William Spence (Fredric March) is about to finish his medicine studies when visists her fiancee Hope (Martha Scott) at her parents' house to let her know HE has decided to leave his studies to become a minister of god and that she must decide if she wants to marry him as planned. She may or may mot agree buy it is clearly stated that the decision has already been taken by HIM. Obviously she agrees and goes along with him to live a complete live full of everyday's penalties and headaches but also joys of family and god. From village to village and from church to church doing his ministry until he disagrees with the living forces of the city who rule the community. Their hypocrisy is clearly shown in the movie and by doing so church's one is also evidenced. Is it really necessary to build an enormous church with an expensive Swiss carillon to help people find god? Or is it a mere matter of who has more power (church or main citizens) and show it? Idolizing god and its power is not a good way of believing or acting good. It is more a matter of humble little things and actions. Early in the movie, William teaches his wife not to wear her expensive clothes in order to avoid their poor neighbours feel offended. Yet later he does not let his children play outside with other children on Sunday to lead by the example. Although by christening his son in his own way the main character does not practice a good example to say the less. He is constantly putting his family aside. For god? Or for himself? Isn't god in every place, creature and action? While he spends his life writing his lectures, she spends hers working tirelessly in and out home: washing, laundring, ironing, cooking, taking care of his husband and children and going meetings her preacher's wife role requires. Not a bit of equality here. In one of the rare glimpse moments of the movie he recognizes her efforts and thanks her for that. That's all. Definitely it is not a movie to recommend, in spite of actors' good work. Sure Fredric March is convincing in his role, as well as Martha Scott in hers and all the secondary characters that wrap the movie properly. But the result is a rather dull and hypocrite movie.
Review of One Foot in Heaven
