How does Heaven Can Wait end?

In the final act ("Mortal End and Divine Verdict"): Martha's death leaves Henry to age alone. After his passing, His Excellency denies him Heaven and directs him to the other place.

Heaven Can Wait (1943) — AI Story Visualization

Name: Heaven Can Wait
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy, romance
Released: 1943
Rating: 6.9

Plot Analysis Summary

A hedonistic man recounts his life to a celestial judge to determine his eternal destination.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

The Heavenly Petition

Scandal and First Love

Marital Trials and Generational Ties

Mortal End and Divine Verdict

Spoiled playboy Henry van Cleve dies and arrives at the entrance to Hell, a final destination he is sure he deserves after living a life of profligacy. The devil, however, isn't so sure Henry meets Hell's standards. Convinced he is where he belongs, Henry recounts his life's deeds, both good and bad, including an act of indiscretion during his 25-year marriage to his wife, Martha, with the hope that "His Excellency" will arrive at the proper judgment.

Directed by

Ernst Lubitsch

Key Cast

Don Ameche — Henry Van Cleve
Gene Tierney — Martha Strabel Van Cleve
Charles Coburn — Hugo Van Cleve
Marjorie Main — Mrs. Strabel
Laird Cregar — His Excellency

Rating: 6.9/10 (250 votes)