Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Let's be realistic.

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Jimmy Stewart, as Chico, a sewer cleaner, periodically expresses the quote in my title, not in a bragging tone, and this is a rather remarkable film, certainly among my favorite Jimmy Stewart films, along with another sleeper: "Pot o' Gold". Yes, I know the latter film was his least favorite film role, but it's funnier than this film, and includes some nice informal music. I would characterize the present film as a comedic drama. The film is cute, but has serious aspects as well and, of course, the lead actors are cute. I think of it as a blue-collar version of "It Happened One Night". Both Simone and Stewart seem incredibly young and innocent for their ages. I would have guessed Simone to be a mid-teen, but was 27. Despite the low status of his job, Stewart's Chico is brimming with cheerful confidence, yet Stewart clearly exhibits his classic "aw shucks" persona. John Qualen, as his pal "Sewer Rat" is also charismatic. Gale Sondergaard, as Simone's bigger, probably older, sister, Nana, is characterized as mean to Simone, beating her with a belt when she treated a fresh customer badly. In the early going , Simone, as Diane, seems very depressed, slothful(or just tired?), suicidal(as Chico discovers) and unfriendly to the customers. Not sure why, but she clearly has very low esteem. Thus, she is the very antithesis of Chico. Hence, she can't believe that Chico offers to marry her, suspecting it is out of pity rather than love. Chico denies this.Chico's flat is on the 7th(top, I think) floor of the apartment building, hence the title of "7th Heaven". Of course, it's also derived from the belief of some that there are 7 tiers to heaven, the highest being the best. Chico remarks that those who work in the sewers by day like to be as close to the stars as possible at night. It is said that the people on that street lived between heaven and hell, there being a cathedral at the end. Despite these several references to heaven, Chico keeps repeating that he's a confirmed atheist. The last part of the film is an emotional roller-coaster. Chico is drafted into the army(This being 1914 Paris): the same day he hoped to marry Diana. We see him subjected to a gas attack, then later, he's on a stretcher. There's no obvious injury, but he doesn't open his eyes when he speaks. Come armistice day, Diane is told by several friends that Chico was killed in action a few weeks ago.(He is lucky to have survived that long!) But Diana claims she spoke with him each of those days(not by telephone). Of course, given the prejudice of movies to end on a happy note, we suspect that these reports are somehow wrong. And they are, but he has an important handicap now. Nonetheless, Diana accepts him back into her life. She makes a living as a laundress.

There's nothing really wrong with this movie. And there are some positive things.On both the positive and the negative side is French actress Simone Simon. She is radiantly beautiful throughout the movie. When she appears at the window in her wedding gown, you truly believe you are seeing an angel. But her command of English is so limited, and the dialog for her often so weak, that she isn't able to make much of an impression as an actress. When she chases Gale Sondergaard out of the room with a belt in a reversal of a scene early in the movie, she doesn't convey any anger, or triumph. She's good at smiling radiantly, but that's about it.Steward does his usual fine job, but again, he has a poor script to work with.Gale Sondegaard gives perhaps the most vivid characterization in the movie as the evil sister. She is truly terrifying, an actress who could do so many very different things all very well.Too often, though, the script sinks, or comes close to sinking, this picture.I much preferred the 1927 silent. I'm no great fan of silent movies, but that one is astoundingly beautiful and very deeply moving, perhaps because there is no weak script to get in the way, perhaps because certain of the scenes are just filmed better, such as the first night "together" of Chico and Diane in his seventh-floor apartment, the 7th heaven of the title.Even if you don't generally care for silent pictures, give the 1927 version a try.Meanwhile, this one is fine for one viewing, but I doubt I'll watch it again.--------------------Actually, I did watch it again - though it took two sessions to get through it. I still agree with everything I wrote before, though I will add one thing: Especially in the early parts of the movie, there is some beautiful camera work, old-fashioned close-ups and effective shots of the staircase that keeps twisting and turning as it rises to that 7th heaven. The director, Henry King, had made a lot of movies in the silent era, and he knew how to film light and shadow poetically. It doesn't save the movie, but it's worth noticing if you decide to sit through this disappointing movie anyway.

This is a Love story among members of the Poor People of Paris, where Jimmy Stewart plays a working class sewer worker. Given his lot in life, Stewart's character expresses little faith in God, but after he befriends an abused prostitute (Diane), in her he finds the catalyst for an improved prospective on life. This symbolizes the potential power of positive relationships. This is a remake of the silent film of the same name from 10 years earlier that won three Academy awards, including one for Janet Gaynor for best actress.Interesting of note is the romantic music theme "Diane" which plays throughout the film. Although the tune was written in 1927 for the original silent movie version of this film, most today will remember it from the pop hit the Irish group 'The Bachelors' had in 1964. Singer Billy Daniels had actually previously made the tune popular in the 1940's, when he made it his #1 song to sing on his NY radio broadcasts. Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis was later perceptive enough to have recorded the tune with John Coltrane on his classic 1956 album "Steamin' with the Miles Davis Quintet." The lyrics are never heard in the film, but a review of the lyrics find them spot-on with the story: "I'm in Heaven when I see you smile; smile for me my Diane. And though everything is dark all the while; I can see you Diane. You have lighted the road leading home; Pray for me when you can. For no matter wherever I roam; Smile for me my Diane."

Chico, a sewer worker in Paris rescues Diane, a prostitute, from the police. He not only offers his protection, but also his unending love. Diane, who up to that point had been abused by many people, suddenly realizes the love she receives from Chico lifts her from a dreary existence and helps her find her own voice. Alas, war intervenes at the time the couple decides to get married. Chico, an avowed atheist, invents his own wedding vows as he and Diane exchange chains to wear around their necks instead of the customary ring. Both make a promise to chant their names and pretend they are in heaven at 11am each day. The ritual keeps them hoping for an eventual happy life together in peaceful times. This 1937 release directed by Henry King, is seldom seen these days. The basic reason for watching it again is the sweet presence of Simone Simon and James Stewart. These two actors contributed to make the film much better than it should have been if played by others. Ms. Simon, one of the most beautiful faces in the French cinema, had a wonderful screen presence that works well opposite to the young and disarming James Stewart, at one of the best points of his budding career.Others in the cast included Jean Hersholt, who appears as the priest that tries to convert Chico. This is the same actor whose name is synonymous with worthwhile causes within the film industry and who died much to young to continue his humanitarian work. Also, Gregory Ratoff, Gale Sondergaard, Sig Ruman and J. Edward Bromberg and the rest do great work in the film.The copy shown on cable was not exactly the best, but as in other memorable films, what matters is the story and the great performances that Henry King got from everyone.