Heaven Can Wait 1978

Heaven Can Wait

Critics Consensus

A throwback to the high-gloss screwball comedies of the 1940s, Heaven Can Wait beguiles with seamless production values and great comic relief from Charles Grodin and Dianne Cannon.

88%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 41

68%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 13,232

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Movie Info

Joe Pendleton (Warren Beatty), quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, is killed in an auto accident. In the afterlife, Joe discovers that his guardian angel (Buck Henry) has taken him from his body prematurely, and he is due many more years on earth. Unable to return to his body, Joe assumes the form of greedy multimillionaire industrialist Leo Farnsworth. As Farnsworth, Joe attempts a return to football and falls in love with environmental activist Betty Logan (Julie Christie).
  • Rating:
    PG
  • Genre:
    fantasy, comedy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Warren Beatty, Buck Henry
  • Producer:
    Warren Beatty
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Paramount Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    Stereo

Cast & Crew

Warren Beatty
Joe Pendleton
Julie Christie
Betty Logan
Jack Warden
Max Corkle
James Mason
Mr. Jordan
Dyan Cannon
Julia Farnsworth
Charles Grodin
Tony Abbott
Buck Henry
The Escort
Vincent Gardenia
Krim
Joseph Maher
Sisk
Hamilton Camp
Bentley
Warren Beatty
Director
Buck Henry
Director
Harry Segall
Writer
Elaine May
Writer
Warren Beatty
Writer
Robert Towne
Writer
Hawk Koch
Executive Producer
Charles H. Maguire
Executive Producer
Warren Beatty
Producer
Dave Grusin
Original Music
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Critic Reviews for Heaven Can Wait

All Critics (41) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (36) | Rotten (5)

View All Critic Reviews (41)

Audience Reviews for Heaven Can Wait

  • Mar 22, 2017
    A pro-footballer is given a second chance after being taken out of the game early. A milquetoast remake of Here Comes Mr. Jordan, I would advise you see the original first before this lame-o copy, which, though the cast is stellar, has a low level life light going. Only James Mason and Dyan Cannon have any idea of what's needed here.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Dec 20, 2015
    Very enjoyable film. Entertaining and thoughtful, and also pretty funny at times, along with some great football scenes, Heaven Can Wait has a bit of something for everyone.
    Stephen S Super Reviewer
  • Nov 29, 2014
    A consistently funny story concerning a backup quarterback (Warren Beatty) for the St. Louis Rams who finally gets his chance to start for the team before he is killed in a car accident. However, when he arrives at Heaven's gates he is told that he was killed by accident, and is instead given a new body of an older rich man where he is still determined to get his old job with the Rams back. While there are plenty of plot holes if you look at it closely, this movie aims to be a comedy and it accomplishes just that. Beatty's character is likeable and easy to root for and there are enough interesting characters and situations that arise that make this film worthwhile.
    Dan S Super Reviewer
  • Oct 09, 2013
    The remake with Beatty borders on the rubbishy as once again we have a man trying to influence his life from beyond the grave. More of an homage to Goodbye Mr. Jordan than the original Heaven Can Wait. It nonetheless pales in comparison to either film.
    John B Super Reviewer
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