Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (novel)

Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison is a 1952 novel by Australian writer Charles Shaw.[1] It tells the story of U.S. Marine Corporal Allison shipwrecked on an island in the Pacific during World War II. The only inhabitant is a nun, Sister Angela.[2] It was made into a 1957 film of the same name by John Huston.[3]

Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison
First edition
AuthorCharles Shaw
LanguageEnglish
GenreWar novel
PublisherCrown
Publication date
1952
Publication placeAustralia
Media typePrint (hardback & paperback)
ISBN9785510895186
Book On Demand Ltd, 2012
OCLC1816343

Plot summary

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The narrative deals with the developing relationship between the Marine and the nun, especially Allison's growing attraction to Sister Angela.

The novel is set earlier in the war than the film, with Allison escaping from the Battle of Corregidor at the time that the Allies are still on the defensive in the Pacific.

Characters in Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison

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  • Allison – the Marine
  • Sister Angela – the nun

Film, TV or theatrical adaptations

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The movie was adapted by John Huston and John Lee Mahin from the novel and directed by Huston.[3] Deborah Kerr was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.[4] Robert Mitchum played Allison.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Rutledge, Martha. Charles Herbert Shaw (1900–1955). Retrieved 26 February 2024. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  2. ^ Neff, John C. (11 January 1953). "Each Helped the Other". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Crowther, Bosley (15 March 1957). "Screen: 'Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison'; Story of a Marine and a Nun Is at the Roxy". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
  4. ^ "The 30th Academy Awards | 1958". www.oscars.org. 4 October 2014. Retrieved 2024-02-26.