Critics on the Final Scene

Modern critics often deride Borzage for being too sentimental and point out 7th Heaven, its final scene in particular, as being melodramatic in the extreme. But as critic John Belton explains, "Chico's miraculous return to life is no lapse in narrative continuity but an illustration of the transcendent nature of love in Borzage's work. Chico and Diane's love defies not only time and space but also mortality." Carli Elinor, who conducted the orchestra at the world premier of 7th Heaven simply called this final scene, "the greatest love scene Hollywood has ever filmed."

Source: Lucky Stars by Sarah Baker.