Heaven Knows Mr. Allison

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

For Mackeral Eaters and Those Alike, 2008-10-13
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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

An unusual story with two great stars in top form, 2008-09-15
John Huston directs this unusual story with Deborah Kerr Robert Mitchum in top form. Near the end of World War II, a marine gets washed up on a deserted island in the South Pacific to discover that the only inhabitant is a missionary nun. When the Japanese invade, they face another threat to their survival and have to confront the unique relationship that begins to develop between them. While it is essentially a 'two-hander', this special tale has been filmed on a grand scale - on location on a beautiful island with elaborate staging of the Japanese invasion and occupation. We also glimpse on-the-horizon battles and aerial bombardments that are realistically staged, along with some thrills as the marine confronts the invaders. However, it is the almost-romantic relationship between the nun and the marine that makes this a moving film. Kerr and Mitchum are excellent! The DVD is a fine transfer of the original CinemaScope. Bonus features include some newsreel footage relating to the film, war news and trailers to other Fox war films.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Mitchum fan, 2008-09-10
Have always enjoyed watching tough guy Robert Mitchum. This was definitely a change of pace for him. The interaction between him and Deborah Kerr is something to see. Highly recommend it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Best movie ever on an individual during WWII in the Pacific, 2008-05-19
The movie is about a Marine washed ashore on an atol in the pacific. At the time it is inhabited by a nun who has been serving the islanders. Unfortunately their peace is short lived as Japanese invade the island and set up guns to destroy the US Naval forces that run between the atol br /and other islands. "Mr Allison" has no family and the Marine Corp has been his life. Unerringly he falls in love with the Nun who cannot return his love. br /Their adventures on the Japanese occuipied island are realistic especially hiding and living in a cave and almost fit the end of of a story written by John Bailey (Islands of Victory and Islands of Death) available through Amazon.com. br /I saw the movie when it first came out and never forgot it. It is one I wanted for my own personal small collection of great movies and great performances by actors. br / br /Mike Bailey

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Heavan Knows, Mr Allison, 2008-05-16
This is one of my favorite movies - time is not an issue. It is about a nun stranded on an island that Japanese have been and left. Mr. Allison br /is Robert Mitchum, a marine, who washes ashore. They become friends and the Japanese come back. They hide in a cave with Mr. Allison looking for br /food at night. All turns out well and they part to go on their own path.