Customer Reviews

Heaven Knows Mr Allison [VHS]

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

20th Century Fox has done an OUTSTANDING job remastering & digital transferring to DVD many of their World War II movies under the heading of FOX WAR CLASSICS!

"Heaven Knows Mr. Allison" is the best of this series thus far. This 1957 film is presented beautifully in Delux Color & Anamorphic WideScreen (automatically adjusts to your tv size including 16:9 HDTV) format.

Summary: John Huston directs this outstanding story about two of the dearest, most delightful & wonderful people who must survive together in the Southern Pacific during World War II. Sister Angelia (Deborah Kerr - absolutely fantastic (Oscar Nominated for Best Actress)) as a missionary nun and U.S. Marine Corporal Allison (Robert Mitchum - perfectly casted truly) who are stranded on an island in Japanese occupied territory. Their 2 faiths (hers in God & his in the Corps)bring them together and provide each other the strength to overcome over whelming odds.

"Heaven Knows Mr. Allison" is a great family picture. Is so delightful & entertaining (the story line is a pleasant surprise). Kerr & Mitchum are magical together. Don't miss this one. I guarantee you will be watching this one more than once. This is a great movie to buy!!

Get out the popcorn & see a Great WideScreen DVD movie today. Find out why "Heaven Knows Mr. Allison"? Enjoy.

Special Features include: 1957 Movietone News (including Heaven Knows Mr.Allison clip), Theatrical Trailer & Fox War Classic Trailers.

Very few war films have a script with just two characters and all the lines in the movie are spoken by those two characters only. One wouldn't think this would be a war film, but it is. This classic WWII war film focuses on the pinacole of opposite human beings, thrust together and forced to survive on each other's individual strengths. Mr. Allison (R. Mitchum) is the marine who beaches on an island after being cast a drift in the Pacific Ocean for several days. There he searches the island and finds only one living person: a nun. Sister Angela (D. Kerr) is a dedicated nun who accompanied a priest to the island but got marooned there instead, and the priest dying a day or so later. Mr. Allison and Sister Angela work as a team on the island in order to sustain themselves. They do everything together: they gather island fruit, fish for turtles, build a sail, and have deep conversations about each other's contrary occupations and past.
The character of Mr. Allison is brilliantly developed and is easily likeable among viewers. He is portrayed as a big dumb guy, with a soft heart and top marine skills. He's clumsy with words and he's very open about his feelings, which at times puts Sister Angela in uncomfortable positions. Equally developed is Sister Angela, who is greatly sympathized by the many stresses she is forced to endure. She rarely speaks unless spoken to by Mr. Allison, as she is obviously uncomfortable around him half the time. But as the picture progresses, she becomes more and more accustomed with having him around and a mutual fondness for each other develops.
The film is highly original and thorougly entertaining. Although it's a movie about a man and woman, it is not a romance. Even though they are alone on an island together, there's no hint of carnal pleasure for each other. Instead, the movie shows how a man and woman can form a relationship of trust, not just in order to survive, but because they are alone together. It is a movie of friends, not lovers, which is very unusual of Hollywood. The results are phenominally entertaining and realistic.
Since it is a war film, there are explosions and guns and some action sequences, but most of it is toned down. Set in the Pacific Theatre during WWII, there are Japanese marines depicted in the film, but no characters are established amongst them. If any criticism is due for this film it is the need for a more satisfactory ending. There is quite a bit of silence throughout the movie, a lot of sounds from the ocean and exotic birds chirping. It's as relaxing as it is entertaining.
The film is rated G, there is no language (certainly not from Sister Angela!) and no indecency of any kind. Some blood, but it's not worth hiding a kid's eyes over. Only if one is offended by Catholicism or someone getting drunk on Japanese liquor would this film have any form of warnings at all.
To summarize, Heaven Knows Mr. Allison is an original kind of war movie with highly developed characters. It's an uncommon film in today's market of entertainment in regards to what a man and woman can do together. This film shows the sexes not at odds or in lust with each other, but shows them as a team working toward a common goal. It's easily a family film and a movie worth watching time and again.

This John Huston classic is one of my favorite war movies. The beautiful island scenery is breathtaking, and Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr are flawless. The chemistry between these two, despite Kerr playing the role of a nun, is awesome. Mitchum, playing a tough-as-nails Marine sergeant, is perfectly cast, and gives one of his finest performances. Kerr is also perfectly cast and was nominated for best actress (she didn't win). This movie doesn't have epic battle scenes like other war films, but it perfectly captures the spirit of the U.S. soldiers in WW2. One of the film's best scenes is when Mitchum gets drunk and almost forgets Kerr is a nun! The dvd version has a great picture quality and the special features include a newsreel from WW2 showing battle scenes in the Pacific, and there are a few trailers. If you want to see a different kind of war movie, I highly recommend this classic.

Perfection is about the only way to describe this beautiful film about the trails of an Irish nun and a marine who are stranded on an island in Japanese infested waters during World War Two. "Heaven Knows Mr. Allison", is based on the simple premise of two totally opposite characters from two different worlds being forced by circumstances to work together for a mutual need and in the process learning not only to appreciate the other's qualities but also learning abit about themselves in the process.

What works so wonderfully in this film are the beautifully drawn characters who are so realistic and honest in their composition and in their reactions to each other. The film is basically a two character study and it is to the great credit of Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum that never once does the interest in these two individuals drop off, so believable are their interpretations. One can believe totally that Robert Mitchum is a tough, no frills marine Corporal Allison and that Deborah Kerr is the sweet, pious but also gutsy Irish nun Sister Angela.

"Heaven Knows Mr. Allison" tells the story of Corporal Allison who after a Japanese attack on his vessel, finds himself washed up onto a desert island somewhere in the South Pacific. Thinking the island has been deserted he is amazed to discover that the only occupant is an Irish nun Sister Angela who is also stranded there after the death of a fellow priest. The story follows their trials and tribulations on the island, finding food, hiding out in a cave together when the Japanese take over the island and avoiding bombing when finally the marines drive the Japanese off with heavy bombing and gun fire. It is an inspirational story as the gruff marine and placid nun get to know each other, begin to develop firstly affection and then real love for each other before realising how life has taken them on different paths but made them better people for having known each other. Never once is the story done in bad taste or does it resort to crudity or sensationalism. I doubt if so delicate and tender a topic could be done today where such a story would have its sexual elements played up to the detriment of the story.

Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum both deliver stunning performances and Kerr in particular in her portrayal of Sister Angela (for which she quite rightly received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Actress) became the proto-type so to speak, of all nun portrayals in the years to come. She is in turn beautifully mannered, pious, brave and considerate and capable of great love.In short a wonderfully well rounded character. The vision of her in her beautiful white nun's habit carrying the charred crucifix down the hill from the island's bombed church is an image I will always carry with me. Robert Mitchum is a perfect choice as Corporal Allison, the wayward orphan who joined the marines to become someone and who hides under his gruff unpolished totally masculine demeanour an essentially kind personality that resurfaces when he encounters Sister Angela. These two performers who appeared together in a number of films, notably "The Sundowners", have a beautiful chemistry when working together and their verbal exchanges and interaction is a delight to view.

Directed with many subtle layers of meaning and emotion by veteran director John Huston he manages to combine what is essentially a sensitive love story with an exciting and serious war time drama. These layers combine excellently here and make the film a viewing experience to cherish. There are many exciting moments in "Heaven Knows Mr. Allison" such as the turtle capture where Sister Angela rows the boat to try and save Mr. Allison from drowning, the landing of the Japanese on the Island and the couples retreating into the cave to avoid capture, Sister Angela's attack of malaria, and Mr. Allison's frantic trips to steal food from right under the noses of the Japanese are some of the best. Filmed on location on a beautifully unspoiled atoll in the South Pacific, the filming was not an easy experience for anyone involved but that does not show itself on screen. What resulted was an almost two hour film that never drags or lacks interest through its many changes in approach.

Being a Catholic I guess I can see alot that I can identify with in the theme of the film but really it's a wonderful story that can be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates good writing and great character development. It's the type of film that wouldn't be made today given the extremes to which our current cinema feels it has to go to deliver "acceptable" entertainment, more's the pity. "Heaven Knows Mr. Allison" is a particular favourite of mine and I feel it contains Deborah Kerr's finest performance so enjoy this great story of love, adventure, and human understanding set in wartime.

Robert Mitchum is absolutely winning as the Marine who washes ashore on an island in the Pacific during World War II. Wary of stumbling into enemy troops, he is, instead, surprised to find a nun (Deborah Kerr) stranded and completely alone on the island. The film focuses on their bonding, survival on the island, and the threat of Japanese capture.

*** Mitchum and Kerr have undeniable chemistry. Modern audiences may find it quaint, but I've always been disarmed by the profound courtesy they show one another. It's difficult not to smile with pleasure at even their simplest exchanges ("Are you all right, ma'am?" "Yes, Mr. Allison."). There's a wonderful lilt to Kerr's voice and an integrity that makes someone as religiously devoted as Sister Angela believable.

*** This is one of the best movies no one talks about. I've seen it countless times now, and it's joined the immortal ranks of "Casablanca" as a sure thing -- always as good as the first time you saw it.

"The African Queen," director John Huston's other foray into very similar territory (rough man & religious woman forge friendship to survive against nature and enemy in wartime), is justly celebrated as a classic and an acting tour de force for leads Bogart and Hepburn. I only wish "Heaven Knows Mr. Allison" got as much attention as TAQ since I think it is an equally splendid movie. Mitchum and Kerr are perfectly cast and give outstanding performances in their roles as as a battle-hardened Marine and a dedicated nun. The acting fireworks in "African Queen" are great, but I actually think I prefer the exquisite subtlety of Mitchum & Kerr's approach here, where the conflict between the characters is not as volatile as in TAQ and therefore calls for even greater amounts of calibration and control in body language, facial expressions and tone of voice from the actors. Follow Mitchum's many successive emotions during the proposal scene -- desire, hesitation, courageous candor, disappointment, humiliation, and finally face-saving stoicism -- and you witness a flawless and masterfully intelligent piece of acting, with Kerr just as perfect in her responses and counterpoint (including Sister Angela's reaction to knowing she has just crushed this man who, for perhaps the first and only time in his life, has completely revealed his heart to anyone).

This is a wonderful character study of two people who are simultaneously polar opposites (warrior vs. woman of peace; street-tough vs. refined) and yet twin souls (courageous, loyal, unselfish, and duty-bound, one to the Marines and the other to Christ). Their attraction to one another is just as natural as their parting in the end (each following their duty) is inevitable, albeit bittersweet. Kudos to the filmmakers for not lapsing into sentimentality or cliches. Every creative choice for these characters is perfect.

This film would, of course, make a great companion piece to "The African Queen" for comparison and contrast, but it also stands quite well on its own as a first-rate story, well told and well acted.

Noone who loves films can miss this movie and these performances by Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum. A nun and a marine together on an atol in the Pacific Ocean during a part of WWII sounds like a romance and a rejection, or a romance and she decides to leave her order. No such thing occurs; but what does occur is a love relationship that lasts forever, even thouigh...I won't spoil it.

The cinematography buy Oswald Morris is superb, John Huston directs, and he considered this is favorite film, way over The African Queen.

See this film and be filled with the timeless wonder of love between two people in a shadowy world they illumine for you.

There's something great about World War II movies made in the 50s. Hollywood grew out of the gratuitous and overly sweet romance themes, and put more effort into production and plot. "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison" is a perfect example. Deborah Kerr(the perfect nun) and Robert Mitchum(the classic marine) are marooned on a south pacific island during WW II. Great similarities develop between the nun's devotion to the church, and the soldier's devotion to the marines. Eventually, the marine becomes quite fond of his island companion, but she remains true to the church. You get the feeling, though, that she's almost ready to give it up for him at one point in the movie. If you like 'marooned on the island' kind of movies, also check out "Hell in the Pacific" with Lee Marvin, and "African Queen". John Huston produced both "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison" and "African Queen".

I remember in an interview with Robert Mitchum prior to his death when asked his favorite film without missing a beat he said "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison". This is high praise from someone who made such classics as "Night of the Hunter" and "The Sundowners". After watching it you can see why. The film is essentially a two character story (the occupying Japanese soldiers are in essence extras) which gives Mitchum the opportunity to stretch his acting muscles. As a co-star you can't have one better than Deborah Kerr. The film also demonstrates the tender side of director John Huston, a man known more for his cynicism and dark humor. Sure, there is a certain degree of action and tension in the film. At it's heart, though, it's about love of the unrequited nature and that's the most painful love there can be. I saw this film many years ago on the late show (pre-cable) and it stayed with me. "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison" has lost none of it's resonance years later. A gem.

Although, I do not own this movie (yet) I have seen It A dozen times. I love it! My father,being A Marine during W.W.2,the movie held special meaning for me. Here are two people with such totally different beliefs and lifestyles, stranded on an island togther. Alone! I mean how much more ironic can you get! A Marine and A nun! You realize as you watch the movie, that they are not as different as you would think. They are both proud of what they believe in and what they stand for. The tensions they experience,as a man and woman together and later the respect for one another are beautiful!