weezeralfalfa 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.

bkoganbing James Stewart's first film assignment for 1937 was a loan out from MGM to 20th Century Fox for a remake of their silent classic Seventh Heaven that starred Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor and won for Gaynor the first Best Actress Oscar. Based on a play by Austin Strong that ran for 704 performances on Broadway during the 1922-24 season, the silent film also boasted the classic film theme Diane which was one of the biggest selling instrumental recordings during the Twenties.The Diane theme was retained for the sound version, the movie-going public would have not paid a nickel to see this film if it were otherwise. In keeping with the French location of the film, French import Simone Simon took Janet Gaynor's place and gave a luminescent performance. But why Darryl F. Zanuck couldn't get Charles Boyer for the male lead is beyond me. If I had been Zanuck I'd have waited until Boyer was available. He would have been perfect for the role. The very American James Stewart, try though he does, just doesn't cut it as the French sewer worker Chico. Even Zanuck's two best male contract players, Don Ameche and Tyrone Power, would also have been better than Stewart.The plot is essentially the same with sewer worker Chico rescuing Diane after she's been thrown out of a brothel managed by her sister Gale Sondergaard. Simone's heart just is not in the job of sex worker. Sondergaard gives one her patented bad girl performances, she really has some bite in her role. Also to be noted is Jean Hersholt in the role of sympathetic priest.The sound version of Seventh Heaven might have been a classic had a player who was French or one who was cast as foreign types been in the lead. Jimmy must have wondered what he was doing in this film.

jdport I agree with the previous review. I've only seen this movie once but it has stuck with me. This is a movie about a sewer worker (a very young Jimmy Stewart) who aspires to work as a street sweeper. This is the epitome of jobs in his viewpoint. He is determined to achieve this goal as he considers himself "quite a remarkable fellow". He also falls in love with a young woman who is entranced with this remarkable fellow. He eventually achieves both of his goals.

dicmar_rot Simone Simon glowed. She was inspired by James Stewart's character. Her character was lit up by Chico whose pure innocence and positive attitude overshadowed any shortcomings of her character. Stewart came across so well that I could not stop watching the film even though he lacked a French accent. This movie must be seen by all of Jimmy Stewart's fans. It's as if Stewart's star quality is irrepressible. Its as if his personal good character comes across better than the script can tell;therefore,I can accept this story. I have to admit I have seen many of his movies before I saw this one, including many times "Its a Wonderful Life". But, in this film "Seventh Heaven" he allows Simone Simon to make the story work. The two actors are at their best in this old fashioned melodrama. This is a rare instance where the actors pulled the story to a much higher plain. Perhaps that is why it's called "Seventh Heaven".