Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (1957)
Review by Dindrane
Film:
DVD:

Screenplay by John Lee Mahin and John Huston, based on the novel by Charles Shaw
Directed by John Huston
Starring Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum

Features:

• Newsreels
  
• Original trailer
  

Released by: 20th Century Fox
Region: 1
Rating: NR
Anamorphic: Yes

My Advice: Well worth the cover price

Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison is one of the most moving war movies in Hollywood history. The film is set in the Pacific, during World War II; an Irish nun and a Marine corporal are stranded together on an island and must do their best to survive the elements, the Japanese who have a base on said island, and each other. A beautiful drama about how people get along with some sparks of comedy thrown in as well, this is one film that deserves its reputation as "classic."

The film is suspenseful on many levels. First, Sister Angela and Corporal Allison (Kerr and Mitchum) are always running for their lives and hiding; this is no desert island vacation--there’s a war on, and the enemy is always very, very close by (even when they should probably be off invading something). Secondly, the conflict between religious vows and human love is dealt with subtextually and then overtly in the film. Thirdly, the tension between Angela’s pure faith is always in conflict with Allison’s more worldly skills and concerns. The beauty of their relationship is therefore always their weakest point, as well.

The acting is, of course, excellent. Kerr is always wonderful, and this role allows her to develop her spiritual side beautifully. You see how richly she deserved her Oscar nomination. Mitchum is always good in a war movie, and it's nice to see how well he can handle comedy, as well. He might seem a wee bit too old to be a Marine corporal, but let's just assume he enlisted later in life than the average.

Given the age of the film, it truly looks great. The film stock has of course been restored, and there is no sign of fading, substandard film quality or other problems. The sound is equally as good; note the chilling moments when the sounds of the Japanese army closing in can be heard behind dialogue.

The features are solid: we get the original trailer, as well as a selection of theatre newsreels: three historical reels and one from an awards show. We also have a brace of trailers from other, similar Fox war movie classics that should appeal to fans of this film. There is, alas, no commentary, gallery, or other such features, which is a shame--granted, the majority of the cast and crew behind this is no longer with us, but Kerr is: it would have been nice to get her thoughts down for posterity, in an interview if nothing else. Still, what we do have is solid quality.

Overall, I can recommend this film to anyone who loves a good war movie, but also to people who love solid, complex characterization, romance, adventure, or just tightly-plotted dramas. I really can’t think of another film much like this one--it combines the best elements of chick flicks with war movie drama and action, without losing sight of the characters. All in the capable hands of director Huston, Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison is not to be missed.