What Is Here Comes Mr. Jordan About?
The premise of Here Comes Mr. Jordan in 307 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a breezy 1940s America where ambition and destiny collide, the story opens with a modest yet fiery boxer whose nickname hints at his daring style. The film balances light‑hearted romance with a gently whimsical take on the afterlife, layering snappy dialogue and a classic Hollywood optimism over a world where celestial clerks keep tabs on mortal fates. Its tone is buoyant and hopeful, inviting the audience to wonder whether a soul can truly outrun the paperwork that follows it.
Joe Pendleton lives for the ring, dreaming of glory while surrounding himself with a colorful crew of friends and a stubborn sense of honor. His life is abruptly interrupted by a tragic accident that should have ended his story, but a new, earnest messenger from beyond steps in to rewrite his destiny. Mr. Jordan, a heavenly bureaucrat with a dry sense of duty, informs the bewildered boxer that a clerical error demands he continue his journey—just not in the body he expected.
Enter the unexpected vessel: the polished, affluent existence of Bruce Farnsworth, a man whose sudden death leaves the world a little unsettled. The celestial arrangement offers Joe a chance to pursue his fighting aspirations while navigating the trappings of wealth, societal expectations, and an unfamiliar social circle. As he acclimates, the film hints at a budding romance that could anchor him to his new life, even as the disparity between his humble roots and luxurious surroundings creates both comic friction and heartfelt moments.
Through witty banter, a touch of celestial bureaucracy, and a keen eye on the era’s glitzy yet grounded atmosphere, the narrative sets up a compelling clash between destiny and self‑determination. The audience is left eager to see how a determined spirit will reconcile his love for the sport, his newfound identity, and the lingering mysteries that accompany a life borrowed from another.
What Happens in Here Comes Mr. Jordan?
The complete story of Here Comes Mr. Jordan, from the first scene to the last, in 801 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Joe Pendleton, a talented amateur boxer affectionately known as “the Flying Pug,” is on his way to a fight in New York City when tragedy strikes. On May 11, 1941, during a routine flight in his small aircraft, a control cable unexpectedly severs, causing him to crash. Sadly, Joe does not survive the accident, but his story is far from over.
His soul is immediately retrieved by an officious angel named Mr. Jordan, who initially believes Joe couldn’t have survived the crash. The angel’s assistant, a somewhat rigid and bureaucratic figure, informs Joe that due to a mistake, he is supposed to live for another 50 years. However, since Joe’s body was destroyed in the crash, Jordan explains that his soul must take over a newly deceased person’s body to continue living.
In the afterlife, the records confirm the mistake—Joe was meant to live longer—and Jordan assures him that when he inhabits the body, he will still be himself inside. Joe, however, is determined to continue his boxing career and insists on choosing a physically fit and suitable body. He requests that his new form be someone capable of fighting, which leads to a series of considerations. Initially, Jordan shows him several candidates, but Joe remains unconvinced until they visit the body of Bruce Farnsworth, a corrupt and wealthy banker who has just been drugged and drowned by his wife Julia Farnsworth and his secretary Tony Abbott in a murder plot.
Despite his reservations about inhabiting such a morally compromised life, Joe’s decision is swayed when he witnesses Farnsworth’s cruel treatment towards Bette Logan, a young woman whose father’s name Farnsworth misused to sell worthless securities. This act of cruelty finally convinces Joe to take over Farnsworth’s body. As Farnsworth, he begins stripping away the dishonesty of his previous life—returning stolen money, clearing investors’ debts, and ensuring justice for Bette, played by Evelyn Keyes.
Joe, now in Farnsworth’s body, reaches out to his old manager, Max “Pop” Corkle (played by James Gleason), and convinces him that he is still Joe using their shared musical past—playing a saxophone badly, as a familiar sign. With Farnsworth’s resources, Corkle trains Joe for a scheduled fight to determine the next challenger for the heavyweight championship.
However, Mr. Jordan returns unexpectedly to warn Joe that his future as a champion will not occur in the way he hopes. Joe is just about to accept his destiny when he meets Bette Logan again and, in a heartfelt moment, warns her that if a stranger—especially a boxer—approaches her, she should give him a chance. But before he can act on this, he is shot by Tony during a confrontation.
Joe’s soul once again returns to a ghostly existence, and Farnsworth’s body is hidden away, with everyone believing he has disappeared. Corkle, believing Farnsworth is missing, hires a private investigator to find him.
With the help of Mr. Jordan, Joe then ventures to retrieve his saxophone from Farnsworth’s mansion—only to discover the police interrogating everyone there about the missing wealthy man. Corkle, lost and confused, inadvertently reveals details about Joe and the angel’s involvement. Using his mental influence, Joe prompts Corkle to turn on the radio just in time to hear the championship fight—where he learns that Joe Murdock has been knocked out from a minor injury but was actually shot by gamblers who tried to force him to throw the fight.
Seizing the opportunity, Joe takes over Murdock’s body, fights valiantly, and wins the boxing title. Back at the mansion, Corkle notices a missing saxophone, piecing together that Joe has switched bodies again—this time with Murdock.
Corkle rushes to the dressing room, where Joe, now in Murdock’s body, reveals to him that Farnsworth’s body is in a refrigerator in the basement of the mansion—an act of misdirection to cover up his murder. The police swoop in, arresting Julia and Tony on the basis of this evidence. Meanwhile, Joe, as Murdock, dismisses his crooked manager and hires Corkle as his new trainer.
Throughout this process, Mr. Jordan explains that this is his ultimate destiny: to be the champion and live life to the fullest, regardless of the body he inhabits. As Joe heals his old injury while simultaneously losing his memory of his previous life, Jordan lingers to see his completion. Eventually, Bette arrives, expecting to meet Corkle but instead encounters Murdock. The two feel an inexplicable familiarity, as if they have met before, hinting at a deeper connection.
In the final moments, Mr. Jordan offers a warm farewell, smiling as he says, “So long, champ,” acknowledging that Joe’s journey as a fighter has truly begun. The film closes with the idea that, despite the body he inhabits, Joe’s true self remains resilient and ready for the future, blending themes of fate, identity, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
Here Comes Mr. Jordan Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Joe Pendleton's Flight and Crash” to “Jordan's Farewell and Bette's Arrival”.
- 1
Joe Pendleton's Flight and Crash
Joe Pendleton, an amateur boxer and pilot known as 'the Flying Pug,' is flying his small aircraft to a fight in New York City. The plane crashes when a control cable severs, leading to Joe's death unexpectedly. His soul is retrieved by an angel, 7013, who doubts Joe's survival due to the accident.
When:May 11, 1941 Where:New York City
- 2
Joe's Soul is Retrieved by the Angel
After the crash, Joe's soul is taken by the angel 7013 because the angel assumes he couldn't have survived the crash. The angel is surprised to find a record indicating Joe's death was a mistake, as he was supposed to live for 50 more years.
- 3
Joe is Offered a New Body
Since Joe's original body is cremated, he is given the option to take over a new body of a recently deceased person. The angel explains that a body is merely a vessel and Joe will still be himself inside it.
- 4
Joe Chooses Bruce Farnsworth's Body
Joe initially hesitates but decides to take over the body of Bruce Farnsworth, a corrupt and wealthy banker who has just been drowned by his wife Julia and secretary Tony. Joe witnesses the murderers mocking Bette Logan, which influences his decision.
- 5
Joe as Farnsworth Makes Amends
In Farnsworth's body, Joe enacts justice by reimbursing investors and exonerating Bette's father. He also plays the saxophone badly to convince Corkle, his manager, of his identity. Farnsworth’s money helps him gain influence to set things right.
- 6
Joe's Boxing Career Begins
With Farnsworth's body, Joe trains for and organizes a boxing match to contend for the heavyweight title. However, Mr. Jordan, the angel, warns him that his destiny is to become the champion, but not through that fight.
- 7
Joe's Warning to Bette and His Death
Joe tells Bette to give a chance to a stranger if approached by a boxer, indicating his concern for her safety. Shortly after, he is shot by Tony, leading to his return to the afterlife as a ghost.
- 8
Joe Returns as a Ghost and Finds Farnsworth's Body
Joe, now a ghost, discovers that Farnsworth's body has been hidden in a refrigerator in the mansion basement. Corkle, the manager, and the police realize the connection and arrest Julia and Tony.
- 9
Joe Takes Over the Body of Murdock
Joe inhabits the body of a boxer named Murdock, who has just collapsed from a fight. Using Murdock's body, Joe wins the championship fight and fully assumes his new destiny.
- 10
Corkle Discovers Joe's True Identity
Corkle notices a missing saxophone linked to Murdock, and realizes Joe has taken over Murdock's body. He informs the police, leading to the arrest of the real Farnsworth's murderers.
- 11
Joe's Destiny as the Champion
Mr. Jordan reveals to Joe that becoming the boxing champion is his true destiny. Joe accepts this new purpose, fully embracing his role within Murdock's body and life.
- 12
Jordan's Farewell and Bette's Arrival
Jordan hangs around briefly, healing Joe and removing his memories of the past life. Bette arrives, not recognizing Joe as Murdock, and they feel a connection, ending the story on a hopeful note.
Who Are the Main Characters in Here Comes Mr. Jordan?
4 characters, among them Joe Pendleton, Mr. Jordan and Bette Logan: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Joe Pendleton
Played by Robert Montgomery
A talented boxer and amateur pilot, Joe is characterized by his determination, innocence, and kindness. His journey reveals a desire to continue his boxing career to live life fully, and he demonstrates moral integrity and resilience in the face of supernatural challenges.
- 💪 Determined
- 🎩 Optimistic
- ❤️ Compassionate
-
Mr. Jordan
Played by Claude Rains
An angelic figure overseeing the transition of souls, Mr. Jordan is wise and somewhat stern, embodying divine justice. He guides Joe through his body-switching journey, emphasizing moral lessons and helping him fulfill his destiny.
- 👼 Wise
- 📝 Authoritative
- 💼 Compassionate
- BL
Bette Logan
Played by Evelyn Keyes
A young woman who falls in love with Joe, Bette is kind and trusting. Her interactions with Joe highlight themes of love and fate, as she unknowingly forms a bond with a man occupying another's body.
- 💖 Loving
- 🤝 Trusting
- 🌸 Hopeful
-
Tony Abbott
Played by John Emery
The crooked secretary involved in the murder of Bruce Farnsworth, Tony is manipulative and immoral. His actions drive much of the conflict, illustrating greed and betrayal.
- 🕵️♂️ Cunning
- 💰 Greedy
- ❌ Corrupt
Where and When Is Here Comes Mr. Jordan Set?
Here Comes Mr. Jordan is set in New York City (1941). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1941
The story takes place in 1941, a period marked by World War II developments and a pre-war American society. This era features a mix of optimism and uncertainty, with technological and societal changes impacting daily life, which is subtly reflected in the film's setting and characters.
Where
New York City
The movie is set in New York City, a major cultural and financial center known for its skyscrapers, vibrant arts scene, and bustling streets. The city plays a significant backdrop for the story's events, reflecting its lively, unpredictable, and dynamic atmosphere.
- 🌆 Urban
- 🗽 Iconic
- 🎭 Cultural hub
What Are the Themes of Here Comes Mr. Jordan?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity and Fate and Destiny.
-
01
Identity
The film explores the concept of personal identity through Joe Pendleton's body-switching experience. It questions what truly defines a person—physical form or inner self—and demonstrates that true identity persists beyond physical appearance.
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02
Fate and Destiny
The story emphasizes the role of fate and divine intervention in shaping human lives. Joe's journey from death to rediscovering his purpose highlights the idea that destiny can be altered through moral choices and perseverance.
What Kind of Film Is Here Comes Mr. Jordan?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A charming and whimsical supernatural comedy that playfully explores identity and fate, blending light romance and suspense with an ultimately uplifting and hopeful tone.
- whimsical
- uplifting
- playful
- romantic
- hopeful
- supernatural
- afterlife
- body swap
- fate
- identity
Content notes: murder, mariticide.
Quiz
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