Jun. 28, 1978|United States|101 Min.|PG
Genre: Comedy;Fantasy
Description: Heaven Can Wait (1978) is a captivating comedy-drama that follows the story of Joe Pendleton, a backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, who is determined to lead his team to the Super Bowl. However, his dreams take an unexpected turn when he is involved in a bizarre incident. While riding his bicycle through a tunnel, Joe encounters an overeager guardian angel, known as The Escort, who mistakenly believes Joe is about to be killed by an oncoming truck. The Escort removes Joe’s soul prematurely, leading to a series of supernatural events.
Upon arriving in the afterlife, Joe refuses to accept his untimely death. After an investigation, Mr. Jordan, The Escort’s supervisor, discovers that Joe’s actual time of death was meant to be in 2025. Since his original body has already been cremated, Joe must be placed in a new body. After rejecting several candidates, he reluctantly accepts the body of Leo Farnsworth, a wealthy industrialist who has been murdered by his unfaithful wife Julia and her lover, Tony Abbott.
As Joe adjusts to life as Farnsworth, he remains obsessed with his football aspirations. He purchases the Rams and works tirelessly to become their quarterback, eventually leading them to the Super Bowl. Along the way, he enlists the help of his longtime friend and trainer, Max Corkle, to prepare his new body for the field. Simultaneously, Joe falls in love with Betty Logan, an environmental activist who initially protested against Farnsworth’s corporate policies.
As the Rams prepare for the Super Bowl, Joe faces a difficult decision. Mr. Jordan informs him that he must eventually relinquish Farnsworth’s body. Despite his reluctance, Joe hints to Betty that she may encounter someone new in the future, leaving her with a bittersweet sense of hope. The film blends humor, romance, and drama, offering a unique take on life, death, and second chances.
Cast director: Warren Beatty
Cast actor: Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, James Mason, Jack Warden, Charles Grodin, Dyan Cannon, Buck Henry, Vincent Gardenia, Joseph Maher, Hamilton Camp
Original name: Heaven Can Wait