Heaven Can Wait (1978)
First screened in February 2007 / Most recently screened in July 2016
Directors: Warren Beatty and Buck Henry. Cast: Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, Jack Warden, James Mason, Charles Grodin, Dyan Cannon, Buck Henry, Vincent Gardenia, Joseph Maher, Hamilton Camp, Arthur Malet, Stephanie Faracy, Jeannie Linero, Harry D.K. Wong, Larry Block, Frank Campanella, Bill Sorrells, R.G. Armstrong, Dolph Sweet, Ed Peck, John Randolph, Keene Curtis, William Larsen. Screenplay: Elaine May and Warren Beatty (based on the play by Harry Segall).

Twitter Capsule: Melancholy is its most interesting and most frustrating trait. Makers' investment in the material isn't obvious.

VOR:   Runs side-by-side with Airport as the most inexplicably over-nominated movie of the 1970s. Neither the tone nor the text are obvious choices, but it's hard to get excited.



Photo © 1978 Paramount Pictures

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: C+

(in February 2007: B–)


Academy Award Nominations and Winners:
Best Picture
Best Director: Warren Beatty and Buck Henry
Best Actor: Warren Beatty
Best Supporting Actress: Dyan Cannon
Best Supporting Actor: Jack Warden
Best Adapted Screenplay: Elaine May and Warren Beatty
Best Cinematography: William A. Fraker
Best Art Direction: Paul Sylbert; Edwin O'Donovan and George Gaines
Best Original Score: Dave Grusin

Golden Globe Nominations and Winners:
Best Picture (Musical/Comedy)
Best Actor (Musical/Comedy): Warren Beatty
Best Supporting Actress: Dyan Cannon

Other Awards:
Writers Guild of America: Best Adapted Screenplay (Comedy)

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