Here Comes Mr. Jordan

Here Comes Mr. Jordan is a classic comedy from 1941 that tells the story of a boxer, Joe Pendleton (played by Robert Montgomery), who dies prematurely in a plane crash. However, due to a mistake by an overeager angel (played by Edward Everett Horton), Joe's soul is mistakenly taken to heaven before his time. Upon realizing the error, Mr. Jordan (played by Claude Rains), a kindhearted and sympathetic angel, decides to give Joe a second chance at life by finding him a new body to inhabit.

Mr. Jordan finds a suitable candidate in a wealthy industrialist who has just been murdered by his treacherous wife (played by Rita Johnson) and her lover (played by John Emery). Joe enters the body of the deceased industrialist, named Farnsworth, in order to continue pursuing his dream of becoming a successful boxer. Along the way, he meets and falls in love with a young woman named Bette Logan (played by Evelyn Keyes), but their relationship comes under threat when the truth about Farnsworth's murder is revealed.

Throughout the film, Joe must navigate the challenges of his new life, including adjusting to the privileges and responsibilities of Farnsworth's wealthy lifestyle and dealing with the machinations of his ruthless wife and her lover. Mr. Jordan, meanwhile, serves as a guide and mentor to Joe, helping him to reconcile his past and his present and ultimately giving him a chance at redemption.

Here Comes Mr. Jordan is a classic example of the Golden Age of Hollywood, with its witty dialogue, charming performances, and clever plot twists. The film is a deft combination of comedy and drama, and its themes of second chances and the value of human life resonate even today. Montgomery is perfectly cast as the affable and determined Joe, while Rains brings his trademark suavity and wit to the role of the otherworldly Mr. Jordan. Keyes is also impressive as the spunky and independent Bette, holding her own against the more seasoned actors in the cast.

One of the standout elements of Here Comes Mr. Jordan is its imaginative depiction of the afterlife. The film portrays heaven as a busy bureaucracy, with angels attending to a myriad of tasks and Mr. Jordan serving as a supervisor of sorts. This vision of the afterlife as a bureaucratic institution, with paperwork and red tape, has been highly influential in popular culture (most notably in the television series The Good Place).

Another striking aspect of Here Comes Mr. Jordan is its portrayal of the boxing world. The film features several exciting and well-staged boxing scenes, showcasing Montgomery's athleticism and boxing skills. The film presents boxing as a noble and honorable pursuit, rather than the violent and corrupt sport it was often perceived as in the early 20th century.

In addition to its cinematic achievements, Here Comes Mr. Jordan has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The film has been remade several times, most notably as the Warren Beatty vehicle Heaven Can Wait in 1978. The film's tagline, "I've got good news and bad news", has become a popular catchphrase and has been referenced in numerous films and television shows.

Overall, Here Comes Mr. Jordan is a delightful and witty film that has stood the test of time. Its combination of humor, romance, and drama, along with its imaginative depiction of the afterlife and the boxing world, make it a true classic of American cinema.