Main Cast: Fredric March, Martha Scott, Beulah Bondi, Gene Lockhart, Elisabeth Fraser
Release Year: 1941
Country: US
Run Time: 108 minutes
Plot
Author Hartzell Spence's popular biography of his preacher father was the source for One Foot in Heaven. Fredric March stars as Methodist cleric William Spence, whose calling requires him to move his family from parish to parish on a near-monthly basis. The children resent the fact that they're never able to sustain friendships, while Reverend Spence is equally upset by what he perceives to be encroaching immorality in the early 20th century. Spence's stubbornness loses him as many parishioners as he gains, but he is gradually humanized by a series of random events. In the best of these, the Reverend, who has railed against movies from the pulpit, attends a "scandalous" picture show--and as the picture reaches its climax, he finds himself cheering on the good guys as loudly as everyone else! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
One Foot in Heaven is a heart-warming little film that was enormously popular at the time of its release. Some modern viewers may find it a bit dated and manipulative, or perhaps a tad too sentimental, and there's strength in that view -- especially when it comes to the ending, which decidedly goes a bit too far. But others will welcome these characteristics and find its story of a man of God determined to strengthen religious belief wherever he goes to be inspiring and totally captivating. (Both camps, however, will probably agree that the episodic nature of the screenplay does prevent it from being as effective as it might be.) Both camps will likewise agree that Fredric March gives a powerful, totally convincing performance, capturing both the spiritual qualities of the man while imbuing him with down-to-earth characteristics that keep him grounded in reality. March is in firm command of Heaven from the beginning, and his sterling work here is a joy and pleasure to watch. He is very ably supporting by good, solid work from Martha Scott and, in smaller roles, Beulah Bondi and Gene Lockhart. Irving Rapper's direction is likewise solid, and he and the writers do a fine job of detailing the ways in which even a preacher has to do things to make sure there is bread to put on his family's table. Heaven has its flaws, but most will find it a refreshing and engaging portrait of one man's journey through both a spiritual and an earthly life. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
