The Next Voice You Hear...

"You know," writer George Sumner Albee said, "wouldn't it be something if God would come on the radio and give people such a bad scare they'd wake up and behave themselves!" That quote appeared in MGM president Dore Schary's book "Case History of a Movie", which elevated "The Next Voice You Hear…" far above its station. It also places the "germ" of the story in the days of radio, when the magical medium would be natural place for God to speak to "Joe Smith, American". So, during the time it was written and filmed, this story must have seemed far less ludicrous.

The story focuses on the Smith family: James Whitmore (as Joe), Nancy Davis (as Mary), and Gary Gray (as Johnny). The names "Joseph" and "Mary" have Biblical implications, of course; and, in the film, "Mary" is pregnant. These facts, like the "voice of God" itself, never progress past the point of mildly intriguing, however. The Smith family proves to be an underwhelming choice to follow, through God's supposed manifestation. Interestingly, the filmmakers combine all the world's Gods into one; with the implication being that Jews, Muslims, and others hear a similar message.

A couple of supporting performers are nice, but Ms. Davis (later known as Nancy Reagan) is the best thing in the film. Though a surprisingly thin pregnant woman, she still endeavors to look like she's carrying a child; and, Davis gives the most realistic performance. She helps the other performers look believable, too, just by appearing on screen with them. For example, it looks like she covers for young Gray, when he almost knocks over a table. And, after a silly "drunk scene", ending with Mr. Whitmore walking a straight line into EVERY stool on his way out of a bar, Davis' presence dampens the mediocrity.

Davis is genuine in her manner and looks; she obviously worked on the character, with direction from William A. Wellman. Mr. Wellman keeps it interesting, for the most part; and, the film provokes some thought. Finally, many at MGM would agree with the observation that God's voice, if heard, would sound exactly like Lionel Barrymore.

***** The Next Voice You Hear… (6/29/50) William A. Wellman ~ James Whitmore, Nancy Davis, Gary Gray, Lillian Bronson

Wow how did I ever miss this one? As many old movies as I've seen and still I find ones that surprise me. This is a very interesting film about a voice coming on the radio nightly saying it is the voice of God. Although the voice is heard by everybody, the movie centers on one family in particular, the Smiths. In the midst of the voice drama, Mary Smith (Nancy Davis) is pregnant and there's some concern about whether she will be able to deliver safely. This and some lesser issues the family has adds to the authenticity of these characters.

A story like this could easily slip into Corn City, but thankfully it's well-written. The family are played by good actors who make the characters seem like real people and not some of the more unfortunate cardboard stereotypes that would dominate 1950s portrayals of white suburban families. James Whitmore and Nancy Davis give two of the finest performances of their careers. The actor playing their son, Gary Gray, is excellent as well. The supporting players were solid also.

We never hear the voice of God. It's written in such a way they manage to skillfully avoid that. Very clever, I think. They relay what the voice said through others. It's also a seemingly non-denominational God, so if you're worried about a faith you don't believe in forcing their beliefs on you...relax. Although it could be argued it's a Judeo-Christian God, there's nothing preachy about it. I've read some complaints about the ending. Without giving too much away, I'll try to address this. The complaints seem to be that the movie sets up a premise that deserves a big payoff. I feel like these reviewers missed the point. The payoff, in my opinion, was appropriate and meaningful: that miracles happen everyday and we should learn to appreciate them.

This is a great film with a simple but thoughtful message. A good cast, a veteran director, and intelligent writing. A true underrated gem that everyone should see.

The Next Voice You Hear is about Almighty God interrupting all the radio broadcasts on all frequencies on planet Earth at exactly 8:30 pm Pacific Standard Time. He does this for one week.

The film shows the affect hearing from the Almighty on one American family, the Smith family of Los Angeles. The Smiths are played by James Whitmore, Nancy Davis, and Gary Gray. Whitmore is an aircraft worker and Davis is quite pregnant with their second child.

Of course the film is made through an American Christian filter so to speak, that was the targeted audience back in the day. Yet it avoids any direct reference to Christianity or any other faith for that matter. It even says God is speaking to the ears listening behind the Iron Curtain, to places where His existence isn't acknowledged.

James Whitmore was supposed to be another Spencer Tracy for MGM and while his career never quite got that far it certainly has been lengthy and honorable. Nancy Davis of course opted for another career along with her husband. Both play well the parts of Mr.&Mrs. Average American, you'd never know there was a future First Lady in the cast.

The reactions to hearing from the Almighty himself run the gamut, in fact it does take a week to convince most it isn't some kind of gigantic hoax. Significant in 1950 that God uses the radio as His media outlet. Most families still did not have televisions. Good thing to because then the film would have had one huge casting problem.

Of course we never actually hear the Voice. When the first broadcast comes Davis and Gray are in the kitchen and Whitmore hears it in the living room. He comes back reporting on the strange thing that just happened and Davis remarks did it sound like Lionel Barrymore. I remember on All in the Family Archie Bunker once remarking God would sound like Bing Crosby. I suppose there are an infinite number of schools of thought there. We always get a report second hand on what the Voice has said.

The final message is I guess what encapsulates the interfaith message of the film is about. What this old world needs in equal measure is love, freedom, peace, and faith. Equal measure is important because a lack of any one of these causes problems. And it's not up to just nations to practice this, but more so for individuals.

When I turned the channel to this movie on TCM, I had no idea what to expect but as so often happens with this station, I was not disappointed with this captivating period movie from 1950 (directed by Robert Wellman) that seemed to be the cinematic equivalent of a Norman Rockwell illustration. The plot was unusual by today's standards but in 1950, we can imagine this movie would have had great appeal to a mass audience, who took religion more seriously than they do today. The acting was excellent and the on location background locales were evocative of the time -- the golf green lawns of the suburbs, the husband and father cranking up the engine of the family car before going off to his factory job, the couple and school age child eating their roast beef dinner. This family is what we used to call salt of the earth people who work hard, enjoy their home life and have time to joke and laugh. Of course this ideal image doesn't change even as the circumstances evolve. It is such a family that the voice of God coming over the radio would have had great appeal in 1950 as they look for inspiration to deal with the problems of work, a pregnancy,raising their child or just the daily frustrations of life. I was very impressed with James Whitmore as the father and the delightful young actor who played the son. Nancy Davis as the pregnant wife and mother played a patient and good humoured anchor for the family. I would really look forward to viewing this movie again.

God's voice is "The Next Voice You Hear," in a 1950 film starring James Whitmore, Nancy Davis, Gary Gray, and Tom D'Andrea. I saw this movie many, many years ago, and have read of it in recent years due in large part to the presence of our future First Lady. Nancy Davis was an attractive woman and a good actress - I'm certain she could be quite pretty and glamorous as in real life, but the film world cast her differently. Here she's very plain looking, with a pretty smile, and is supposed to have a baby due any second. In true Hollywood form, she looks like she's maybe three months along.

The story concerns that typical '50s family we saw on TV and read about though probably didn't live in - mom, dad, and a cute kid - who have different reactions when God starts speaking on the radio at 8:30 every evening. The Whitmore character seems to embrace its true spirit - let go and live - while his aunt's belief is fear-based, and his wife and child become frightened.

This is a lovely, simple story that some people will find very comforting and others will think is an annoying, preachy bore. I thought the acting somewhat lifted it. James Whitmore was the new Spencer Tracy but never rose above character roles; instead, even now, he enjoys a wonderful stage career. Here he's a man who gets hot and bothered over life's annoyances, hates his boss, but gradually learns a lesson about God's true message. The other performances are good, and the little boy is too cute for words. Always nice to see "Gillis" from "The Life of Riley," Tom D'Andrea, in a role.

This movie isn't for everyone, but if you have a spiritual leaning, you'll like it.