Enjoyed this silly 1944 Comedy starring William Powell, (William S. Whitley) and his wife, Vicky Whitley, ( Hedy Lamarr). Vicky is being badly neglected by her husband and seeks the aid of a woman Astrologist who predicts she will meet another man and fall in love. Vicky's husband Bill is a very famous Astromist who has recently discovered a new planet in the solar system and has no idea that his wife Vicky is not happy with him. Vicky does meet a handsome young man in her life who is a neighbor and is also an Air Raid Warden, which was needed during World War II. Hedy Lamarr looked fantastic in this film and her natural beauty is clearly shown along with her great acting abilities. Great actor William Powell gave and excellent supporting role and it looked like they both enjoyed making this film. This is a worth while film to view from 1944.
25 Reviews
The stars
jotix1001 August 2005
"Heavenly Body", which was shown on cable recently, is one of those forgotten MGM comedies of the forties that had a lot style and showed a great promise based on the people involved. As directed by Alexander Hall, the movie capitalizes on the talented William Powell and the beautiful Hedy Lamarr, perhaps one of the most beautiful women in the movies of that era.
The comedy seems to be a struggle between sciences that even though sound similar, are completely opposite. William Whitley is an astrologer married to the gorgeous Vicky. They appear happy together, that is, until Nancy Potter, a neighbor, interests her in astronomy. The good natured Vicky falls prey to horoscopes and charts that take her interest away from her husband, who has made an important discovery in a comet that will be crashing on the moon.
Things get complicated when journalist LLoyd Hunter enters the picture and falls for Vicky. William feels neglected and wants to get Vicky to realize what's important and what's not, so he takes matters into his own hands and has a confrontation with the astrologer Ms. Sybill. Right after that, Vicky realizes how much William loves her and leaves all the predictions aside.
William Powell was an actor with a lot of charm. He was wonderful playing comedies, as he shows here. It's easy to see how he would be good next to Ms. Lamarr, who shows good chemistry with her co-star. In supporting roles we see a lot of the best character actors of the time, James Craig, Spring Byington, Fay Banter, Henry O'Neill, among others.
See the film as curiosity piece.
The comedy seems to be a struggle between sciences that even though sound similar, are completely opposite. William Whitley is an astrologer married to the gorgeous Vicky. They appear happy together, that is, until Nancy Potter, a neighbor, interests her in astronomy. The good natured Vicky falls prey to horoscopes and charts that take her interest away from her husband, who has made an important discovery in a comet that will be crashing on the moon.
Things get complicated when journalist LLoyd Hunter enters the picture and falls for Vicky. William feels neglected and wants to get Vicky to realize what's important and what's not, so he takes matters into his own hands and has a confrontation with the astrologer Ms. Sybill. Right after that, Vicky realizes how much William loves her and leaves all the predictions aside.
William Powell was an actor with a lot of charm. He was wonderful playing comedies, as he shows here. It's easy to see how he would be good next to Ms. Lamarr, who shows good chemistry with her co-star. In supporting roles we see a lot of the best character actors of the time, James Craig, Spring Byington, Fay Banter, Henry O'Neill, among others.
See the film as curiosity piece.
Won't harm you if you watch it
xan-the-crawford-fan12 September 2021
Want to turn your brain off for an hour and a half? This flick is the ideal movie for that, if you're too classy (and smart) to want to watch things being blown up. The Heavenly Body isn't a //super// funny movie, but it's fun, and it'll leave you with a smile on your face. If you can ignore the stupidity of some parts.
Hedy Lamarr has less charisma than a dead tree, and she's certainly no Myrna Loy, but she and Bill have an odd chemistry together.
However, her character is so damn stupid that you may just be tearing out your hair by the end. I'm not knocking people who believe in astrology and star signs, but Hedy's character is very gullible and not the sharpest tool in the shed.
She often played dumb characters, I've noticed. Oh, the irony. Maybe it's because she was so wooden that she was not physically capable of any emotion other than mild shock. Seriously, Hedy Lamarr made Lana Turner look like Bette Davis sometimes.
Bill Powell is pretty good, but he also has a thankless role. He's an astronomer who works at a place with a giant telescope. One scene in the movie (of course) involves him getting drunk and behaving like an idiot. It seems that when he wasn't playing Nick Charles, every time he touched alcohol, he was made into a fool.
You wonder how a guy like Bill Powell's character could have ever snagged a woman like Hedy Lamarr's character, but the movie makes it apparent- He's very, very boring. And so is she. Thankless parts.
The plot's kind of stupid, but it's trying to be screwball. However, because it's not //good// screwball, you never are quite able to forgive the ludicrous plot/actions of the characters (like you would be if it were up to the level of, say, The Awful Truth), and they just seem stupid. I'm using that word a lot-sorry- but it's the best way to describe this film. Perhaps I am being generous in giving it six stars, but it isn't as bad as the reviews here make it sound. It's just that nothing makes any sense.
The happy ending, oddly, didn't seem out of place, thanks to how well the two stars mashed together.
6/10 is my rating, but I probably wouldn't watch it again unless someone forced me. Far from the worst film I've ever seen Hedy Lamarr (or Bill Powell) in.
Hedy Lamarr has less charisma than a dead tree, and she's certainly no Myrna Loy, but she and Bill have an odd chemistry together.
However, her character is so damn stupid that you may just be tearing out your hair by the end. I'm not knocking people who believe in astrology and star signs, but Hedy's character is very gullible and not the sharpest tool in the shed.
She often played dumb characters, I've noticed. Oh, the irony. Maybe it's because she was so wooden that she was not physically capable of any emotion other than mild shock. Seriously, Hedy Lamarr made Lana Turner look like Bette Davis sometimes.
Bill Powell is pretty good, but he also has a thankless role. He's an astronomer who works at a place with a giant telescope. One scene in the movie (of course) involves him getting drunk and behaving like an idiot. It seems that when he wasn't playing Nick Charles, every time he touched alcohol, he was made into a fool.
You wonder how a guy like Bill Powell's character could have ever snagged a woman like Hedy Lamarr's character, but the movie makes it apparent- He's very, very boring. And so is she. Thankless parts.
The plot's kind of stupid, but it's trying to be screwball. However, because it's not //good// screwball, you never are quite able to forgive the ludicrous plot/actions of the characters (like you would be if it were up to the level of, say, The Awful Truth), and they just seem stupid. I'm using that word a lot-sorry- but it's the best way to describe this film. Perhaps I am being generous in giving it six stars, but it isn't as bad as the reviews here make it sound. It's just that nothing makes any sense.
The happy ending, oddly, didn't seem out of place, thanks to how well the two stars mashed together.
6/10 is my rating, but I probably wouldn't watch it again unless someone forced me. Far from the worst film I've ever seen Hedy Lamarr (or Bill Powell) in.
"I'm the happiest Capricorn in the world!"
Jenabel_Regina_del_Mundo30 November 2003
If you are at all familiar with astrology, you'll find the tongue-in-cheek astrological subplot very amusing. Essentially a straightforward romantic comedy of the era, with a wartime subplot in addition to the astrological one. Astronomer Powell, pre-occupied with recent developments in his work, doesn't devote sufficient time to his marriage, so wife Hedy seeks guidance from the neighborhood astrologer. Informed that she is about to meet a new love, she becomes infatuated with a handsome air raid warden, presuming him to be her foretold lover. Predictable hijinks ensue, with the predictable happy ending.
A comment on the role of the astrologer, portrayed by Fay Bainter. Her character is more a shrewd neighborhood gossip than a psychic, but appears to be a genuine believer in astrology as opposed to a calculating charlatan. Her character is presented as essentially a harmless eccentric. However, she is later revealed to be a rations hoarder (much frowned upon during WWII). Some PC Pagan/New Age persons may therefore be offended by the negative, 'discriminatory stereotype' depicted in the film. Others can look forward to some silly, harmless entertainment.
I recall this amiable hodge podge of a film with affection. The stars are charming and appealing. It also has considerable camp value. And yes, Hedy's ethereal gorgeousness is nothing short of stunning.
A comment on the role of the astrologer, portrayed by Fay Bainter. Her character is more a shrewd neighborhood gossip than a psychic, but appears to be a genuine believer in astrology as opposed to a calculating charlatan. Her character is presented as essentially a harmless eccentric. However, she is later revealed to be a rations hoarder (much frowned upon during WWII). Some PC Pagan/New Age persons may therefore be offended by the negative, 'discriminatory stereotype' depicted in the film. Others can look forward to some silly, harmless entertainment.
I recall this amiable hodge podge of a film with affection. The stars are charming and appealing. It also has considerable camp value. And yes, Hedy's ethereal gorgeousness is nothing short of stunning.
A good WWII era time capsule
AlsExGal31 May 2023
Bill Whitley (William Powell) is an astronomer who must work nights because of his discovery of a new comet. His wife, VIcky (Hedy Lamarr) is feeling neglected and accompanies her neighbor Mrs. Potter (Spring Byington) to visit an astrologist, Mrs. Sibyll (Fay Bainter). Vicky is instantly hooked on astrology because it gives order and purpose to her life. As a scientist her husband cannot take it seriously. When Vicky's horoscope says that she will meet a man who will become her next husband and she thinks that man is the local air raid warden (James Craig), Bill has his work cut out for him to try and keep her.
This is a pretty good WWII era time capsule. You have the air raid wardens walking the neighborhood making sure the lights are out, you have a hilarious scene with a bunch of Russians that emphasizes that they are America's friends, and the rationing that was going on even gets comically inserted into all of this. I'm surprised that the scene with the Russians didn't get everybody involved in trouble with HUAC seven years later since the idea of the friendly Russians was very short lived.
I realize that this is an attempt at a screwball comedy, but I just don't believe the performers. Hedy Lamarr is playing it way too ditzy, and William Powell, at no point, seems like he is as upset as he says that he is that his wife is planning to leave him for another man. It's the minor players that make this -Henry O'Neill as a colleague of Powell's at the observatory, all of the maids entering and exiting the Whitley household, and most of all Faye Bainter as the astrologist with a deep dark secret.
I mainly stuck with it to the end as a William Powell completist, and Powell does have lots of funny bits that made it worth it.
This is a pretty good WWII era time capsule. You have the air raid wardens walking the neighborhood making sure the lights are out, you have a hilarious scene with a bunch of Russians that emphasizes that they are America's friends, and the rationing that was going on even gets comically inserted into all of this. I'm surprised that the scene with the Russians didn't get everybody involved in trouble with HUAC seven years later since the idea of the friendly Russians was very short lived.
I realize that this is an attempt at a screwball comedy, but I just don't believe the performers. Hedy Lamarr is playing it way too ditzy, and William Powell, at no point, seems like he is as upset as he says that he is that his wife is planning to leave him for another man. It's the minor players that make this -Henry O'Neill as a colleague of Powell's at the observatory, all of the maids entering and exiting the Whitley household, and most of all Faye Bainter as the astrologist with a deep dark secret.
I mainly stuck with it to the end as a William Powell completist, and Powell does have lots of funny bits that made it worth it.
Astronomer turns his telescope on a heavenly body on earth
SimonJack23 June 2018
"The Heavenly Body" is a fine play on words as the title for this film. William Powell is astronomer William Whitley who has discovered a comet. While he is so occupied with his work, another heavenly body sits at home all alone. Hedy Lamarr plays his wife, Vicky. She's so bored because of lack of attention, that she gets rooked into and then hooked on astrology. The story takes place around one of the observatories in Arizona. The time is the early 1940s, while World War II is taking place.
The two leads and the rest of the cast are fine in this film, and the idea for the plot is quite good. Some reviewers found it too silly that an astronomer's spouse would be into astrology. Of course it's silly, but silliness often makes for very good comedy.
The problem with this film is that the script just isn't very funny. In William Powell comedies, one is used to some very clever and witty dialog, usually along with some funny antics. There's little of either in this movie. Still, Powell's efforts with this lackluster role in an almost ho-hum story, earns this seven stars with a little stretch.
Helping that stretch are a couple of things one seldom sees in movies with stories in the U.S. during World War II. The first is Civil Defense wardens. James Craig plays one here as Lloyd Hunter. So, here was an American community during WW II that had people serving as air raid wardens.
The second unique thing for movies of that period also is related to the war. Rationing was enforced across the U.S. during the war. Different things were controlled at different periods during the war. Apparently, during the time of this film, food rationing was widespread. William Whitley discovers that the astrology guru, Margaret Sibyll has been hiding something. She finally comes clean and reveals that she has been stockpiling canned food supplies obtained with extra ration cards.
It was strange though, that William Whitley was used to a breakfast every morning of bacon and eggs. Apparently those things weren't rationed, or he got the full amount for their family. So, those two little extras about the history of the time add something to this film and boost its interest level some.
The two leads and the rest of the cast are fine in this film, and the idea for the plot is quite good. Some reviewers found it too silly that an astronomer's spouse would be into astrology. Of course it's silly, but silliness often makes for very good comedy.
The problem with this film is that the script just isn't very funny. In William Powell comedies, one is used to some very clever and witty dialog, usually along with some funny antics. There's little of either in this movie. Still, Powell's efforts with this lackluster role in an almost ho-hum story, earns this seven stars with a little stretch.
Helping that stretch are a couple of things one seldom sees in movies with stories in the U.S. during World War II. The first is Civil Defense wardens. James Craig plays one here as Lloyd Hunter. So, here was an American community during WW II that had people serving as air raid wardens.
The second unique thing for movies of that period also is related to the war. Rationing was enforced across the U.S. during the war. Different things were controlled at different periods during the war. Apparently, during the time of this film, food rationing was widespread. William Whitley discovers that the astrology guru, Margaret Sibyll has been hiding something. She finally comes clean and reveals that she has been stockpiling canned food supplies obtained with extra ration cards.
It was strange though, that William Whitley was used to a breakfast every morning of bacon and eggs. Apparently those things weren't rationed, or he got the full amount for their family. So, those two little extras about the history of the time add something to this film and boost its interest level some.
Suffering from a poor script, this comedy fails to deliver despite its cast
jacobs-greenwood20 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Directed by Alexander Hall, adapted by Harry Kurnitz, with a screenplay co-written by Walter Reisch, this comedy serves as proof positive that a good script is required for good comedy. Unfortunately, even though the film boasts a recognizable cast including William Powell, Hedy Lamarr, James Craig, Fay Bainter, Henry O'Neill, and Spring Byington, it fails to deliver many laughs and plays like an unhumorous version of Ernst Lubitsch's That Uncertain Feeling (1941).
Powell plays a busy astronomer whose lonely, unsatisfied, gorgeous wife (Lamarr) of two years seeks an astrologer (Bainter), along with her neighbor (Byington), to find happiness. Lamarr does a pretty good job playing the airheaded woman (and half of the film's double entendre title, looking great in a silk nightgown), a brunette playing a stereotypical blonde (much like Merle Oberon did in the Lubitsch film), but the director seems to have thought having Powell was enough to generate laughs even with a weak script; it wasn't! Craig plays a well traveled news correspondent, who's currently an air raid warden, that doesn't appear until the film's middle third; just in time to make Lamarr believe that Bainter's prediction of a future love interest from afar has come true. Byington plays a busybody neighbor, and no friend to Powell's, that fuels Lamarr's interest in Bainter and her astrology. O'Neill plays Powell's exasperated boss, upset that the astronomer's interest in his comet discovery has waned, because of the turmoil in his marriage, just as they're about to announce it to the World.
Powell's involved in some slapstick scenes, one with a garden hose and another dancing with Russians when his character experiences getting drunk for the very first time (interesting twist given his Nick Charles character in The Thin Man (1934) series), but the first scene comes across as mean and the second falls flat, literally. The writers must have thought that reusing screwball staples like revolving servants (the maid is fired and replaced with a new one almost daily; naturally, Connie Gilchrist plays one of these) and a cute, talented dog, would be funny as well. Craig gives a typically wooden performance, and not at all believable as a "man of the world", though the role required little (other than his Clark Gable- like looks) more than his presence for the purposes of this story. A now dated device is used to besmirch Bainter's character near the end; she's a ration hoarder. And, of course, a happy ending for the estranged couple is predictably delivered.
Powell plays a busy astronomer whose lonely, unsatisfied, gorgeous wife (Lamarr) of two years seeks an astrologer (Bainter), along with her neighbor (Byington), to find happiness. Lamarr does a pretty good job playing the airheaded woman (and half of the film's double entendre title, looking great in a silk nightgown), a brunette playing a stereotypical blonde (much like Merle Oberon did in the Lubitsch film), but the director seems to have thought having Powell was enough to generate laughs even with a weak script; it wasn't! Craig plays a well traveled news correspondent, who's currently an air raid warden, that doesn't appear until the film's middle third; just in time to make Lamarr believe that Bainter's prediction of a future love interest from afar has come true. Byington plays a busybody neighbor, and no friend to Powell's, that fuels Lamarr's interest in Bainter and her astrology. O'Neill plays Powell's exasperated boss, upset that the astronomer's interest in his comet discovery has waned, because of the turmoil in his marriage, just as they're about to announce it to the World.
Powell's involved in some slapstick scenes, one with a garden hose and another dancing with Russians when his character experiences getting drunk for the very first time (interesting twist given his Nick Charles character in The Thin Man (1934) series), but the first scene comes across as mean and the second falls flat, literally. The writers must have thought that reusing screwball staples like revolving servants (the maid is fired and replaced with a new one almost daily; naturally, Connie Gilchrist plays one of these) and a cute, talented dog, would be funny as well. Craig gives a typically wooden performance, and not at all believable as a "man of the world", though the role required little (other than his Clark Gable- like looks) more than his presence for the purposes of this story. A now dated device is used to besmirch Bainter's character near the end; she's a ration hoarder. And, of course, a happy ending for the estranged couple is predictably delivered.
Decent, but Not up to Powell's Standards
Eric26620 October 2022
I am an unabashed Willam Powell fan. I loved the Thin Man movies and just about anything he has done is top notch. This movie falls somewhere in the middle of his resume, but not due to any fault of his own.
Powell is Bill Whitley, an astronomy professor who has discovered a comet. Hedy Lamarr is his wife, Vicky, who feels neglected by Bill's constant staring at the stars. Vicky goes to an astrologer who tells her she will meet the love of her life on a specific day. Along comes James Craig's Lloyd, a wartime air raid warden who catches Vicky's eye. Vicky, very matter of factly, decides to leave Bill and run off with Lloyd.
This is the crux of my problem with the movie. Powell and Lamarr are likeable and fun, but the plot device that Vicky would toss aside her marriage in this manner just felt contrived. Her character is so ditzy and shallow it does a huge disservice to the actress and the character. Bill is definitely neglectful of his marriage, but not enough to justify his wife leaving like this. She still loves Bill, but is letting an astrology fortune alter her life. The same thing for Lloyd who is poorly written and one dimensional. He talks about all his accomplishments, but you never get the idea any of it actually happened.
There is a pretty funny scene of Bill hosting a bunch of Russians from a liquor store and they all get drunk and have a great time. That was the high point of the movie. The rest of it was held up strictly by the charm of Lamarr and Powell.
Powell is Bill Whitley, an astronomy professor who has discovered a comet. Hedy Lamarr is his wife, Vicky, who feels neglected by Bill's constant staring at the stars. Vicky goes to an astrologer who tells her she will meet the love of her life on a specific day. Along comes James Craig's Lloyd, a wartime air raid warden who catches Vicky's eye. Vicky, very matter of factly, decides to leave Bill and run off with Lloyd.
This is the crux of my problem with the movie. Powell and Lamarr are likeable and fun, but the plot device that Vicky would toss aside her marriage in this manner just felt contrived. Her character is so ditzy and shallow it does a huge disservice to the actress and the character. Bill is definitely neglectful of his marriage, but not enough to justify his wife leaving like this. She still loves Bill, but is letting an astrology fortune alter her life. The same thing for Lloyd who is poorly written and one dimensional. He talks about all his accomplishments, but you never get the idea any of it actually happened.
There is a pretty funny scene of Bill hosting a bunch of Russians from a liquor store and they all get drunk and have a great time. That was the high point of the movie. The rest of it was held up strictly by the charm of Lamarr and Powell.
astrology vs. astronomy
blanche-231 July 2005
Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this trite comedy, but it seemed to me to be all over the place. Hedy Lamarr plays a silly woman, who, neglected by her astronomer husband, William Powell, believes an astrologer who tells her that she will meet another man at a certain time. She does, and it turns out to be the neighborhood air raid warden, James Craig. She then announces she's leaving her husband, to his consternation.
The heavenly body refers to Lamarr, of course, who is absolutely gorgeous in this movie as usual, if not much of an actress, also as usual. She did have one of the most exquisite faces of all time, though. The heavenly body also refers to Whitley's comet, a comet to be named after her husband.
Powell handles the comedy well. It's a good cast, mildly enjoyable, but in the end, there's not much to it.
The heavenly body refers to Lamarr, of course, who is absolutely gorgeous in this movie as usual, if not much of an actress, also as usual. She did have one of the most exquisite faces of all time, though. The heavenly body also refers to Whitley's comet, a comet to be named after her husband.
Powell handles the comedy well. It's a good cast, mildly enjoyable, but in the end, there's not much to it.
I can see why Joan Crawford passed on this one...
planktonrules15 May 2011
"Heavenly Body" is not a bad film, though it isn't all that good either. As a result of indifferent writing and a typically wooden performance by Hedy Lamarr, it's just a pleasant little time-passer. And, as a result, you can see why Joan Crawford passed when the part was first offered to her.
The film begins with a happily married couple--the astronomy professor (William Powell) and his pretty wife (Lamarr). Though very happily married, Hedy's love for her husband vanishes almost completely just because a local astrologer tells Hedy that she'll fall in love with another. This is a VERY weak point in the film. After all, if their love is that fragile, why should the audience care AND why should Powell try so hard to try to win her back from her new beau (James Craig)? I felt throughout the film that Powell would have been better off with this faithless idiot. But, he works hard to win her--and a few of his actions are pretty funny. Overall, the film offers few surprises and Powell is his usual competent and clever self.
By the way, didn't it seem odd Hedy played a French woman and not a Austrian? My guess is that the US was at war with her country of birth at that time and so she was supposed to be French!
The film begins with a happily married couple--the astronomy professor (William Powell) and his pretty wife (Lamarr). Though very happily married, Hedy's love for her husband vanishes almost completely just because a local astrologer tells Hedy that she'll fall in love with another. This is a VERY weak point in the film. After all, if their love is that fragile, why should the audience care AND why should Powell try so hard to try to win her back from her new beau (James Craig)? I felt throughout the film that Powell would have been better off with this faithless idiot. But, he works hard to win her--and a few of his actions are pretty funny. Overall, the film offers few surprises and Powell is his usual competent and clever self.
By the way, didn't it seem odd Hedy played a French woman and not a Austrian? My guess is that the US was at war with her country of birth at that time and so she was supposed to be French!
An Astronomer's Wife Likes Astrology, how silly can you get?
bkoganbing1 May 2011
William Powell does a lot ham acting and a bit of leering at The Heavenly Body of Hedy Lamarr, but in the end The Heavenly Body just ends up more silly than amusing.
Poor Bill and Hedy they did two films together, neither of them would be at the top ten of either of their list of film credits. The first was Crossroads based on an incredibly silly premise about amnesia. And try as I might I could not wrap myself around the concept that a woman who was married to an astronomer would have the slightest faith of any kind in astrology.
I also couldn't believe that Hedy would be led into it by neighbor Spring Byington who is playing one of her usual airhead characters. But when astronomer husband Powell who is excited over the discovery of a new comet on a collision course with the moon is not paying attention to her, she's gullible enough for anything.
Which includes Byington's astrologer Fay Bainter who says that Lamarr will have a new man in her life shortly whom she will marry. When new air raid warden James Craig seems to fit the bill, Lamarr kind of forces the issue with a bit of flirting.
Of course if you've got Hedy Lamarr flirting with you, Craig's no fool.
Which leaves Powell in the predicament of weaning his wife off astrology and James Craig.
The Heavenly Body does have a couple of good scenes, the highlight is Powell getting absolutely plastered on vodka and inviting the whole Russian tea room over in the spirit of the American-Soviet wartime alliance. Powell's character here is no drinker like Nick Charles, in fact he's a teetotaler and he's not used to holding his liquor.
In the end though The Heavenly Body asks just a little too much of its stars to carry a weak story resting on a silly premise.
Poor Bill and Hedy they did two films together, neither of them would be at the top ten of either of their list of film credits. The first was Crossroads based on an incredibly silly premise about amnesia. And try as I might I could not wrap myself around the concept that a woman who was married to an astronomer would have the slightest faith of any kind in astrology.
I also couldn't believe that Hedy would be led into it by neighbor Spring Byington who is playing one of her usual airhead characters. But when astronomer husband Powell who is excited over the discovery of a new comet on a collision course with the moon is not paying attention to her, she's gullible enough for anything.
Which includes Byington's astrologer Fay Bainter who says that Lamarr will have a new man in her life shortly whom she will marry. When new air raid warden James Craig seems to fit the bill, Lamarr kind of forces the issue with a bit of flirting.
Of course if you've got Hedy Lamarr flirting with you, Craig's no fool.
Which leaves Powell in the predicament of weaning his wife off astrology and James Craig.
The Heavenly Body does have a couple of good scenes, the highlight is Powell getting absolutely plastered on vodka and inviting the whole Russian tea room over in the spirit of the American-Soviet wartime alliance. Powell's character here is no drinker like Nick Charles, in fact he's a teetotaler and he's not used to holding his liquor.
In the end though The Heavenly Body asks just a little too much of its stars to carry a weak story resting on a silly premise.
Great Chemistry
free101girl6 July 2002
This delightful film works well because of the perfect combination of William Powell and Hedy Lamarr. It's a classic screwball romantic comedy -- silly, fluffy, hilarious. Stunningly beautiful Hedy Lamarr (who was actually a serious intellect offscreen) is surprisingly convincing as a ditz who is blithely unaware of the effect her obsession with astrology is having on her long-suffering professor/astronomer husband (Powell). If this were real life, you'd want to throttle her -- but that's a lot of the humor here. Powell puts across just the right amount of loving good humor mixed with near-homicidal frustration. There are some cute surprises along the way, and lots of recognizable character actors rounding out the cast. While the script falls short of the witty dialogue you'll find in comedies like The Palm Beach Story and Bringing Up Baby, it's still a fun trip down memory lane.
Too bad she couldn't act
vincentlynch-moonoi6 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
For those of you who may be fans, I apologize. But the few times I have watched Hedy Lamaar in a film, I've always thought the same thing: who thought she could act? I felt the same way this time around. Was she beautiful? No question. But her heavy accent here was uncomfortable to listen to for 95 minutes.
The other thing that didn't work here was the first third of the film. To put it simply, it dragged along. Yes, I know, they had to set up the story for the punch line, so to speak...but it just bored me. Then, all of a sudden, a little more than a third of the way through the film things got more interesting. There was some clever dialog.
What the film did have going for it was the cleverness and wittiness of one of the best actors of the generation: William Powell. His talent for something akin to slapstick is quite obvious here. To say he was a natural is putting it mildly.
The talents of some of the supporting actors here is disappointing: Fay Bainter was certainlyl misued here, as was Henry O'Neill. Spring Byington fared only slightly better.
I'm begrudingly giving this film a "7", but that's only because William Powell always shines brightly.
The other thing that didn't work here was the first third of the film. To put it simply, it dragged along. Yes, I know, they had to set up the story for the punch line, so to speak...but it just bored me. Then, all of a sudden, a little more than a third of the way through the film things got more interesting. There was some clever dialog.
What the film did have going for it was the cleverness and wittiness of one of the best actors of the generation: William Powell. His talent for something akin to slapstick is quite obvious here. To say he was a natural is putting it mildly.
The talents of some of the supporting actors here is disappointing: Fay Bainter was certainlyl misued here, as was Henry O'Neill. Spring Byington fared only slightly better.
I'm begrudingly giving this film a "7", but that's only because William Powell always shines brightly.
Weak premise makes for silly, unfunny comedy
Neal999 June 2003
This unfunny comedy establishes a weak premise - an astronomer's lonely wife takes up astrology - then largely abandons it, turning to a variety of creaky devices that just don't work. William Powell, solid professional that he was, gives it the old college try but is defeated by the silly situations and poor script. Hedy Lamarr is beautiful but otherwise does not come across well, comedy apparently not being her strong suit. The usually watchable Fay Bainter is given a thankless role as the smug, supercilious astrologer. The remaining interest in this film lies in the historical/cultural themes: The war (referenced only in regard to minor plot points - the characters seem scarcely affected except that they're scolded for leaving their lights on after curfew), and the role of astrology in American society (it seems to be have been perceived as a way for idle, reasonably well-off women to be parted from their money).
Hedy in orbit
bruno-3216 May 2000
Obviously, the title of this movie described this actress perfectly. She had perfect chemistry with that thin man Powell. It was a different time and the country at war, but it brings back many memories of what went on during that period. ..the air raid wardens, the blackouts and Hedy waving at the window while Powell was telescoping her magnificence in that nightgown. A harmless and pleasant comedy.
The leads are rather homely but the story was pretty fun!
imdb-2528825 May 2023
It was a fun little movie revolving around the topic of astrology, which I'd never seen one before, particularly of that era. It was however mired for me by the 2 leads: I don't like neither Powell nor Lamarr. I find them both very hard to look at, which is distracting from their acting, particularly Hedy whose nose looks like a botched job that gives her a warped Lucy Ricardo appearance...except that Lucille Ball was gorgeous and Hedy Lamarr was atrociously unattractive. (We all know how that one became famous!)
The movie was OK but I felt the 2 leads were miscast. The Lloyd guy was a looker and why couldn't they find 2 leads of his caliber? Truth be told, I have no idea how William Powell ever became an actor (well, I guess we kinda can suspect how, with what's transpired with Harvey Weinstein and other Kevin Spacey... they had their own back when!)
The movie was fun in the sense of the husband not being bothered by his wife's love interest. Not really gathering laughs from me but it was fun enough for one watch. 7/10.
The movie was OK but I felt the 2 leads were miscast. The Lloyd guy was a looker and why couldn't they find 2 leads of his caliber? Truth be told, I have no idea how William Powell ever became an actor (well, I guess we kinda can suspect how, with what's transpired with Harvey Weinstein and other Kevin Spacey... they had their own back when!)
The movie was fun in the sense of the husband not being bothered by his wife's love interest. Not really gathering laughs from me but it was fun enough for one watch. 7/10.
A waste of good talent
richard-178731 January 2016
Hedy Lamarr was never more beautiful than in this movie, true. But that doesn't save it. She is given a thankless part, completely undeveloped, with no good lines and a lot of embarrassingly foolish situations. The result leaves her with nothing to work with, so she can do nothing but look nice. I suppose the part could have been cast with a scatter-brained blonde - imagine Ann Southern, perhaps? - but they why would the astronomer have married her?
William Powell was one of Hollywood's great actors in the 1930s and 40s. But an actor has to have something to work with, and once again, the scriptwriters gave him nothing. Whether it was his own idea or the director's, he ends up hamming some scenes up badly, which is embarrassing from the actor who gave us My Man Godfrey, the various Thin Man movies, etc.
By 1944 Fay Bainter had given us her portrayal of Ellen Whitcomb in *Woman of the Year.* Why was she cast in the ungrateful role of an astrologer who suddenly turns out, with no preparation at all, to be a rations hoarder?
Or, put more bluntly, why was this script made into a movie without a lot more development, and why was it cast with these people in parts that were not suited to them?
This is an annoyingly bad movie.
William Powell was one of Hollywood's great actors in the 1930s and 40s. But an actor has to have something to work with, and once again, the scriptwriters gave him nothing. Whether it was his own idea or the director's, he ends up hamming some scenes up badly, which is embarrassing from the actor who gave us My Man Godfrey, the various Thin Man movies, etc.
By 1944 Fay Bainter had given us her portrayal of Ellen Whitcomb in *Woman of the Year.* Why was she cast in the ungrateful role of an astrologer who suddenly turns out, with no preparation at all, to be a rations hoarder?
Or, put more bluntly, why was this script made into a movie without a lot more development, and why was it cast with these people in parts that were not suited to them?
This is an annoyingly bad movie.
The Heavenly Body was hellish to witness.
dstanwyck25 May 2023
You wonder, sometimes, how an actor as good as William Powell, could possibly wind up in a piece of nonsense that is as funny as the bite of a scorpion (8 in the zodiac wheel of life) in heat would be. Someone with the star power of Powell you would think has enough clout to call the shots when it comes to making a movie, and if so, how is it he ever chose to make this one. Hedy Lamaar, as luscious a tomato if ever there was one, maintains her luminosity without inviting any real acting talent into her repertoire. Fay Bainter presents a different view of herself which is, uh, different. All in all, let this one drift off into the regions of the nether nether lands, the land below. (Maybe, just maybe, if an actress really worthy of playing opposite Powell, like Loy, or a zany Rosalind Russell, or Colbert or Arthur - ah, yes, Jean Arthur - someone with screwball capabilities, it might have been better served, and we along with it.)
Brilliant Powell Makes This A Winner
iamyuno218 March 2014
I usually avoid watching movies that get less than a 3-star rating on the Turner Classic Movies channel but maybe I should reevaluate that policy because - being a big William Powell fan and an admirer of Hedy Lamarr - I decided to watch this movie, having never seen it. Glad I did. Yes, it's got its silly side - but so do many comedies. What's really significant is that it features William Powell at his comedic best, with many brilliant creative and hilarious scenes you just have to see and enjoy. Though this is a flawed movie, it is nonetheless engaging and highly entertaining due to Powell's ability to conjure up some of the most ingenious funny scenes ever. Though Hedy Lamarr is a ditz here and not necessarily the kind of character most men would want as a wife (being quixotic and ruled by astrologers), there are in fact women like this (I was married to one) and so even her part rings true to those of us who've "been there." So...silly but not so silly. Yet...really really funny! And you don't have to be a William Powell fan to like this one. Enjoy! (You will!)
Silliness disincarnate
robert-temple-111 May 2015
This is such a ridiculous and silly film that I found it impossible to watch all of it, as it was simply too exasperating and irritating. MGM must have realized they had a turkey on their hands because they employed seven screenwriters, including even the British novelist Michael Arlen, and hired a second (uncredited) director, namely Vincente Minelli, to try and save the film. But all failed. William Powell and Hedy Lamarr were the stars, and they did very well. But their valiant efforts and those of the seven screenwriters and two directors, were all for nothing. The fact is that it was a ludicrous project commissioned by idiots. The main theme of the film is that William Powell, an observational astronomer working at a big telescope (clearly mean to be Mount Palomar), has a beautiful but pin-headed wife who takes astrology so seriously that she will not let him touch her on Tuesdays and according to her chart she must leave him for another man she does not know. The irony of having Hedy Lamarr, probably the most intelligent female star in Hollywood, play the stupidest woman in the history of films, is extreme. The film is an absolutely disgusting attempt to make a comedy based upon the premise that women are unspeakably stupid. One does not have to be a feminist to want to throw up.
hedy is monotonous!
padraigodurcain16 September 2007
very dull, this conveyor belt programmer from MGM does'nt even have decent sets to distract the eye, as was the norm with this plushest of studios. the script is a piffle on a par with a substandard 70's TV sitcom, and badly overextended. powell was always a class act, but MGM had given up on lamarr by 1943, when it was evident wartime audiences were not excited by her lack of charisma. hedy became a 'household word for glamour, but lacking the spark of personality prevented her from becoming a box office star' according to famed film historian leslie halliwell. and with glamour lacking here, she's merely dull. avoid. she was better - just - in h.m. pulham esq., or white cargo even,
the stars are wrong
SnoopyStyle11 June 2023
Work-obsessed astronomer William S. Whitley (William Powell) has discovered a new comet while he neglects his wife Vicky (Hedy Lamarr). She decides to see astrologer Margaret Sibyll who has a series of predictions including a new man coming into her life.
The other man needs to show up earlier which would give William more opportunity to be jealous. Actually, Vicky can act a bit more angry to showcase his inattentiveness. A lot of comedic opportunities get left on the table. His jealousy generates some good fun although it would be funnier if she isn't actually interested. It needs to be all sitcom misunderstandings. If she's actually into it, the marriage becomes questionable. The other way is for this to go full black comedy. I don't think a big studio pairing of these two stars is looking for that. I'm left with some uncomfortable feelings.
The other man needs to show up earlier which would give William more opportunity to be jealous. Actually, Vicky can act a bit more angry to showcase his inattentiveness. A lot of comedic opportunities get left on the table. His jealousy generates some good fun although it would be funnier if she isn't actually interested. It needs to be all sitcom misunderstandings. If she's actually into it, the marriage becomes questionable. The other way is for this to go full black comedy. I don't think a big studio pairing of these two stars is looking for that. I'm left with some uncomfortable feelings.
Warm, Silly, Funny
craig-2074113 December 2017
Very surprised to see an unfavorable review of this on the front page. No, it's not a classic like some Orson Welles flick, but it is funny, and it is chock full of fine actors.
Honestly, if this comes on some Saturday afternoon, and you're bored, you can't go wrong. You will laugh, and you will feel better.
Honestly, if this comes on some Saturday afternoon, and you're bored, you can't go wrong. You will laugh, and you will feel better.
Five stars is an exceedingly generous rating!
JohnHowardReid2 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Copyright 4 January 1944 by Loew's Inc. New York opening at the Capitol: 24 March 1944. U.S. release: April 1944. Australian release: 14 September 1944. 8,515 feet. 94 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Feeling neglected because Bill, her astronomer-husband, is preoccupied with a new comet, Vicky Whitley seeks some diversion. She meets an astrologer who tells her that, by the twenty-second of the month, she will fall in love with a man who has traveled widely. Vicky informs Bill of the prediction. Upset at her belief in astrology, Bill leaves her and goes to his observatory. Vicky patiently waits for her "man" to appear. After an uneventful day on the twenty-second, she telephones Bill; and admitting that she was wrong, asks him to return home. Just as midnight approaches, however...
VIEWER'S GUIDE: Ideal for insomniacs.
COMMENT: This wartime escapist farce is pretty tough sledding. The most generous assessment at our Hollywood Classics screening was that the wittiest thing about the movie was its title. A slight comedy spun out to 94 minutes, well beyond the point of tedium. A complete waste of some fine players. Admittedly, In the hands of a less talented director than Alexander Hall, who makes the most of the occasional jokes and mildly intriguing if far too repetitive situations, the results would have been considerably less than the just barely passable entertainment that this Heavenly Body offers.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT: As bores go, The Heavenly Body is something rather special, in that it offers the ultra-luxury of being bored by no less a personage than Hedy Lamarr. - PM Reviews.
SYNOPSIS: Feeling neglected because Bill, her astronomer-husband, is preoccupied with a new comet, Vicky Whitley seeks some diversion. She meets an astrologer who tells her that, by the twenty-second of the month, she will fall in love with a man who has traveled widely. Vicky informs Bill of the prediction. Upset at her belief in astrology, Bill leaves her and goes to his observatory. Vicky patiently waits for her "man" to appear. After an uneventful day on the twenty-second, she telephones Bill; and admitting that she was wrong, asks him to return home. Just as midnight approaches, however...
VIEWER'S GUIDE: Ideal for insomniacs.
COMMENT: This wartime escapist farce is pretty tough sledding. The most generous assessment at our Hollywood Classics screening was that the wittiest thing about the movie was its title. A slight comedy spun out to 94 minutes, well beyond the point of tedium. A complete waste of some fine players. Admittedly, In the hands of a less talented director than Alexander Hall, who makes the most of the occasional jokes and mildly intriguing if far too repetitive situations, the results would have been considerably less than the just barely passable entertainment that this Heavenly Body offers.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT: As bores go, The Heavenly Body is something rather special, in that it offers the ultra-luxury of being bored by no less a personage than Hedy Lamarr. - PM Reviews.
Don't listen to the naysayers
frank-tortorici28 August 2021
A sprightly directed comedic tour de force for the great William Powell. He is hilarious. A script filled with clever bon mots and a supporting cast of treasures such as Fay Bainter and Spring Byington. Hedy is beautiful as usual and works well with Powell. James Craig is featured in probably his best role. I grinned from ear to ear. You should see it when you get the chance.
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