Oh, God! (1977)

When movies were movies!
This is a great movie. It is a wholesome movie from back when making movies then you got a decent show. 50% of todays movies are garbage...but at least the oldies but goodies still exist.
A. Jordan

George Burns' higher calling
Looking at this film today, "Oh God" seems pretty dated in appearance, but its messages are universal. George Burns continues his motion picture comeback with this whimsical comedy that has much to say about life in general: religion, the problems in the world, and just plain believing.
John Denver takes a shot at acting as the film's honest, decent everyman who is chosen by the Almighty to be the next messenger. While Denver handles his role competently & sympathetically--and has pleasing chemistry with Burns--this film is clearly Burns' show all the way. And who could argue? He has the ultimate role here! It's a perfect vehicle for Burns as his comical stage patter reflects on all kinds of creations: people, animals, food, clothes, etc. Although his trademark cigar is nowhere to be seen, you can practically envision Burns thoughtfully puffing on it between jokes.
Included is fine support from Teri Garr, a "pre-M*A*S*H" David Ogden Stiers, Barnard Hughes, Ralph Bellamy and especially Paul Sorvino going over the top as a husky, boisterous, leisure suit-wearing evangelist who has "spoken with God personally".
The courtroom finale in which God comes to the rescue as a "surprise witness" is fine, but gets slighty marred in some cheap, showy effects.
Otherwise, this is a timely film that modestly sends a clear message: Have faith, and don't hurt one another.

George Burns' higher calling
Looking at this film today, "Oh God" seems pretty dated in appearance, but its messages are universal. George Burns continues his motion picture comeback with this whimsical comedy that has much to say about life in general: religion, the problems in the world, and just plain believing.
John Denver takes a shot at acting as the film's honest, decent everyman who is chosen by the Almighty to be the next messenger. While Denver handles his role competently & sympathetically--and has pleasing chemistry with Burns--this film is clearly Burns' show all the way. And who could argue? He has the ultimate role here! It's a perfect vehicle for Burns as his comical stage patter reflects on all kinds of creations: people, animals, food, clothes, etc. Although his trademark cigar is nowhere to be seen, you can practically envision Burns thoughtfully puffing on it between jokes.
Included is fine support from Teri Garr, a "pre-M*A*S*H" David Ogden Stiers, Barnard Hughes, Ralph Bellamy and especially Paul Sorvino going over the top as a husky, boisterous, leisure suit-wearing evangelist who has "spoken with God personally".
The courtroom finale in which God comes to the rescue as a "surprise witness" is fine, but gets slighty marred in some cheap, showy effects.
Otherwise, this is a timely film that modestly sends a clear message: Have faith, and don't hurt one another.