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Deborah Kerr, Robert Mitchum

A two-person character study directed by John Huston, Heaven Knows Mr. Allison stars Robert Mitchum as a World War II Marine sergeant and Deborah Kerr as a Roman Catholic nun. Both nun and sergeant ar... read more read more...e marooned on a South Pacific island, hemmed in by surrounding Japanese troops. Mitchum does his best to make the nun's ordeal less painful, but is torn by his growing love for her. Kerr is equally fond of Mitchum, but refuses to renounce her vows. Their unrealized ardor mellows into mutual respect as they struggle to survive before help arrives. Based on a novel by Charles K. Shaw, Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison was coproduced by Eugene Frenke, who later filmed a low-budget variation on the story, The Nun and the Sergeant (62), which starred Frenke's wife Anna Sten. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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79% liked it

2,519 ratings

Critics

86% liked it

7 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 47 min.

Directed by: John Huston

Release Date: January 1, 1957

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DVD Release Date: May 20, 2003

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Stats: 109 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (109)

  • deano
    September 17, 2009
    deano
    During World War II, a Marine corporal is shipwrecked on a Pacific Island, whose only other inhabitant is a Catholic nun. Essentially a two-character play set against a tropical background, this is a triumph for all concerned. Stars Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr give such convi... read morencing, understand performance that you almost feel as if you are an unwanted observer, especially as their two so-very-different character begin to fall in love. John Huston may have been one of the most erratic film directors, but, with the right cast and material, he could achieve greatness, as he does here.
  • flixsterman
    January 18, 2009
    flixsterman
    If you only know Robert Mitchum from his villainous roles (Cape Fear, Night of the Hunter, etc.) then this one is a must-see.
  • bigbpdx
    February 24, 2011
    bigbpdx
    I think this is one of Robert Mitchum's best performances, and I love the interaction with Debra Kerr.
  • graemii
    November 22, 2009
    graemii
    Once again Hollywood (old Hollywood in this case) enjoys crushing my romantic tendencies for a truly happy ending. Give me the cliche, at least in romantic dramas. Give me the kiss, give me the 'falling in love' moments. Sigh. Other than that disappointment it was rather good... read more. I had never seen Robert Mitchum and I might have to become a fan. I don't agree with the majority of opinions that the performances were "amazing." I would say they were gratifying and captivating in some moments.
  • jam233
    August 9, 2009
    jam233
    A definite personal favorite, with both Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr giving amazing performances. The character development is so rich. It is believably done, such perceptive direction. A truly great classic that is always interesting. Brilliant.
  • RuthieGreenGirl
    July 24, 2009
    RuthieGreenGirl
    This was a really good movie. It didn't end the way I thought it was going to. It's right up there with Father Goose for the non-traditional war movie.
  • villpeeps
    August 11, 2007
    villpeeps
    This movie just throws a devout nun, and a U.S marine together. On an island alone during the Korean "conflict"!! It is a must to see !

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Critic Reviews

Daniel Eagan
October 10, 2005
Daniel Eagan, Film Journal International

Solider and nun on Pacific isle during WWII. More dutiful than fun.

Steven D. Greydanus
March 2, 2004
Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide

As with Huston's The African Queen, there is conflict mixed with romantic tension… Here, though, the complicating factor is not fastidiousness, but vocation. Full Review

Ken Hanke
January 21, 2004
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Enjoyable, but not very deep, Huston opus.

March 19, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Bosley Crowther
March 25, 2006
Bosley Crowther, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Dave Kehr
January 1, 2000
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Click to read the article Full Review

Neil Cohen
July 29, 2007
Neil Cohen, Echo Magazine

No review available.

Lori Hoffman
July 22, 2005
Lori Hoffman, Atlantic City Weekly

No review available.

Emanuel Levy
July 3, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Frank Swietek
January 9, 2004
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion

No review available.

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