Oh, God!

Oh God ... is an American comedy film from 1977 directed by Carl Reiner from a novel by Avery Corman.

Action

Jerry Landers is deputy branch manager of a supermarket. One day he is visited by an old man who claims to be a God against him. He wants to convince Jerry, as his mouthpiece to work, similar to Moses. Jerry, first timidly, telling the world of his experience with God. He quickly becomes the laughing stock of many. Skeptics demand evidence. A group of Christians writes on issues in Aramaic and request Jerry on to answer the questions alone in a hotel room. In fact, God appears and answers the questions for Jerry.

After Jerry has called on God's command a preacher as a charlatan, he is quoted in court for libel. There, the judge wants to have a proof of God's existence. God should show him in the hall and the audience. God shows up only after some time, in which Jerry must defend himself against accusations of fraud. When God appears, he is sworn. God shows some wonders and impressive art pieces and disappears before the eyes of the spectators. His disembodied voice calls on the people to trust.

Jerry is now unemployed, but God assured him that they are in good hands. God is getting ready now to disappear forever. Jerry asks what he should do, he needed God's help. God gives him the answer, Jerry should then talk to him, he would listen to him. Then God disappears.

Reviews

The lexicon of the International film described the movie as a lightweight, largely sympathetic Comedy - typical American, optimistic entertainment.

Roger Ebert wrote in the Chicago Sun - Times, the film is a treasure. A smart, clean, discreet fun speculation about what might happen if God did appear.

The TV Guide was well done and certified Reiner one of his best directorial work.

Janet Maslin, however, wrote in the New York Times, the film is an uneasy mixture of conflicting settings, distract with too little humor or comedy to dubious of his condition.

Awards

Larry Gelbart won the WGA Award from the Writers Guild of America.

George Burns was honored with the Saturn Award for Best Actor, also the film won the Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film. Carl Reiner was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Director and Larry Gelbart for best screenplay.

Larry Gelbart also in 1978 received an Oscar nomination for best adapted screenplay.

Background

The premiere took place on 7 October 1977. In Germany he appeared on 20 May 1982 as a television premiere.

The production of Warner Bros. was the feature film debut of country singer John Denver.

Continuations

In both sequels George Burns was playing the title role.

1977 in film Jerry Weintraub Film score Jack Elliott (composer) Victor J. Kemper Barry Sullivan (actor) George Furth Chicago Sun-Times 50th Academy Awards Academy Award for Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) Oh, God! Book II The Jerk Summer School (1987 film)
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