Heaven Can Wait (1978) is a romantic fantasy comedy directed by Warren Beatty and Buck Henry. It’s a remake of the 1941 film Here Comes Mr. Jordan, which was itself based on Harry Segall’s play of the same name. The film blends humor, romance, and philosophical questions about destiny and the afterlife with a light, classic Hollywood touch.
Detailed Summary
A Quarterback’s Untimely Departure
Joe Pendleton (played by Warren Beatty) is a talented quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams who’s determined to lead his team to the Super Bowl. He’s in great shape, practicing hard, and ready for the big time. Unfortunately, a premature heavenly intervention throws his plans off course.
While riding his bike through a tunnel, Joe is hit by a truck — or so it seems. His guardian angel, an overzealous escort named The Escort (Buck Henry), plucks Joe’s soul from his body too early, assuming he couldn’t have survived the crash. But it turns out Joe’s body was still alive, and by the time the mistake is discovered, it’s too late to return him. His body has been cremated.
The Afterlife Mix-Up
Joe finds himself in the afterlife, arguing with the calm and diplomatic Mr. Jordan (James Mason). Mr. Jordan realizes that Joe’s death was indeed a mistake and offers to find him a new body. After rejecting several options, Joe finally takes on the body of a recently murdered millionaire industrialist, Leo Farnsworth.
Joe Farnsworth, The Quarterback Millionaire
As Farnsworth, Joe retains his sports-obsessed personality and dreams of playing for the Rams. Using his newfound wealth, he buys the team, creating confusion and comedy as the wealthy businessman suddenly starts training like a pro athlete.
At the same time, Joe meets Betty Logan (Julie Christie), an environmental activist protesting against Farnsworth’s unethical business practices. When Joe (as Farnsworth) reforms the company and begins showing compassion, Betty is both confused and charmed. Their chemistry grows naturally, adding emotional warmth to the film’s fantastical premise.
Murder, Love, and Football
Meanwhile, Farnsworth’s scheming wife Julia (Dyan Cannon) and her lover Tony (Charles Grodin) are plotting to kill “Farnsworth” again — unaware that the man they think is Farnsworth is now Joe. Their comedic attempts to get rid of him add an extra layer of absurdity.
As Joe gets closer to returning to his athletic dreams, he also deepens his feelings for Betty, leading to a clash between his old life as a quarterback and his new existence as a powerful businessman with a heart.
Movie Ending
In the final act, Joe’s football dream is finally within reach. He’s managed to convince the Rams to give him a shot, even though he’s still in Farnsworth’s body. However, fate intervenes once more.
Julia and Tony finally succeed in murdering Farnsworth — or rather, Joe in Farnsworth’s body. Mr. Jordan returns and assures Joe that everything will be made right. He places Joe’s soul into the body of the Rams’ backup quarterback, Tom Jarrett, who has just died on the field during a game.
As Tom Jarrett, Joe — now with no memory of his previous lives as either himself or Farnsworth — leads the Rams to victory and meets Betty once more. There’s an unspoken connection between them, a sense that destiny is gently reuniting two souls. Betty recognizes something familiar in his eyes, and as they walk off together, we’re left with the implication that love, in some form, survives every cosmic mix-up.
It’s a sweet, poetic ending — melancholic but hopeful. Joe gets a new chance at life, and Betty finds her way back to him, even if neither understands exactly why.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Heaven Can Wait does not have any post-credits scenes. The story concludes neatly before the credits roll, with no hints of a sequel or continuation.
Type of Movie
A romantic fantasy comedy-drama, Heaven Can Wait sits comfortably between classic Hollywood screwball comedy and 1970s philosophical cinema. It mixes themes of fate, love, and identity with lighthearted humor and charm.
Cast
- Warren Beatty as Joe Pendleton / Leo Farnsworth / Tom Jarrett
- Julie Christie as Betty Logan
- James Mason as Mr. Jordan
- Charles Grodin as Tony Abbott
- Dyan Cannon as Julia Farnsworth
- Jack Warden as Max Corkle
- Buck Henry as The Escort
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Dave Grusin, whose gentle orchestral themes emphasize romance and nostalgia. The music complements both the comedic and dramatic tones, underscoring the film’s blend of whimsy and emotional depth.
Filming Locations
Most of the movie was filmed in Los Angeles, California, with key scenes shot at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Beverly Hills estate used as Farnsworth’s mansion, and various locations around the city to highlight the contrast between Joe’s athletic world and Farnsworth’s luxurious lifestyle. These real-world locations help ground the fantasy elements in a believable, modern setting.
Awards and Nominations
Heaven Can Wait was both a critical and commercial success. It received nine Academy Award nominations, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Warren Beatty and Buck Henry)
- Best Actor (Warren Beatty)
- Best Supporting Actor (Jack Warden)
- Best Supporting Actress (Dyan Cannon)
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Art Direction
- Best Cinematography
- Best Original Score
It won the Oscar for Best Art Direction.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Warren Beatty co-directed, co-wrote, produced, and starred in the film — a rare feat at the time.
- Julie Christie and Warren Beatty had dated years before filming but remained close friends, which added to their natural on-screen chemistry.
- The football scenes were choreographed with real athletes to ensure authenticity.
- The movie’s production design was inspired by 1930s and 1940s romantic comedies like Topper and Here Comes Mr. Jordan.
Inspirations and References
The movie is directly inspired by the 1941 film Here Comes Mr. Jordan, which itself was based on Harry Segall’s 1938 play. Beatty’s version modernizes the story, replacing a boxer protagonist with a football player and updating the setting to contemporary Los Angeles.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no officially released alternate endings, but early drafts reportedly gave Joe (as Tom Jarrett) partial memories of his past lives. This version was scrapped to create a more poignant and mysterious ending — emphasizing the idea that love transcends memory.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While based on the same source as Here Comes Mr. Jordan, Heaven Can Wait diverges by focusing more heavily on romance and emotional connection rather than pure fantasy. The play’s version is more dialogue-heavy and philosophical, while the movie opts for visual storytelling and humor.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Joe’s first meeting with Mr. Jordan in the clouds — funny, surreal, and beautifully shot.
- Joe-as-Farnsworth practicing football drills in a mansion, confusing his butlers.
- The press conference where “Farnsworth” suddenly announces he’s buying the Rams.
- The emotional final scene in the stadium tunnel, where Joe (as Tom) and Betty reunite.
Iconic Quotes
- Mr. Jordan: “You can’t go back, Joe. That’s not your body anymore.”
- Joe Pendleton: “I can’t die now. I’ve got a Super Bowl to win.”
- Betty: “I feel like I’ve known you before.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The Rams’ Super Bowl journey parallels Joe’s spiritual one — rebirth through struggle.
- The name “Farnsworth” was borrowed from an early Hollywood actor as an inside joke among the writers.
- The film subtly references The Seventh Seal during Joe’s first afterlife sequence, with similar framing and lighting.
Trivia
- Beatty’s meticulous direction meant some scenes took over 20 takes to perfect.
- James Mason replaced Cary Grant, who was originally approached to play Mr. Jordan.
- The film’s success inspired a 2001 remake, Down to Earth, starring Chris Rock.
Why Watch?
Watch Heaven Can Wait if you enjoy timeless romantic comedies that blend wit, emotion, and a touch of metaphysical wonder. It’s a rare film that balances laughter and heartbreak, offering both escapism and thoughtful reflection on life’s second chances.
Director’s Other Movies
- Reds (1981)
- Shampoo (1975)
- Bulworth (1998)
- Dick Tracy (1990)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)
- Defending Your Life (1991)
- The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
- Groundhog Day (1993)
- Down to Earth (2001)
