Here Comes Mr. Jordan

Even after two remakes—one a classic (Warren Beatty's Heaven Can Wait), the other not (Chris Rock's Down to Earth)—director Alexander Hall's 1941 fantasy (an Oscar-winner for Best Original Story and Screenplay, although based on Harry Segall's play) has lost none of its ethereal charm. Robert Montgomery gives a knockout performance as Joe Pendleton, a boxer "in the pink," poised to be the next heavyweight champion until a celestial messenger (Edward Everett Horton at his fussy best) prematurely sends him to heaven. Courtesy of Mr. Jordan (Claude Rains), Joe returns to Earth in the body of a wealthy, unscrupulous businessman named Farnsworth—a man whom his wife (Rita Johnson) and personal secretary (John Emery) believe they have just murdered. Joe decides he wants that title fight, and to get into shape rehires Max (James Gleason, who steals the show) as his understandably befuddled “new” trainer. Toss into the ring love interest Bette (Evelyn Keyes), the daughter of an innocent man whom the real Farnsworth framed and sent to prison, and all manner of charming mistaken identity and romance ensue. Presented on an extra-less disc, Here Comes Mr. Jordan is a knockout. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (D. Liebenson)[Blu-ray/DVD Review—June 14, 2016—Criterion, 94 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 1941's Here Comes Mr. Jordan features a fine transfer and an uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray release. Extras include an interview with critic Michael Sragow and distributor Michael Schlesinger (32 min.), a 1991 audio interview with Elizabeth Montgomery on her father—star Robert Montgomery (80 min.), a 1942 Lux Radio Theatre adaptation with Cary Grant (53 min.), and a booklet with an essay by critic Farran Smith Nehme. Bottom line: the best-looking release yet of this beloved Hollywood Golden Age classic.]