Let’s fix the mistake
"Here Comes Mr. Jordan", directed by Alexander Hall, was released back in 1941. The film tells the story of a soul being reborn into a new body, as the main character tries to catch up on lost time and fix his past mistakes.
While watching, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had seen this kind of story many times before. But then you realize — this film actually came much earlier and likely became the foundation for many similar stories that followed. Maybe the fact that I watched it after those later films didn’t do it any favors.
The story felt quite predictable and, at times, a bit boring. That’s just how it turned out for me. Overall, my impression of the film was average. Here Comes Mr. Jordan may feel somewhat outdated for modern viewers. However, it’s worth noting that the film showcases some interesting storytelling ideas for its time. Some of them still hold up and even have a certain charm, especially for fans of classic Hollywood.
Director Alexander Hall creates a film that successfully blends comedy, drama, and fantasy while keeping a good balance between them. He tells the story with ease, moving through different genres in an engaging way.
The acting is solid. Robert Montgomery and Claude Rains stand out in their roles, delivering convincing performances and bringing their characters to life. Their on-screen chemistry works well.
Overall, "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" is a decent story with a unique concept and strong performances. I would call the film outdated by today’s standards — which is understandable, considering how many decades have passed. Still, it leaves its mark on Hollywood history and has influenced many later works.
The film won two Academy Awards — for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Story — and honestly, I think those wins were well deserved.
6 out of 10