Seventh Heaven

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".