7th Heaven is a 1927 American sound romantic drama film directed by Frank Borzage and starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. The film is based on the 1922 play 7th Heaven by Austin Strong and was adapted for the screen by Benjamin Glazer. It was initially released as a silent film in May 1927, and on September 10, 1927, Fox Film Corporation re-released the film with a synchronized Movietone soundtrack. The film was a critical and commercial success, helping to establish Fox Film Corporation as a major player in the industry.
In 1937, a remake of the 1927 film was released by 20th Century Fox, directed by Henry King and starring Simone Simon and James Stewart. The plot follows a Parisian sewer worker who rescues a young woman from the police. It has a cast that includes Jean Hersholt, Gregory Ratoff, Gale Sondergaard, and John Qualen. The 1937 version was also well-received, with critics praising the performances of Simone Simon and James Stewart.
Both versions of 7th Heaven were based on the original play by Austin Strong. The film has been recognized for its artistic merits and has been included in the Library of Congress's National Film Registry
Plot
7th Heaven is a romantic drama film that tells the story of a Parisian sewer worker named Chico who saves a young woman named Diane from the police and takes her to his apartment on the seventh floor of a building. Despite their different backgrounds, the two fall in love and find happiness in each other's company. However, their happiness is short-lived as World War I breaks out, and Chico is drafted into the army. The film follows their struggles to stay together and reunite after the war. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including poverty, illness, and the horrors of war. The film is a poignant portrayal of love and sacrifice set against the backdrop of one of the most devastating wars in history.
Cast
The full cast of the 1927 film 7th Heaven directed by Frank Borzage and starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell includes:
- Janet Gaynor as Diane
- Charles Farrell as Chico
- Ben Bard as Nana
- Albert Gran as Boul
- David Butler as Gobin
- Marie Mosquini as Aunt Valentine
- Gladys Brockwell as Nana's mother
- Emile Chautard as Father Chevillon
- George E. Stone as Sewer Rat
The full cast of the 1937 remake of 7th Heaven directed by Henry King and starring Simone Simon and James Stewart include:
- Simone Simon as Diane
- James Stewart as Chico
- Jean Hersholt as Father Chevillon
- Gregory Ratoff as Boul
- Gale Sondergaard as Nana
- J. Edward Bromberg as Gobin
- John Qualen as Sewer Rat
- Charley Grapewin as Uncle George
Director: Frank Borzage
Writer: Benjamin Glazer
Box Office Gross: no information
Distributor: Fox Film Corporation.
Genre: Drama
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 30, 1927
Release Date (DVD): Jun 14, 2004
Themes & Reception
The film 7th Heaven explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It portrays the transformative power of love in overcoming social barriers and the horrors of war.
The 1927 film 7th Heaven was a critical and commercial success, contributing to the establishment of Fox Film Corporation as a major player in the industry. It received positive reviews for its emotional depth and compelling performances.
Challenges Faced
The production of 7th Heaven likely faced challenges typical of films from the silent era, such as technical limitations, elaborate set designs, and the need for expressive acting to convey emotions without dialogue.
Settings, Visual Styles, and Techniques
The film is set in Paris and features a blend of realistic urban settings and romanticized portrayals of the city. Its visual style may include expressive lighting, intimate close-ups, and evocative set designs to enhance the emotional impact of the story.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- 7th Heaven was based on the 1922 play by Austin Strong.
- The film was included in the Library of Congress's National Film Registry for its artistic significance.
- The success of the film led to a 1937 remake, reflecting its enduring popularity.