Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Action Comedy Drama Horror Thriller Sci-Fi Romance Mystery Animation Crime
Heaven Can Wait (1978) movie poster

Timeline

Heaven Can Wait (1978) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
1978 · 101 min · Chinese
JustWatch #20,454 10
Starring
James Mason, Warren Beatty

A charismatic con artist engineers an elaborate scheme, leading people to believe a naive actor is a deity. As the deception takes hold, wealth and confusion spread, and a humorous conflict arises between the trickster and the man unwittingly cast as a god. The story explores themes of love, fortune, and the ridiculousness of celebrity.

Sport Fantasy Comedy Romance Cast, crew & box office
On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Heaven Can Wait
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Heaven Can Wait (1978)

Where can you watch Heaven Can Wait? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on MGM Plus, Hoopla and Amazon Video: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

15 events in order · contains spoilers

Heaven Can Wait Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Heaven Can Wait (1978) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Joe's Injury and Return to Practice

    Joe Pendleton, a second-string quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, suffers a knee injury but continues to practice diligently. His teammates and coach notice his impressive form and potential, setting the stage for a pivotal opportunity in his football career.

    Where
    Los Angeles Rams Training Facility

  2. Joe's Birthday Surprise

    On Joe's birthday, his friend Max Corkle brings a cake and delivers exciting news: Joe has been chosen to start the game against the Dallas Cowboys. This moment fills Joe with determination to step up his training and seize the opportunity in front of him.

    Where
    Joe's Home

  3. The Accident

    While bicycling through a tunnel, Joe is tragically hit by a van, leading to his untimely death. This unexpected turn of events sends Joe's soul to the afterlife, where he begins to confront his new reality.

    Where
    Tunnel

  4. Arrival in Heaven

    Upon arriving at the way station to Heaven, Joe is accompanied by The Escort, who informs him about his impending departure to the final destination. After a confusing discussion with the archangel Mr. Jordan, Joe realizes that his arrival was premature and that an error led to his current situation.

    Where
    Heaven

  5. Seeking a New Body

    With Joe's original body cremated, Mr. Jordan reveals the only option is for Joe to inhabit another man's body. They begin searching for a suitable candidate whose death remains undiscovered, leading them to millionaire Leo Farnsworth.

    Where
    Leo Farnsworth's Estate

  6. Farnsworth's Drowning

    At Farnsworth's estate, Joe witnesses the scheming of Julia Farnsworth and her lover, Tony Abbott, as they plot to murder Leo Farnsworth by drowning him. This nefarious act adds urgency to Joe's need to find a new body to inhabit.

    Where
    Leo Farnsworth's Bathroom

  7. Joe Becomes Leo Farnsworth

    Joe successfully occupies Farnsworth's body after the murder attempt, but struggles to reconcile his true identity. Although he sees himself as Joe Pendleton internally, others perceive him as the wealthy industrialist, creating comedic and complex situations.

    Where
    Farnsworth's Estate

  8. Betty Logan's Visit

    Joe meets schoolteacher Betty Logan during a discussion about the detrimental effects of Farnsworth's business plans on her hometown. Captivated by Betty, Joe feels inspired to help her while navigating the complexities of his new identity.

    Where
    Farnsworth's Estate

  9. The Company Board Meeting

    During a company board meeting, Joe passionately speaks out about ethical business practices, utilizing his football background as an analogy. His performance astounds the attendees and further solidifies his place as the new 'Farnsworth'.

    Where
    Company Boardroom

  10. Dinner with Betty

    After impressing the board, Joe takes Betty out for dinner, where they share a deeper connection. As they discuss their feelings, Joe expresses his desire to divorce Julia, further complicating his new life as Farnsworth.

    Where
    Drive-In Restaurant

  11. Max Joins Joe's Ambition

    Joe convinces his friend Max to train him to try out for the Rams as quarterback. Initially doubtful, Max becomes a believer when Joe performs uniquely on the saxophone, asserting his true identity and ambition.

    Where
    Farnsworth's Estate

  12. Joe Enters the Rams

    After rigorous training, Joe acquires ownership of the Los Angeles Rams and is set to play quarterback. His unconventional journey sparks skepticism but ultimately leads to unexpected camaraderie with his new teammates.

    Where
    Los Angeles Rams Training Facility

  13. Super Bowl Glory

    In a high-pressure Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Joe steps in as quarterback after Tom Jarrett is injured. He leads the Rams to victory, showcasing his skills and determination while living out a second chance at life.

    Where
    Los Angeles Coliseum

  14. The Revelation of True Identity

    Following the Super Bowl victory, Mr. Jordan informs Joe that he will have to forfeit his memories and life as Joe Pendleton. This decision weighs heavily as Joe transitions fully into Tom Jarrett’s identity, losing the essence of who he once was.

    Where
    Locker Room

  15. A Chance Encounter

    As Joe, now living as Tom, exits the stadium, he crosses paths with Betty. Although he doesn't recognize her, their connection is evident as they agree to go for coffee, hinting at the potential for a new relationship that bridges their pasts.

    Where
    Stadium Hallway

Last updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

Was this helpful?

Timeline questions answered

Heaven Can Wait Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Heaven Can Wait (1978): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why was Joe Pendleton taken to Heaven before his actual death?

Joe was prematurely taken to Heaven due to a celestial mistake. While bicycling through a tunnel, he was struck by a van and his soul arrived at the way station. After examining the records, Mr. Jordan discovered that Joe's actual time of death wasn't supposed to be until 2025, meaning he was taken by mistake and had many years left to live.

  • heaven mistake
  • premature death
  • soul
  • celestial error
  • afterlife
Q2

How could Joe inhabit other people's bodies?

Since Joe's original body had already been cremated, Mr. Jordan explained that the only way for Joe to return to life was to inhabit another man's body, one whose death hadn't yet been discovered. Joe could see himself as Joe Pendleton internally, but others perceived him as whichever body he currently occupied.

  • body swap
  • possession
  • soul transfer
  • reincarnation
  • afterlife rules
Q3

Did Leo Farnsworth die in the bathtub?

Yes, Julia Farnsworth and her lover Tony Abbott sedated Leo and left him to drown in his own bathtub, making it look like an accident. However, Joe arrived at the mansion in time to witness the murder attempt, and Mr. Jordan allowed Joe to temporarily occupy Farnsworth's body, essentially saving him from the fate that had been arranged.

  • leo farnsworth
  • murder
  • julia abbott
  • drowning
  • attempt
Q4

Why did Joe lose his memories and become Tom Jarrett at the end?

When Joe switched bodies again, entering Tom Jarrett's body just as Tom was dying from injuries during the Super Bowl, Mr. Jordan explained that the transition required Joe to fully surrender his original identity. He had to forfeit all his memories and life as Joe Pendleton to successfully inhabit Tom's body, effectively becoming Tom Jarrett with no recollection of his previous life.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Mr. Jordan warned Joe that finding the right body would require sacrifice.

  • memories lost
  • identity
  • tom jarrett
  • body transfer
  • forgotten
Q5

How did Joe end up in Tom Jarrett's body during the Super Bowl?

After being forced to leave Farnsworth's body, Joe was shot and returned to Heaven. But when he learned Tom Jarrett was seriously injured during the Super Bowl, Joe made a desperate leap to inhabit Tom's body just before Tom died. This allowed Joe to fulfill his dream of playing in and winning the Super Bowl.

Foreshadowing: Joe had stated his intention to play in the Super Bowl before being forced to leave Farnsworth's body.

  • tom jarrett
  • super bowl
  • injury
  • body jump
  • quarterback
Q6

Why couldn't Joe stay in Leo Farnsworth's body permanently?

Joe's occupation of Farnsworth's body was only meant to be temporary, a placeholder until Mr. Jordan could find a more suitable athletic candidate for Joe to inhabit. The Escort eventually arrived to force Joe's departure, explaining that his time in that body was up and he needed to move on.

  • temporary body
  • forced departure
  • escort
  • heaven rules
Q7

How could Joe buy the Rams while in Farnsworth's body?

While occupying Leo Farnsworth's body, Joe had access to Farnsworth's vast wealth and resources. Using Farnsworth's money and influence, Joe purchased the Los Angeles Rams, giving himself the opportunity to become quarterback and play in the Super Bowl.

Foreshadowing: Joe convinced Max to help train him, stating he would find a way back to football.

  • los angeles rams
  • ownership
  • farnsworth wealth
  • purchase
Q8

Why did Betty Logan fall for Leo Farnsworth when she knew something was wrong?

Betty was initially confused by Joe's strange behavior but was drawn to the genuine kindness, passion, and ethics he displayed, which were completely unlike the real Farnsworth. Despite sensing something odd about his identity, she saw the good in him and eventually fell in love with who he truly was inside, not his appearance.

  • betty logan
  • love
  • farnsworth identity
  • connection
  • acceptance
Q9

What happened to Joe after he won the Super Bowl in Tom's body?

After winning the Super Bowl, Joe fully transitioned into Tom Jarrett's body and lost all memory of his life as Joe Pendleton. When he encountered Betty in the stadium hallway, he didn't recognize her at all. However, when she suggested getting coffee, he agreed, suggesting fate might be giving them another chance despite his lost memories.

  • super bowl victory
  • memory loss
  • new life
  • betty
  • ending
Q10

What is the significance of Joe's saxophone?

The saxophone represents Joe's true identity and what made him unique. Even while inhabiting Farnsworth's body, Joe still saw himself holding his beloved saxophone. When Max heard Joe playing the saxophone at the mansion, he finally believed it was really his friend inside Farnsworth's body, proving that identity transcends physical form.

  • saxophone
  • identity
  • max corkle
  • symbol
  • self
Q11

Why did Mr. Jordan help Joe get a second chance at life?

Mr. Jordan helped Joe because it was Heaven's error that brought Joe there prematurely in the first place. Since Joe wasn't supposed to die yet and his body had already been cremated, Mr. Jordan felt responsible for finding Joe a way back to fulfill his unfinished life and dreams.

  • mr jordan
  • archangel
  • second chance
  • heaven mistake
  • redemption

Movie threads

More Movies Like Heaven Can Wait, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Heaven Can Wait tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies with Guardian Angels and Second Chances like Heaven Can Wait

Stories where benevolent forces intervene to grant characters a new lease on life. If you enjoyed the fantastical premise of Heaven Can Wait, you'll love these movies that explore themes of fate and second chances. Discover similar comedy-fantasy stories featuring celestial mix-ups, benevolent guardians, and characters getting an unexpected do-over on life and love.

  • whimsical
  • uplifting
  • playful
  • fantastical
  • optimistic
  • benevolent
  • Tone: hopeful, whimsical
  • Pacing: fast, eventful
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically begin with a cosmic error or an act of divine benevolence that reverses a character's death. The plot follows their journey as they navigate a new body or circumstance, often with the guidance of a celestial being. The central conflict involves them trying to reclaim their life, achieve a goal, or connect with a loved one, all while dealing with the humorous and emotional complications of their new reality.

Why they belong together: This thread groups movies that share a hopeful, optimistic tone rooted in a fantastical premise. They blend lighthearted comedy with a touch of romance and destiny, creating an uplifting and playful viewing experience where the stakes of death are softened by the promise of a benevolent universe.

Heaven Can Wait movie poster

Heaven Can Wait

1978
Unlikely Angel movie poster

Unlikely Angel

1996
All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 movie poster

All Dogs Go to Heaven 2

1996
A Heavenly Christmas movie poster

A Heavenly Christmas

2016
The Hunchback of Notre Dame II movie poster

The Hunchback of Notre Dame II

2002
Fantasy Football movie poster

Fantasy Football

2022
On the 2nd Day of Christmas movie poster

On the 2nd Day of Christmas

1997
Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco movie poster

Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco

1996

Funny Body Swap and Mistaken Identity Movies like Heaven Can Wait

Comedies where characters grapple with hilarious mix-ups of identity and persona. Fans of the identity chaos in Heaven Can Wait will enjoy these playful comedies. Explore movies with similar fast-paced plots involving body swaps, mistaken identities, and characters finding themselves in hilariously unfamiliar situations, all while searching for connection and purpose.

  • playful
  • quirky
  • romantic
  • whimsical
  • uplifting
  • comedic
  • Tone: playful, hopeful
  • Pacing: fast, comedic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The core of these stories is a sudden, often supernatural, shift in a character's outward identity. The plot revolves around their attempts to adapt, maintain the deception, or find a way back to their original self. This journey is punctuated by slapstick humor, romantic entanglements with people who knew the 'old' identity, and a thematic exploration of what truly defines a person.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on comedic identity confusion. They feature fast pacing, a light emotional weight, and a playful tone. The central narrative device creates consistent situational humor and often leads to a bittersweet yet hopeful resolution about love and self-discovery.

The Change-Up movie poster

The Change-Up

2011
Turnabout movie poster

Turnabout

1940
Vice Versa movie poster

Vice Versa

1988
The Hot Chick movie poster

The Hot Chick

2002
Family Switch movie poster

Family Switch

2023
Here Comes the Groom movie poster

Here Comes the Groom

2023
Freaky Friday movie poster

Freaky Friday

2003
Handa and Bhonda movie poster

Handa and Bhonda

2010

If you liked this

Movies Like Heaven Can Wait

Similar movies to Heaven Can Wait: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries
Semi-Tough movie poster

Semi-Tough

1977
Angels in the Outfield movie poster

Angels in the Outfield

1994
Just Like Heaven movie poster

Just Like Heaven

2005
Bedazzled movie poster

Bedazzled

2000
Playing God movie poster

Playing God

2021
Fever Pitch movie poster

Fever Pitch

1985
The Heavenly Kid movie poster

The Heavenly Kid

1985
Suddenly Heaven movie poster

Suddenly Heaven

2003
Ticket to Heaven movie poster

Ticket to Heaven

1981
For Heaven’s Sake movie poster

For Heaven’s Sake

1950
Here Comes Mr. Jordan movie poster

Here Comes Mr. Jordan

1941
Over the Goal movie poster

Over the Goal

1937

Every angle

Heaven Can Wait (1978) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Heaven Can Wait in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app