Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison

Director John Huston originally wanted Marlon Brando to play the Marine who falls for a nun (the Oscar-nominated Deborah Kerr) under unusual circumstances: Love blossoms as the two hide out from the Japanese on a Pacific island during WWII. But Robert Mitchum’s laid-back acting style is perfect for a lovable lug. He’s endearingly natural, even when he sings an out-of-tune ”Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree.” Although the premise of Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison may be similar to Huston’s more famous odd-couple saga, The African Queen, the two stars are indeed heavenly, and their chaste romance, on video for the first time, sparkles with a gentle charm. One gripe: A cropped transfer crudely clips the wide-screen imagery. B