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      Heavens Above!

      1963 1h 45m Comedy List
      Reviews 70% Audience Score 250+ Ratings In a case of mistaken identity, John Smallwood (Peter Sellers), an idealistic British reverend with socialist beliefs, is appointed to a village parish populated by elitist landed gentry. There his conscience and acts of charity quickly become unpopular with the parishioners, who reveal a selfish and un-Christian disdain for those less fortunate who the reverend welcomes to the parish. Things really go awry, however, when Smallwood's actions endanger the village's primary source of income. Read More Read Less

      Critics Reviews

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      Dwight MacDonald Esquire Magazine By now [Peter Sellers] has spread his talent so thin in so many films that he seems unable to keep his characterizations separate. Furthermore, the satire is heavy-handed and illogical. Aug 12, 2019 Full Review MFB Critics Monthly Film Bulletin Way off target as a satire, the Boultings' latest effort is remarkable chiefly for the amount of schoolboy smut it manages to incorporate, and for the nastiness of its view of people. Feb 1, 2018 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 3/5 Dec 18, 2004 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

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      isla s There were some amusing moments in this film, which is very much a social commentary type send up of stuffy church staff and English parishioners. There are some relatively funny situations, some mix ups and quirky goings-on. However, it was a bit bland. Its a fairly amusing watch but with too many stuffy scenes in between and so it wasn't one of the best films of its time that I've seen but I wouldn't say its a bad film in general, no. Also, the ending was surprisingly zany, I'll give it that! The ending also explains the title but I won't elaborate so as not to provide any spoilers. This is worth a watch if your a fan of Peter Sellers or if it sounds particularly interesting but I certainly wouldn't bother making a point of getting it, as such. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member A near perfect take on liberalism in the church, and how that doesn't fit well with those that actually run the church who fear its consequences. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member Peter Sellers once again knocks it out of the park with bringing to life a super nice cheerful priest who just wishes to do God's work and the film looks at the realistic fallout of such deeds Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Audience Member Overlong, cynical British comedy has a low-key Peter Sellers performance. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member "Heavens Above!" is the story of Jesus Christ II in the form of John Smallwood (Peter Sellers). The film is filled with symbolisms and is a little too self-serious, but offers some laughs, good acting (Sellers, Cecil Parker, Bernard Miles) and the classic gag of Sellers accidentally tripping into a grave. Overall, it's an enjoyable if not particularly special little film that would probably have been better if it had left the preaching aside. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member Social satire with a rather somber message. There's a lot to think about in this film. Sellers is fabulous. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Heavens Above!

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis In a case of mistaken identity, John Smallwood (Peter Sellers), an idealistic British reverend with socialist beliefs, is appointed to a village parish populated by elitist landed gentry. There his conscience and acts of charity quickly become unpopular with the parishioners, who reveal a selfish and un-Christian disdain for those less fortunate who the reverend welcomes to the parish. Things really go awry, however, when Smallwood's actions endanger the village's primary source of income.
      Director
      John Boulting, Roy Boulting
      Screenwriter
      John Boulting, Frank Harvey
      Production Co
      Charter Film Productions
      Genre
      Comedy
      Original Language
      English (United Kingdom)
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Oct 1, 2011
      Runtime
      1h 45m