The Next Voice You Hear

The Next Voice You Hear is a 1950 film directed by William A. Wellman and produced by MGM studios. The movie tells the story of a small American family who, unbeknownst to them, become the center of a nationwide miracle.

The film begins with newsreel footage of people all around the world, praying for divine intervention in their everyday lives. The camera then transitions to the typical suburban household of Joe and Mary Smith, played by James Whitmore and Nancy Reagan, respectively. Joe works as a factory foreman and Mary is a homemaker who is concerned about the world around her, particularly the threat of nuclear war.

One night, while the Smiths are watching TV, the broadcast is interrupted by the voice of a majestic, godlike figure that speaks to the entire world. The voice declares that it is God speaking, and that it will speak again every night at precisely 8:30 pm for the next seven days.

At first, the Smiths are skeptical and, like many other people, think that it is a prank or a publicity stunt by the government. But as the voice speaks every day, their curiosity is piqued and they begin to take the broadcasts seriously. The voice addresses a wide range of topics, including prayer, morality, and the dangers of nuclear war.

As the days go by, the Smiths and their neighbors are increasingly drawn together by the broadcasts. They begin to discuss the messages and speculate about their meaning. Some people become more religious, while others become more cynical. Even the Smiths' young son, played by Gary Gray, is fascinated by the broadcasts and engages in philosophical debates with his parents.

Meanwhile, the media frenzy surrounding the broadcasts grows to a fever pitch. Reporters and scientists from around the world come to the Smiths' doorstep, hoping to catch a glimpse of the divine voice. The government also takes notice and tries to use the broadcasts for their own purposes.

Throughout all of this, the Smiths continue to struggle with their own personal issues. Joe is deeply concerned about the possibility of losing his job, as his company faces financial troubles. Mary is worried about the moral decay of society and the potential for nuclear war. And their young son is grappling with the weighty questions raised by the voice of God.

The Next Voice You Hear is a poignant and thought-provoking film that raises important questions about faith, morality, and the human condition. The performances by the cast are superb, particularly James Whitmore as the hardworking everyman who is both skeptical and deeply moved by the broadcasts. Nancy Reagan, in one of her early film roles, is also impressive as the strong-willed and compassionate Mary. And young Gary Gray delivers a remarkable performance as the curious and insightful son who provides a youthful perspective on the weighty issues at hand.

Director William A. Wellman, who is best known for his work on films such as A Star is Born and The Ox-Bow Incident, brings his signature style of naturalistic storytelling to The Next Voice You Hear. The film has a classic, timeless quality that is still relevant to audiences today. Its message of hope and faith in the face of uncertainty is more important than ever in our modern world.

Overall, The Next Voice You Hear is a powerful and moving film that explores the deepest questions of the human spirit. It is a must-see for anyone who is interested in classic cinema, faith, or the human condition.