to the Earth in the form it exists at the moment of re-departure, Browning is sent back to continue his investigation, but with one slight catch -- he's reincarnated, not as a human, but as a cute, scruffy-looking dog Benjean, serving as a host for Browning's spirit and thoughts.

Browning now continues his unfinished investigation in his new canine form, navigating a world that offers him a new perspective both literally and figuratively. Only one person, the lovely and vibrant Jackie (Jane Seymour), can hear Browning's thoughts and understand him while he's in his four-legged form, complicating the mystery further but also adding dashes of romance and comedy to the supernatural mix.

Jane Seymour, a versatile and acclaimed actress, walks a fine line between the movie's comedic and dramatic elements, bringing depth to Jackie’s character and successfully contributing to the film's overall ambience. There is a noticeable chemistry between Seymour and Chase, one that transcends Browning's physical form, bringing out tender scenes amidst the comedic shenanigans of a man trapped in a dog's body.

Perhaps the movie's real scene-stealer is Benjean, who steals the show with her expressive eyes and trained skills, helping the audience engage with Browning’s predicament and enjoy his adventures in his canine manifestation. Benjean’s performance adds charm to an already entertaining narrative, making the movie a joy to watch for both children and adults.

Through a series of intriguing and riotously funny events, Browning, in his incarnated dog form, must align his cunning detective skills with his newfound doggy instincts to solve the case, often leading to dynamite comic sequences. Browning not only has to figure out his murderer, solve the case and bring them to justice, but he also has to overcome the many canine-related hurdles in his way, including dog-catchers, rival dogs, and the challenge of surviving on the streets of London in a dog’s body.

Oh! Heavenly Dog traverses various genres, making it a unique cinematic experience that combines humor, suspense, romance, and fantasy. It’s a delightful watch, especially for Chevy Chase and Jane Seymour followers who'll enjoy their impeccable comedic timing and passionate performances. Viewers will be swept away into this clever narrative that explores themes of love, identity, and determination in an unexpected and humorous manner. The movie showcases an intriguing blend of a detective mystery and romantic comedy, flavored with a touch of the supernatural, resulting in a memorable, heart-warming piece of cinema that stands apart for its originality and charm.