Heavens Above ( 1963 )

Heavens Above!: A Satirical Look at Post-War Britain

Heavens Above!, a 1963 British satirical comedy directed by John Boulting and Roy Boulting, offers a scathing, yet often hilarious, critique of British society in the post-war era. Starring Peter Sellers as Reverend John Smallwood, a progressive and unconventional Anglican vicar, the film skewers the establishment, class divisions, bureaucracy, and the hypocrisy often found within religious institutions. While perhaps not as widely celebrated as some of Sellers' other iconic roles, Heavens Above! remains a sharp and insightful commentary on the social and political landscape of its time, and its themes continue to resonate with audiences today.

Plot Summary

The film opens with the accidental appointment of Reverend John Smallwood to the seemingly idyllic parish of Orbit St. Michael. Smallwood, a former prison chaplain known for his radical views and genuine compassion, quickly clashes with the established order. The local gentry, led by the pompous and self-serving Lord and Lady Despard (Cecil Parker and Isabel Jeans), are accustomed to a vicar who will uphold the status quo and cater to their whims. However, Smallwood's unwavering commitment to social justice and his genuine concern for the working class disrupt the carefully maintained equilibrium of Orbit St. Michael.

Smallwood's unconventional methods include inviting unemployed factory workers to church, advocating for fair wages, and challenging the Despards' exploitative business practices. He organizes soup kitchens, protests against arms manufacturing, and even advocates for sharing the Despards' wealth with the less fortunate. These actions, while well-intentioned, alienate the wealthy elite and create unrest within the previously placid village. The Despards, desperate to restore order and maintain their social standing, attempt to undermine Smallwood's efforts through various schemes, including spreading rumors, manipulating the local council, and even trying to have him declared insane.

As Smallwood's influence grows, he attracts national attention, both positive and negative. He is hailed as a champion of the common man by some, while others denounce him as a dangerous radical. The Church hierarchy, initially supportive of his appointment, begins to grow increasingly uneasy with his controversial actions. The situation escalates when Smallwood, disillusioned by the corruption and hypocrisy he witnesses, decides to run for Parliament as an independent candidate, further challenging the established political order.

The climax of the film sees Smallwood launching his political campaign, where his genuine concern for the people shines through. Ultimately, the film satirizes the absurdity of bureaucracy and political opportunism when Smallwood's name is accidentally included in a list of candidates for space exploration. Mistaken for a suitable astronaut due to his heavenly association, he is launched into space, leaving behind a bewildered and somewhat relieved Orbit St. Michael. The ending is ambiguous, suggesting that perhaps only by leaving Earth can one escape the constraints and contradictions of human society.

Themes and Satire

Heavens Above! is a multifaceted satire that tackles a range of themes relevant to post-war Britain and beyond:

• Class Division: The film starkly portrays the vast disparity between the wealthy elite and the working class in Britain. The Despards represent the entitled upper class, clinging to their privilege and resisting any challenge to the established social order. Smallwood's efforts to bridge the gap between the classes highlight the inherent inequalities of the system.
• Religious Hypocrisy: The film satirizes the hypocrisy often found within religious institutions. The Church, represented by its bureaucratic hierarchy, is more concerned with maintaining its power and prestige than with genuinely serving the needs of the people. Smallwood's unwavering commitment to his principles exposes the moral failings of the institution.
• Bureaucracy and Inefficiency: Heavens Above! skewers the red tape and inefficiency of the British bureaucracy. The film depicts the absurd lengths to which officials will go to avoid making decisions or taking responsibility. The chaotic sequence of events leading to Smallwood's accidental appointment as an astronaut perfectly illustrates this theme.
• Political Opportunism: The film lampoons the self-serving nature of politicians and the political process. Characters are shown manipulating events and exploiting public opinion for their own personal gain. Smallwood's foray into politics, while driven by noble intentions, ultimately highlights the corrupting influence of power.
• The Cold War and Nuclear Disarmament: Although not explicitly the central theme, the anxieties of the Cold War and the debate over nuclear disarmament are subtly woven into the narrative. Smallwood's pacifist beliefs and his opposition to arms manufacturing reflect the growing concerns about the threat of nuclear annihilation in the 1960s.

Character Analysis

The success of Heavens Above! rests largely on its well-defined and memorable characters:

• Reverend John Smallwood (Peter Sellers): Smallwood is the moral center of the film. He is a genuinely compassionate and principled man who is determined to make a positive difference in the world. However, his unwavering idealism and unconventional methods often lead to conflict and unintended consequences. Sellers' portrayal of Smallwood is both comedic and poignant, capturing the character's sincerity and his frustration with the world around him.
• Lord and Lady Despard (Cecil Parker and Isabel Jeans): The Despards embody the worst aspects of the British aristocracy. They are arrogant, self-serving, and deeply resistant to change. They represent the old guard, clinging to their privilege and exploiting the working class for their own benefit. Parker and Jeans deliver wonderfully comedic performances, perfectly capturing the characters' pomposity and disdain for those beneath them.
• The Reverend Aspinall (Eric Sykes): Aspinall is the previous vicar of Orbit St. Michael, a bland and ineffectual man who caters to the Despards' every whim. He represents the type of clergyman who prioritizes social acceptance over genuine faith. Sykes' performance is understated but effective, highlighting the character's lack of conviction.
• Simpson (Bernard Miles): Simpson is a cynical and world-weary working-class man who initially distrusts Smallwood's motives. However, he gradually comes to respect Smallwood's genuine concern for the people and becomes one of his most loyal supporters. Miles provides a grounded and realistic portrayal of a working-class character struggling to survive in a system stacked against him.

Reception and Legacy

Heavens Above! received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised its sharp satire and Peter Sellers' performance, while others found it to be heavy-handed and preachy. Despite the mixed reception, the film was a commercial success and has since gained a cult following.

In retrospect, Heavens Above! is now recognized as a significant contribution to British satirical cinema. Its themes of class division, religious hypocrisy, and political corruption remain relevant today. The film's sharp wit and memorable characters continue to entertain and provoke thought. While perhaps not as polished or subtle as some of the Boulting brothers' other works, Heavens Above! offers a valuable snapshot of British society in the 1960s and a timeless critique of human nature.

Tables

Cast and Characters

Key Themes and Examples

Reception Summary