The Windows of Heaven (film)

Plot summary

The film follows the leader as he tries to resolve the church's mounting debt and the struggles of the Mormon settlers suffering through drought. In the film, President Snow prophesies to the people of St. George that they will be able to harvest their crops if they obey the law of tithing.

Production

The prophecy that President Snow gives in the movie is based on articles written by his son LeRoi C. Snow thirty-five to forty years after the events of the movie occurred. Contemporary historical records do not support that President Snow ever made the prophecy depicted in the film, instead promising generalized prophetic blessings for obeying the law of tithing. The depiction of rain in St. George is mostly historically accurate, with a reported rainfall of 1.89 inches during that time. However, the rainfall caused extensive damage and contemporary church leaders did not connect it to tithing.

The film was produced and released while the LDS Church was in a financial crisis, starting the 1950s. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles examined and approved the film's script. Filming began in 1962 and the General Authorities approved the release version.

Reception

Upon its release, The Windows of Heaven was the longest and most publicized film produced by BYU. It premiered in St. George and was well-received among LDS Church members, including President David O. McKay. The film was cut from fifty minutes to thirty-two in 1979 for video release. A ten-minute version of the film was included in the 2006 three-disc DVD compilation on LDS Church history.