User reviews

Chico, a sewer worker in Paris rescues Diane, a prostitute, from the police. He not only offers his protection, but also his unending love. Diane, who up to that point had been abused by many people, suddenly realizes the love she receives from Chico lifts her from a dreary existence and helps her find her own voice.

Alas, war intervenes at the time the couple decides to get married. Chico, an avowed atheist, invents his own wedding vows as he and Diane exchange chains to wear around their necks instead of the customary ring. Both make a promise to chant their names and pretend they are in heaven at 11am each day. The ritual keeps them hoping for an eventual happy life together in peaceful times.

This 1937 release directed by Henry King, is seldom seen these days. The basic reason for watching it again is the sweet presence of Simone Simon and James Stewart. These two actors contributed to make the film much better than it should have been if played by others. Ms. Simon, one of the most beautiful faces in the French cinema, had a wonderful screen presence that works well opposite to the young and disarming James Stewart, at one of the best points of his budding career.

Others in the cast included Jean Hersholt, who appears as the priest that tries to convert Chico. This is the same actor whose name is synonymous with worthwhile causes within the film industry and who died much to young to continue his humanitarian work. Also, Gregory Ratoff, Gale Sondergaard, Sig Ruman and J. Edward Bromberg and the rest do great work in the film.

The copy shown on cable was not exactly the best, but as in other memorable films, what matters is the story and the great performances that Henry King got from everyone.

Being a younger Jimmy Stewart fan, I of course am prone to relish in his early works because of how dashing and handsome he was. Just like any other Jimmy Stewart film, you will not be disappointed and if you do not like the movie in all its entirety you will definitely find something that you did like to take with you. Seventh Heaven turned out to be exactly what I expected from the title. Simone Simon was beautiful and wonderful in her role and Jimmy Stewart was charming and endearing as always. It is true that this film is dated...it was made in 1936 but the message it carries of true love will remain timeless. It was very uplifting and if you are a Jimmy Stewart fan esp. of his romances from earlier years this is a great, seven star film to watch. It will give you a great dose of Jimmy Stewart and a good sprinkle of faith to believe that true love does indeed conquer all.

My mother, whose stage name was Donnie Gay, was an actress in the 1930's and early 1940's, and was Simone Simone's stand-in and double. So, in "7th Heaven", when the Diane character is getting slapped around and otherwise disrespected, that was my Mother. They were both indeed beautiful women. They lost touch after WW II began, and my parents left Hollywood for the war effort. I did do some research some time back, and I believe that Miss Simone returned to France in the 1960's, I believe, and died there in the 1980's or the 1990's. I wouldn't swear to this: it's been a few years since I did this research, and those papers were probably lost in a house fire in 2002. At the time "7th Heaven" was made, my Mother was still married to her first husband, Charles Hansen, who ran a dance studio in Hollywood similar to Arthur Murray. In fact, I believe the dance studio was still in existence in the 1970's or 1980's. For what it's worth, my Mother passed away right before Christmas in 1980. I will check to see if I still have a copy of the research that I did on Miss Simone.

-HWM

I thought it was a very sweet movie. It made me believe in true romance, that there is such a thing as making love without...you know what I mean. It was uplifting because bravery and heaven were big in this movie. "Chico, Diane, Heaven" for example. That phrase kept me hanging on. Their bravery helped them achieve their heaven.

Talkie remake of the silent classic about the romance between a sewer worker and an abused woman in WWI-era Paris. The original is one of my favorite silent films, with beautiful performances by Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, and excellent direction by Frank Borzage. This one is good on its own but it's lacking the magic the first film had.

Some are going to balk at Stewart playing a Frenchman but it was common for American actors back then not to attempt accents when playing foreign parts. It doesn't bother me. I never really get that criticism anyway. How is using an accent but speaking English instead of French any better or more authentic? Stewart does a fine job. Not one of his best performances but nothing to be embarrassed about. Simone Simon is one of the most beautiful women to ever appear on film. The camera is absolutely in love with her. She's also great in this role, bringing sensitivity and gentleness to the part like few other actresses of the time could have done. Jimmy and Simone, while individually appealing, don't have much romantic chemistry. Still, I defy anyone's heart not to melt when Simone gets the soft light treatment & begs Jimmy to say sweet things to her. The supporting cast is good. Gale Sondergaard, Jean Hersholt, Gregory Ratoff, J. Edward Bromberg, John Qualen, and Sig Ruman are among the top-notch actors in this.

It's an entertaining movie with a lot to like about it. It probably helps if you haven't seen the original, which is just perfect. Still, I adore any movie with Simone Simon so I definitely recommend you check this out for her, if nothing else.

This old romance takes place in Paris, with a fresh young star Simone Simon adding to the authenticity. It's not a very well known oldie, but if you like James Stewart and want to see him in one of his earlier dramas before he was typecast as George Bailey, check it out. Just don't pay attention to his lack of a French accent.

Jimmy plays a low-class street sweeper in Paris who wants to be highbrow. He just doesn't seem to get the right breaks (or arguably, his bad judgment keeps him stuck) and he never gets ahead. Even when he falls in love, he picks a girl as penniless and hopeless as he is. Simone gets in trouble with the police, and they don't have two sticks to rub together when they finally get married. They live in a leaky, crumbling apartment that's cold all the time. Will he end up kissing the banister, or will their troubles continue to get in the way of true love?

Surprisingly, my brother really liked this movie. He's seen more than his fair share of old movies, but given his druthers he would always rather watch a modern movie. He was impressed with Simone's talent and he liked seeing Jimmy in a darker role than he was used to.

This is a Love story among members of the Poor People of Paris, where Jimmy Stewart plays a working class sewer worker. Given his lot in life, Stewart's character expresses little faith in God, but after he befriends an abused prostitute (Diane), in her he finds the catalyst for an improved prospective on life. This symbolizes the potential power of positive relationships. This is a remake of the silent film of the same name from 10 years earlier that won three Academy awards, including one for Janet Gaynor for best actress.

Interesting of note is the romantic music theme "Diane" which plays throughout the film. Although the tune was written in 1927 for the original silent movie version of this film, most today will remember it from the pop hit the Irish group 'The Bachelors' had in 1964. Singer Billy Daniels had actually previously made the tune popular in the 1940's, when he made it his #1 song to sing on his NY radio broadcasts. Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis was later perceptive enough to have recorded the tune with John Coltrane on his classic 1956 album "Steamin' with the Miles Davis Quintet."

The lyrics are never heard in the film, but a review of the lyrics find them spot-on with the story:

"I'm in Heaven when I see you smile; smile for me my Diane. And though everything is dark all the while; I can see you Diane. You have lighted the road leading home; Pray for me when you can. For no matter wherever I roam; Smile for me my Diane."

A unique film - strangely haunting. Beautiful sets. I thought about this film for a long time after first seeing it. I've never seen another film quite like it. The story was very sweet, but also compelling, and unpredictable. I was frequently surprised by the plot which held my attention from beginning to end. Excellent acting and memorable characters. Recommended viewing.

Watching this movie, I can't understand why Simone Simon didn't become a great star. In this movie she's luminous on a level with Ingrid Bergman & Audrey Hepburn. Watch the scene where Jimmy Stewart really look at her for the first time as she turns her face to his with the melody of 'Diane' playing softly; movie magic!

She made two other well-known movies: Cat People & Curse of the Cat People, then her career dwindled into nothingness. Perhaps if she'd had more charismatic co-stars like James Stewart to play off against. She should have been James Cagney's unrequited love in "The Roaring Twenties" instead of that insipid Priscilla Lane (or was it Rosemary Lane?)

James Stewart is superb as Chico. He's awkward, gruff, reluctant to get involved with other people yet his core decency compels him prevent Diane's mistreatment and stop her suicide attempt. Stewart was probably that way in real life. I don't agree that he's miscast or that he should have a French accent. There are people like that in all countries. It's not about France or French people. Any urban setting like London, Rome, New York etc. would have done equally well.

I found the character played by J. Edward Bromberg rather disturbing. He kept showing up to rain on Diane's parade with those strange eyes. I kept hoping Diane would give him a beating like she did to Gale Sonergaard.

SEVENTH HEAVEN (20th Century-Fox, 1937), directed by Henry King, is a sentimental love story of two ordinary but unlikely people in the poor district of Paris. Originated on stage in 1922 before becoming a popular 1927 silent screen Fox Film adaptation starring Janet Gaynor, directed by Frank Borzage, Gaynor's performance won her the first Academy Award ever awarded to an actress. It also marked Gaynor's initial teaming opposite Charles Farrell, with SEVENTH HEAVEN the most associated of their twelve collaborations together. Basically following the same pattern as the 1927 carnation, this new edition not only borrows heavily on the underscoring to the "Seventh Heaven" theme song, but makes every effort by using a new assortment of actors to physically resemble those from the original cast, particularly its leading players consisting of Simone Simon resembling Gaynor in both pint size and hairstyle, and James Stewart matching Farrell's height and straight-forward manner. While this latest SEVENTH HEAVEN benefits with the use of sound, history did not repeat itself with at least an Academy Award nomination for Henry King as Best Director and/or Simone Simon (best known as Irene in Val Lewton's RKO Radio 1942 classic, CAT PEOPLE) as Best Actress.

Plot Summary: "Paris, 1914. On the lower left slope of Montmarte Hill lies the sinister square called 'The Sock.' Its wretched inhabitants, crowded like rats, live between Heaven and Hell. For their evil street is stopped suddenly by a church.". Chico (James Stewart), who addresses himself as a "remarkable fellow," is a sewer worker. He is also an "athiest" working by a nearby church. Down the road is the Cafe De Trou Dans Le Sac run by Nana (Gale Sondergaard) who uses her younger sister, Diane (Simone Simon) to entice and entertain men to keep the place open. Because Durand (Sig Rumann), one of the customers, forces himself on her, Diane breaks away by throwing wine in his face. After Durand threatens to close the place, Nana forces her anger on Diane by running after and whipping her continuously down the streets until breaking down unconsciously. She is then saved from further beating by Chico who chases Nana away. Diane's attempt to kill herself with Chico's knife fails as he intervenes in saving her life again. As Diane is about to be arrested, Chico steps in once again by telling the officer that she is "his wife." Knowing the suspecting policeman will be checking out his story, Chico allows Diane to move into his seventh floor walk up flat acting as his wife until the officer arrives to see his story is "true." During the course of time, Chico becomes a man of position of street washer while Diane gains confidence in herself, losing all fear she once had. Love soon takes its toll, but before they can get married, war is declared, leading to a lengthy separation and unexpected occurrences.

Other than Simon and Stewart, SEVENTH HEAVEN features an assortment of capable players including Jean Hersholt as a good natured priest; John Qualen as the buck-tooth thief called the "Sewer Rat"; Thomas Beck as Brissac, a young soldier; Victor Kilian as Gobin, Chico's street cleaning neighbor, with Mady Christians Marie, Gobin's wife; and Gregory Ratoff. Gale Sondergaard makes an impressive wicked sister, a role originated on the silent screen by Gladys Brockwell.

Having Simone Simon the same nationality as Diane benefits greatly, though the casting of James Stewart, on loan out assignment from his home studio of MGM, appears to be a case of miscasting. Although he does his best with in his performance, Stewart doesn't seem to be suitable in the role. Had Stewart's character been explained as an American taking up residence in France might have helped, but to accept him as someone named Chico does not. Fortunately Stewart makes no attempt in using a French accent or any sort of accent in this French setting. Charles Boyer might have worked, but his advanced age might have made his performance opposite the youthful Simon quite awkward, though casting of this very nature had been done numerous times. 20th Fox's own Tyrone Power seems the logical choice, but sources claim he was on loan to MGM in exchange for Stewart to co-star opposite Norma Shearer in the epic, MARIE ANTOINETTE (1938).

Basically a scene by scene remake, with few alterations and shortening of specific ones, resulting to 100 minutes over the original's two hours, SEVENTH HEAVEN wouldn't be the same without the tender moment during the war sequence having Diane and Chico communicate daily silently to each other from their hearts, wherever they are. On a personal level, the reproduction sets of Paris is first rate while Henry King's direction keeps the pace moving. Only its closing minutes which could have been handled differently, doesn't seem to ring true to life.

For anyone who's seen the original SEVENTH HEAVEN would no doubt watch this edition for comparison. Those who have never seen the original would simply accept this SEVENTH HEAVEN for what it is, judging for themselves whether or not this rarely seen love story holds up whenever it turns up on the Fox Movie Channel. (***)

Simone Simon glowed. She was inspired by James Stewart's character. Her character was lit up by Chico whose pure innocence and positive attitude overshadowed any shortcomings of her character. Stewart came across so well that I could not stop watching the film even though he lacked a French accent. This movie must be seen by all of Jimmy Stewart's fans. It's as if Stewart's star quality is irrepressible. Its as if his personal good character comes across better than the script can tell;therefore,I can accept this story. I have to admit I have seen many of his movies before I saw this one, including many times "Its a Wonderful Life". But, in this film "Seventh Heaven" he allows Simone Simon to make the story work. The two actors are at their best in this old fashioned melodrama. This is a rare instance where the actors pulled the story to a much higher plain. Perhaps that is why it's called "Seventh Heaven".

I found this movie scrolling through some of Jimmy Stewart's filmography before he was famous with movies like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and The Philadelphia Story. The idea of Stewart playing a Frenchman was...an interesting choice to say the least. I had heard of Simone Simon before but couldn't name anything notable that she had been in. Still I was open to it. The movie started out all right but eventually dropped in quality. While Stewart does a good job in the role it can be a little distracting to hear him use his normal American accented voice while everyone else puts on a French accent (not that that's a particularly accurate portrayal of France either). The biggest problem for me was that the story seemed kind of cliched. I know that this is 1937 and the film itself is a remake of an older movie anyways but I wasn't really surprised by anything and more or less guessed what was going to happen. If romantic comedies in Paris are your thing then you'll probably find it fine. Not a bad movie, necessarily, just didn't do a whole lot for me.

There's nothing really wrong with this movie. And there are some positive things.

On both the positive and the negative side is French actress Simone Simon. She is radiantly beautiful throughout the movie. When she appears at the window in her wedding gown, you truly believe you are seeing an angel. But her command of English is so limited, and the dialog for her often so weak, that she isn't able to make much of an impression as an actress. When she chases Gale Sondergaard out of the room with a belt in a reversal of a scene early in the movie, she doesn't convey any anger, or triumph. She's good at smiling radiantly, but that's about it.

Steward does his usual fine job, but again, he has a poor script to work with.

Gale Sondegaard gives perhaps the most vivid characterization in the movie as the evil sister. She is truly terrifying, an actress who could do so many very different things all very well.

Too often, though, the script sinks, or comes close to sinking, this picture.

I much preferred the 1927 silent. I'm no great fan of silent movies, but that one is astoundingly beautiful and very deeply moving, perhaps because there is no weak script to get in the way, perhaps because certain of the scenes are just filmed better, such as the first night "together" of Chico and Diane in his seventh-floor apartment, the 7th heaven of the title.

Even if you don't generally care for silent pictures, give the 1927 version a try.

Meanwhile, this one is fine for one viewing, but I doubt I'll watch it again.

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Actually, I did watch it again - though it took two sessions to get through it. I still agree with everything I wrote before, though I will add one thing: Especially in the early parts of the movie, there is some beautiful camera work, old-fashioned close-ups and effective shots of the staircase that keeps twisting and turning as it rises to that 7th heaven. The director, Henry King, had made a lot of movies in the silent era, and he knew how to film light and shadow poetically. It doesn't save the movie, but it's worth noticing if you decide to sit through this disappointing movie anyway.

Everything about this movie was good, except for Jimmy Stewart.

This movie has stuck with me since seeing it late at night on television 26 years ago. I became a Simon Simone fan and was already a Jimmy Stewart fan. An up lifting story showing that even the seemingly lowest people on the social scale can be courageous, serve a higher purpose, overcome hardships and past mistakes, and have a happy life shared with a true love. I have to admit to being a sucker for these types of movies though. This movie is similar to Cannery Row (Nick Nolte and Debra Winger) and The World Of Suzie Wong (William Holden and Nancy Kwan). I have never been able to find this movie showing on television since or on DVD or VHA. Wish I could find this one on DVD or VHS since I would love to share watching it with my wife.

James Stewart's first film assignment for 1937 was a loan out from MGM to 20th Century Fox for a remake of their silent classic Seventh Heaven that starred Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor and won for Gaynor the first Best Actress Oscar. Based on a play by Austin Strong that ran for 704 performances on Broadway during the 1922-24 season, the silent film also boasted the classic film theme Diane which was one of the biggest selling instrumental recordings during the Twenties.

The Diane theme was retained for the sound version, the movie-going public would have not paid a nickel to see this film if it were otherwise. In keeping with the French location of the film, French import Simone Simon took Janet Gaynor's place and gave a luminescent performance.

But why Darryl F. Zanuck couldn't get Charles Boyer for the male lead is beyond me. If I had been Zanuck I'd have waited until Boyer was available. He would have been perfect for the role. The very American James Stewart, try though he does, just doesn't cut it as the French sewer worker Chico. Even Zanuck's two best male contract players, Don Ameche and Tyrone Power, would also have been better than Stewart.

The plot is essentially the same with sewer worker Chico rescuing Diane after she's been thrown out of a brothel managed by her sister Gale Sondergaard. Simone's heart just is not in the job of sex worker. Sondergaard gives one her patented bad girl performances, she really has some bite in her role. Also to be noted is Jean Hersholt in the role of sympathetic priest.

The sound version of Seventh Heaven might have been a classic had a player who was French or one who was cast as foreign types been in the lead. Jimmy must have wondered what he was doing in this film.

A remarkable movie about life and love, a wise poor cleaner drains underground who are in clash with God's existence and help a young prostitute that is about to goes to the jail saying to police officer that actually she is your wife and take her to own home and to cheat the police a while, along these few days together something grow up between them, a tale about true love and how it convert the people to another path, Simone Simon as Diane and James Stewart made a unmatched performance and a powerful set design to be a real Paris at this period of time, sweet and amazing story to all mankind!!

Resume:

First watch: 2017 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 9

I agree with the previous review. I've only seen this movie once but it has stuck with me. This is a movie about a sewer worker (a very young Jimmy Stewart) who aspires to work as a street sweeper. This is the epitome of jobs in his viewpoint. He is determined to achieve this goal as he considers himself "quite a remarkable fellow". He also falls in love with a young woman who is entranced with this remarkable fellow. He eventually achieves both of his goals.

The 1927 film, "Seventh Heaven", starred Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. Had it been a talking picture, they would have been all wrong for the parts--with their very American accents. But, the public didn't need to hear them playing Parisians and the film worked...and helped lead to Gaynor receiving the Best Picture Oscar. However, when it was remade in 1937, some dunderhead thought casting Jimmy Stewart as a French Atheist was a GOOD idea!!! Now I'll admit that Stewart hadn't yet fully developed him 'Aww, shucks' persona (and even played a villain in a couple of his early films), he was so dreadfully wrong for this film. His accent, his manner, his meanness, his looks--all so very wrong! That's almost as bad as John Wayne playing Genghis Khan in "The Conquerer"! On the plus side, at least Simone Simon was a good choice for the other lead--though her strong natural French accent served to make Stewart's lack of one all the more apparent!

The film begins in a poor section of Paris among the lowest of the low. Stewart works in the sewers (sort of a French Ed Norton) and Simon plays a virgin who works in a whore house!! After she is beaten by the Madame because she won't put out, Stewart comes to her rescue. But, when the police want to charge her as a 'professional girl', Stewart lies and tells them she is his wife. And, to make sure they don't discover he's lying, she moves into his loft apartment. While they are together purely by circumstances, you KNOW that eventually they will be head-over-heels in love...it's obvious and inevitable.

The plot is a bit silly and the film seems very awkward. Some may find it romantic or fun--I just thought it was obvious, poorly cast and in need of a re-write. Not among Stewart's or Simon's finer moments.

If you're in the mood for a black and white weepie, this movie is right up there with Letter from an Unknown Woman and Waterloo Bridge. I first saw it as a kid and it made a big impression on me, didn't see it for 40+ years, managed to find it, it's still a lovely film. Wonderful performances from the leads, James Stewart is my favourite actor and I think it stems from this film, but Simone Simon more than matches him. I can't understand why it's never shown on UK tv, I first it saw on the BBC and it's perfect for a cold, wet winter afternoon.