Heaven Can Wait
Joe Pendleton is a quarterback preparing to lead his team to the superbowl when he is almost killed in an accident. An overanxious angel plucks him to heaven only to discover that he wasn't ready to die, and that his body has been cremated. A new body must be found, and that of a recently-murdered millionaire is chosen. His wife and accountant—the murderers—are confused by this development, as he buys the L.A. Rams in order to once again quarterback them into the Superbowl.
Despite a moderate budget of $15.0M, Heaven Can Wait became a box office phenomenon, earning $98.8M worldwide—a remarkable 559% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Heaven Can Wait (1978) exhibits meticulously timed dramatic framework, characteristic of Buck Henry's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 41 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Joe Pendleton, star quarterback for the LA Rams, jogs through the tunnel preparing for the Super Bowl. He's at the peak of his athletic career, confident and full of life.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Joe is killed in a bicycle accident in the tunnel. An overeager heavenly escort takes his soul prematurely - he wasn't supposed to die yet. His entire physical existence is suddenly ripped away.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Joe reluctantly agrees to temporarily inhabit the body of millionaire Leo Farnsworth, who is about to be murdered by his wife and her lover. Joe chooses to enter this new world and new body., moving from reaction to action.
At 51 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat False victory: Joe successfully convinces Max he's really Joe Pendleton, gets himself onto the Rams roster as Farnsworth, and Betty begins to fall for him. Everything seems to be working - he can have it all., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 74 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Joe-as-Farnsworth is murdered (shot in his home). The body he's come to inhabit, the life he's built with Betty, his chance at the Super Bowl - all die. Mr. Jordan appears: this body is gone for good., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 80 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Mr. Jordan offers one last chance: Joe can inhabit quarterback Tom Jarrett, who's about to be killed in the Super Bowl. Joe realizes what he's learned - it's not the body, it's the soul. He accepts he won't remember Betty, but their connection transcends memory., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Heaven Can Wait's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Heaven Can Wait against these established plot points, we can identify how Buck Henry utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Heaven Can Wait within the fantasy genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional fantasy films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Conan the Barbarian and Batman Forever.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Joe Pendleton, star quarterback for the LA Rams, jogs through the tunnel preparing for the Super Bowl. He's at the peak of his athletic career, confident and full of life.
Theme
Joe's trainer Max Corkle says, "You can't take it with you" regarding Joe's obsession with his body and saxophone. The theme: what truly matters isn't the body you have, but who you are inside.
Worldbuilding
Joe's world is established: his dedication to fitness, love of saxophone, upcoming Super Bowl, relationship with trainer Max. His tunnel-vision focus on physical perfection and the big game defines him.
Disruption
Joe is killed in a bicycle accident in the tunnel. An overeager heavenly escort takes his soul prematurely - he wasn't supposed to die yet. His entire physical existence is suddenly ripped away.
Resistance
Mr. Jordan, the heavenly supervisor, explains the mistake. Joe debates and argues - he wants his body back, wants to play in the Super Bowl. Mr. Jordan searches for a suitable replacement body as Joe resists accepting any substitute for his own.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Joe reluctantly agrees to temporarily inhabit the body of millionaire Leo Farnsworth, who is about to be murdered by his wife and her lover. Joe chooses to enter this new world and new body.
Mirror World
Joe-as-Farnsworth meets Betty Logan, an idealistic environmental activist protesting Farnsworth's company. She represents everything he wasn't before: purpose beyond self, social consciousness, and genuine connection. She will teach him what truly matters.
Premise
The fun of the premise: Joe lives as a millionaire while trying to play football, romances Betty as the man she despises, attempts to convince Max he's really Joe, and navigates corporate intrigue. The fish-out-of-water comedy of a jock in a tycoon's body.
Midpoint
False victory: Joe successfully convinces Max he's really Joe Pendleton, gets himself onto the Rams roster as Farnsworth, and Betty begins to fall for him. Everything seems to be working - he can have it all.
Opposition
Complications intensify: the wife and her lover plot again to kill Farnsworth; Joe's presence as Farnsworth creates business and personal chaos; Betty's feelings grow but she's confused by Farnsworth's transformation; the impossibility of Joe's situation becomes clear.
Collapse
Joe-as-Farnsworth is murdered (shot in his home). The body he's come to inhabit, the life he's built with Betty, his chance at the Super Bowl - all die. Mr. Jordan appears: this body is gone for good.
Crisis
Joe faces his darkest moment: he must leave Betty without explaining, abandon everything he's built. He realizes he loves her but can never tell her the truth. The pain of loss and impossible love.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Mr. Jordan offers one last chance: Joe can inhabit quarterback Tom Jarrett, who's about to be killed in the Super Bowl. Joe realizes what he's learned - it's not the body, it's the soul. He accepts he won't remember Betty, but their connection transcends memory.
Synthesis
The finale: Joe-as-Jarrett plays in the Super Bowl and wins. He encounters Betty, who recognizes something in him. Though he doesn't remember her or his past life, the soul connection remains. He's now a complete person - athletic excellence plus depth of spirit.
Transformation
Joe and Betty meet on the field after the Super Bowl victory. Neither remembers their past, but they're drawn to each other. Joe is no longer just a body - he's a soul who's learned love and purpose matter more than physical perfection.