Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (1957)

Directed by John Huston. Starring Robert Mitchum, Deborah Kerr.

Sturdy, touching two-hander set on a small island in the South Pacific near the end of World War II. U.S. Marine Mitchum washes up on shore, the apparent sole survivor of a submarine recon squad attacked by the Japanese, and discovers the isle’s lone remaining inhabitant—an Irish nun played by Deborah Kerr. Director John Huston deftly adapted Charles Shaw’s novel to the screen with John Lee Mahin, but for all of its smart, searching dialogue and fortunate turns of fate (and dramatic complications), it’s the stars’ show, and they’re in top form here, individually and as a pair. Shades of Huston’s own The African Queen, but more of a tender character study, gentler and less preoccupied with maximum entertainment value—these bittersweet feelings aren’t suited for zesty sexual politics and rousing action. Shot in the Southern Caribbean. First (and best) of four Mitchum-Kerr pairings.

82/100