US (1977): Comedy/Fantasy
Adapted by Larry Gelbart from the novel by Avery Corman and directed by Carl Reiner, this film stars John Denver as Jerry Landers, the assistant manager of a grocery store who is chosen by God (George Burns) to spread the Word to the rest of the world. Not surprisingly, Jerry is soon labelled a basket case: even his loving wife Bobbie (Teri Garr) doubts her husband's sanity. But there's enough evidence on Jerry's side for a panel of prominent clerics to demand that the hapless fellow prove in court that he's the agent of God.
Donald Pleasence was supposed to have an extended supporting role in the film, but the first cut ran too long, and Pleasence's dialogue was eliminated -- but not Pleasence himself, who retains his prominent billing and is seen doing precisely nothing in several scenes. The cast also features Ralph Bellamy, William Daniels, Barnard Hughes, Paul Sorvino, Barry Sullivan, Dinah Shore and David Ogden Stiers. Netting $30 million on its first run, Oh God! was followed by two lesser sequels, both featuring Burns gamely trying to make lemons into lemonade. (Warner Bros.) (Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide)
1 nomination
· Writing (Best Screenplay based on material from another medium) 1977: Larry Gelbart