Heaven Can Wait (1978 film)
A mistaken death leads to a second chance at life.
Heaven Can Wait is a 1978 American sports fantasy comedy-drama film directed by Warren Beatty and Buck Henry. It is the second of three film adaptations of Harry Segall's 1938 play of the same name, and follows Joe Pendleton, a young man mistakenly taken to heaven by his guardian angel, who must find a new body after his own is cremated. The film was a financial success and received multiple Academy Award nominations.
- Release date
- June 28, 1978
- Director
- Warren Beatty and Buck Henry
- Production company
- Paramount Pictures
- Budget
- $6 million
- Box office
- $98.8 million
- Academy Award nominations
- 9
- Academy Award wins
- 1 (Best Art Direction)
Lore & Background
The plot centers on Joe Pendleton, a backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, who is prematurely taken to heaven by an overzealous guardian angel. After his body is cremated, he is placed into the body of a murdered millionaire, Leo Farnsworth. Joe then buys the Rams and attempts to lead them to the Super Bowl while falling in love with environmental activist Betty Logan. The film culminates in a Super Bowl game where Joe transfers into the body of quarterback Tom Jarrett after Jarrett is killed on the field.
Reader's Guide
Heaven Can Wait is notable for Warren Beatty becoming the first and only person nominated for producing, directing, writing, and acting for the same film. It won Best Art Direction at the Academy Awards and received positive reviews, with critics praising its screwball comedy style and performances. The film was a financial success, earning $98.8 million against a $6 million budget. It remains a well-regarded adaptation of Segall's play, with later adaptations including Down to Earth (2001).
Did You Know?
- Warren Beatty is the only person to be nominated for producing, directing, writing, and acting for the same film.
- The film was originally conceived with Muhammad Ali as the lead, but Beatty changed the character from a boxer to a football player.
- The Super Bowl game was filmed during halftime of a preseason game between the San Diego Chargers and Los Angeles Rams on September 1, 1977.
- Cary Grant was offered the role of Mr. Jordan but declined, choosing to remain retired.
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