Nine Oscar nominations?

This remake is well-done. However, with few exceptions, it's virtually scene for scene redo of the original. "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" was a real classic, a charmer with a terrific cast. It received 7 Oscar nominations, winning two for its story and screenplay. Comparing the two, I felt that the remake was a good attempt at bringing the story to a newer audience. Robert Montgomery played the character with such enthusiasm that we're rooting for his character throughout, while Beatty is likable without quite the same spark. James Mason, a fine actor, is credible as Mr. Jordan, but again the original played by Claude Rains seemed to be enjoying himself a bit more. Only Jack Warden really approaches a similar level to James Gleason's manager/friend, and even there it's hard to compare. I guess that's the problem with remakes to begin with. The memory of the first movie over-shadows the new version. Yet as far as remakes go, "Heaven Can Wait" works well enough on its own to warrant a recommendation. I do agree that 9 nominations was excessive.

You can not expect that these days in Oscar for sure.

It simply amazes me how people judge a film like this, 30 years later, without really considering what film was 30 years ago and how far we've come.

This film is one of the best romantic comedies ever made. It is a film that touches my heart, made me laugh and made me cry all at the same time. A comedy that involves murdering the main character (kind of) and still has such a sweet center.

As far as Dyan Cannon, the scene when Grodin covers her mouth was totally priceless. Their timing was perfect and they worked so well together throughout the film.

There are at least 3 other scenes which are also priceless: the first when Joe as Leo tries to convince Corkel he's Joe (amazing scene), second would be Corkel comes back to the locker room to talk to Joe, but he's no longer Joe and then last, of course is "You're the quarterback?". Maybe if you're not the sensitive kind you won't feel the same, but maybe that's also why you wouldn't find this film so touching.

Considering this film was up against films like The Deer Hunter & Coming Home it's no surprise it didn't win more Oscars, but if you want to say Heaven Can Wait didn't deserve the nominations compare it with other contenders from 1978 and tell me who did?

Anywho it's all about opinions and my opinion is Heaven Can Wait is a priceless piece of cinema from 1978.