Between Two Worlds (1944)

Before a London air raid occurs, several people wait to book passages for an ocean liner that will take them to America. After the air raid, they find themselves onboard a mysterious ocean liner occupied only by a kind old steward (Edmund Gwenn). Gradually the truth is revealed—they are all dead, the ocean liner is Purgatory, and an angelic being called The Examiner (Sydney Greenstreet) is later coming aboard to judge their individual fates. Who will go to Heaven and who will go to Hell?

Although not available on DVD or video at present, this special film pops up occasionally on Turner Classic Movies. And the film is indeed special—it contains a fascinating and thought-provoking plot, an eerie atmosphere that perfectly accents the film, and an otherworldly music score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. The excellent cast along the journey includes the crafty John Garfield, the delightful Sara Allgood, the snobbish George Coulouris, and the compassionate Gilbert Emery. Special mention should go to the sensitive Paul Henreid and the gorgeous Eleanor Parker as a married couple who commit suicide at the beginning of the film. Parker was only 22 when this film was made and she looks fantastic here. Erich Wolfgang Korngold's score, although reaching high melodrama at times, is one of his best and was his own favorite film score. The marvelous love theme between Henreid and Parker was later used in the cello concerto in DECEPTION (1946), a film which was also scored by Korngold.

However, be warned that the characters are stereotypes and the film veers towards high melodrama at times due to some corny lines and occasionally overwhelming music on the soundtrack. Some viewers might be offended by the religious themes of the film, since the presentation of the afterlife is part of the Gospel According to Warner Brothers. If that's the case for you, just ignore the themes and enjoy yourself!

Since this film is a morality tale, the film has deeply touching moments. One of my favorite moments is when Paul Henreid discovers a grand piano onboard the liner not long after he is dead. Also, the film's themes are timeless although some viewers might not agree with them. The film may be preachy but the theme of making your own Heaven or Hell in life suits me fine.

Despite the high melodrama and the fact that director Edward A. Blatt directed only three movies, this fascinating wartime fantasy is well worth watching.