Down to Earth

Down to Earth

Year: 1947

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: English

Director: Alexander Hall

FantasyComedyRomanceMusicSong and dance

She sings and dances like an angel, but when a new Broadway musical ridicules the Nine Muses, the Greek goddess Terpsichore is outraged. Determined to amend the disrespect, she descends to Earth, auditions for a part, and strives to transform the production from within.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Down to Earth yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Down to Earth (1947)

Trace every key event in Down to Earth (1947) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Terpsichore seeks Earthly intervention

Terpsichore, one of the Muses, is fed up with a Broadway play that treats the Muses like man-chasing caricatures. She asks Mr. Jordan for permission to go to Earth and fix the production, arguing that the story should honor her sisters. Jordan agrees and assigns Messenger 7013 to shadow her on the journey.

Olympus/Heaven
2

Kitty Pendleton lands an agent and a role

On Earth, Kitty quickly secures an agent, Max Corkle, and lands a part in the show. She uses her new mortal identity to influence the production from within, setting the stage for change.

Earth, during rehearsal of the show
3

Kitty convinces Danny to rethink the Muses

Kitty persuades Danny that his depictions of the Muses are wrong. Smitten by Kitty, Danny agrees to shift from a musical farce to a high-minded ballet in the Martha Graham style.

Rehearsal space / stage
4

Revised ballet debuts on the road and flops

The revised ballet version debuts on the road, in Philadelphia, and proves to be a complete flop. The failure deepens the producers' financial troubles, and Danny's debt to gangsters hangs over the production.

Philadelphia (on tour)
5

Danny's gangster debt and pressure to succeed

With the show losing money, Danny is in debt to gangsters who threaten his life if the production fails. He is forced to consider returning to his original concept to salvage the venture.

Earth, on tour
6

Kitty plans to leave; Jordan intervenes

Kitty plans to leave Earth when Jordan appears and explains the larger predicament. Despite their quarrel over the changes, Kitty still loves Danny and vows to save him, even if it costs her and her sisters' reputations.

Earth
7

Corkle uncovers Jordan's identity and Joe Pendleton's fate

Overhearing the exchange, Corkle realizes that Jordan is the same heavenly messenger he had heard about after Joe Pendleton's death and body switch. He reveals that Joe, now living as K.O. Murdock, is happily married with two children.

Earth
8

Kitty returns to swing the Muses and the show improves

Kitty returns to perform Swingin' the Muses in Danny's original vision, reigniting the musical. The show begins to attract audiences and the reception shifts toward a hit.

Earth, on stage
9

Kitty's time on Earth is up

Kitty learns her time on Earth is up and she must return to Heaven, despite pleas to stay with Danny. She convinces Corkle to tell the police about the gangsters before she vanishes.

Earth
10

Danny discovers Kitty's absence and loses her

Danny finds the coat she left behind and is devastated by her sudden departure. The romance ends with a bittersweet note as he contemplates what could have been.

Earth
11

Terpsichore recast; Corkle becomes agent to Georgia Evans

Back on Earth, Danny recasts the Terpsichore role to chorus girl Georgia Evans, hoping to preserve the show. Corkle becomes Georgia's new agent, continuing to navigate the transition between mortal and celestial worlds.

Earth
12

Heaven promises reunion

In Heaven, Jordan assures Kitty that she will see Danny again and grants her a vision of their eventual reunion in the afterlife.

Heaven

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:00

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Down to Earth Summary

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Down to Earth Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Down to Earth

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Down to Earth

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