Overview
A marine and a nun find solace on a deserted island, but their peace is shattered by war.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- stirring
- suspenseful
- intimate
- classic film night
- wartime drama evening
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film stirring and entertaining, praising its atmosphere and the excellent central performances while noting the limitations of its single-location, two-character structure.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Sister Angela and Corporal Allison carry nearly the entire story while confined to a tiny Pacific island and cave refuge.
The nun's religious commitment and the marine's pragmatic instincts are repeatedly tested by military danger and deprivation.
Angela and Allison grow close while her vows and their radically different identities constrain the relationship.
The island's abundant landscape initially appears paradisiacal before Japanese occupation turns it into a dangerous hiding place.
Films like Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison, and why
The African Queen
shared wartime survival adventure, isolated tropical setting, and opposites-attract romance
The Hurricane
shared Pacific War setting, intimate survival drama, and moral tension between stranded characters
The Thin Red Line
shared remote-island survival, wartime danger, and resourceful protagonists facing an occupying force
Movie Details
- Director
- John Huston
- Release Date
- 1957-03-13
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (149)
Cast
- Deborah Kerr
- Robert Mitchum
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison about?
- A stranded marine and a steadfast nun forge an unlikely alliance and profound intimacy while hiding from Japanese forces on a remote Pacific island.
- What is Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison as moderate.
- What did critics think of Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison?
- Critics broadly found the film stirring and entertaining, praising its atmosphere and the excellent central performances while noting the limitations of its single-location, two-character structure.
- Which films are like Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison?
- Films with a similar feel include The African Queen, The Hurricane, and The Thin Red Line.
- How long is Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison?
- Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison runs 108 minutes.
- Where can I watch Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison?
- In United States, Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
