One Foot in Heaven Reviews

In one of his finest performances, Fredric March plays Rev. William Spence, a Methodist minister who devotes his life to transforming wavering parishes into strong pillars of faith. Episodic in form, ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN begins in Canada in 1904. After listening to an evangelist, Spence and his devoted wife, Hope (Martha Scott), decide to move to a small Iowa community desperately in need of spiritual guidance. Trying to fit in, Spence and Hope live at poverty level, forgoing the luxuries to which they are accustomed. After their work in one parish is complete, they move on to the next, adding to their family in the process. Over the next 20 years, Spence and Hope fight a number of uphill battles, and when it finally appears as if the Spence family is going to settle down, word reaches them of another troubled parish. A huge audience pleaser, ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN was based on the real-life exploits of Rev. William Spence, whose story was told in a book written by his son. Adding to its authenticity was the presence of Rev. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale as technical advisor. What makes the film so enjoyable, however, isn't its religious message, but March's portrayal of Spence as a real man--one with morals and common sense, who can also be aggressive when necessary.