HALF WAY TO HEAVEN (1929) Charles 'Buddy' Rogers, Jean Arthur & Paul Lukas | Drama| B&W | Cinema Gem

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Half Way to Heaven is a 1929 American Pre-Code drama film directed by George Abbott and written by Abbott, Henry Leyford Gates, and Gerald Geraghty. The film stars Charles "Buddy" Rogers, Jean Arthur, Paul Lukas, Helen Ware, Oscar Apfel and Irving Bacon. The film was released on December 14, 1929, by Paramount Pictures. As was common during the early years of sound before dubbing became more established, several multiple-language versions were produced at the Joinville Studios in Paris including a Swedish-language version Half Way to Heaven.

Synopsis

Nick, the "swing" man in a trapeze troupe, loves Greta Nelson, the girl in the act; and Tony, the "flyer," incurs his enmity as Greta seems to favor him; thus Nick fails to catch Tony, and Tony is killed. Ned Lee, a novice, reports for the next engagement. Meanwhile, Greta discovers that Nick purposely dropped Tony, and, frightened, she seeks refuge with Ned, with whom she falls in love. Greta remains with the act to protect Ned, and when the jealous Nick plots to kill him in a similar manner, Ned swings past him and hangs by his feet. After the show, a fight results in Nick's dismissal and the reunion of the lovers.

Cast & Crew

Charles "Buddy" Rogers as Ned Lee
Jean Arthur as Greta Nelson
Paul Lukas as Nick Pogli
Helen Ware as Madame Elsie
Oscar Apfel as Circus Manager
Irving Bacon as Slim
Al Hill as Blackie
Guy Oliver as Farmer at Railroad Station

Directed by: George Abbott
Screenplay by: George Abbott, Henry Leyford Gates, Gerald Geraghty
Cinematography: Alfred Gilks, Charles Lang
Edited by: William Shea
Music by: Gene Lucas
Production company: Paramount Pictures
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Release date: December 14, 1929
Running time: 66 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English