Oh, God! *** (1977, George Burns, John Denver, Ralph Bellamy, Donald Pleasence, Teri Garr) – Classic Movie Review 11,510

Director Carl Reiner’s funny 1977 comedy Oh, God! stars George Burns, whose dry delivery and perfect timing boost this genial, inoffensive comedy about a supermarket manager called Jerry Landers (John Denver) visited by God (Burns) who choses him to spread his message in the face of scepticism of the media, theologians and Jerry’s wife (Teri Garr).

God’s thoughts on ostriches, avocados and TV prove irresistible, as delivered by Burns. Even non-comedian Denver is amusing, and there is a delightful cast of funny and talented people in support.

The screenplay written by Larry Gelbart is based on a 1971 novel of the same name by Avery Corman. Gelbart’s screenplay received an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay

It was a big hit, taking $51 million in the US. Two sequels with Burns followed: Oh, God! Book II (1980) and Oh, God! You Devil (1984).

George Burns (born Nathan Birnbaum) in Oh, God! (1977).

George Burns (born Nathan Birnbaum; January 20, 1896 – March 9, 1996) went on to live till he was 100, though, alas, he didn’t get his wish to play the London Palladium on his 100th birthday. However, he continued to work until just weeks before his death of cardiac arrest at his home in Beverly Hills.  Burns had a sudden career revival at the age of 79 in the 1975 film The Sunshine Boys, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Also in the cast are Ralph Bellamy, Donald Pleasence, Teri Garr, William Daniels, Barnard Hughes, Paul Sorvino, Dinah Shore, George Furth, Jeff Corey, David Ogden Stiers, Barry Sullivan, Titos Vandis, and Carl Reiner.

Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,510

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