Pocketful of Miracles Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A gangster and his moll give a homeless apple seller a makeover so she can trick her daughter into thinking she’s rich, all while avoiding rival gangsters and the cops.

🍿 Pocketful of Miracles: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Apple Annie and Dave the Dude

Apple Annie (Bette Davis) is a boozy, apple-selling beggar in New York City during Prohibition. Dave the Dude (Glenn Ford), a bootlegger, believes Annie’s apples bring him luck. He makes sure to buy one from her every day. Dave and his girlfriend Queenie (Hope Lange) run a successful, if illegal, operation.

Annie’s Secret and Impending Visit

Annie receives a letter from her daughter, Louise (Ann-Margret), who has been living in a Spanish convent. Louise is engaged to a Count’s son and they are coming to New York to meet Annie. Louise believes her mother is a wealthy socialite based on Annie’s embellished letters. Annie is distraught, knowing the truth will ruin Louise’s future.

The Transformation Begins

Dave the Dude, feeling indebted to Annie, decides to help her maintain the charade. He and Queenie enlist their Runyonesque cronies to transform Annie into a convincing society lady. This involves etiquette lessons, new clothes, and a temporary residence in a luxurious apartment. The gangsters use their connections to establish Annie’s false identity.

Navigating High Society

As the Count and his son arrive, Dave’s gang attempts to navigate the complexities of high society. Hilarity ensues as they try to maintain the illusion of Annie’s wealth and status. Unexpected problems arise, threatening to expose the entire scheme. Peter Falk as Joy Boy adds to the chaos and comedy as Dave’s right-hand man.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Apple Annie (Bette Davis): A boozy, brassy street beggar who is transformed into a society lady to impress her daughter.
• Dave the Dude (Glenn Ford): A New York bootlegger who helps Apple Annie with her predicament, believing her apples bring him luck.
• Elizabeth (Queenie) Martin (Hope Lange): Dave the Dude’s girlfriend who assists in the transformation of Apple Annie.
• Louise (Ann-Margret): Apple Annie’s daughter who is unaware of her mother’s true social standing.
• Joy Boy (Peter Falk): Dave the Dude’s right-hand man who is initially skeptical of the plan to help Apple Annie.
• Count Alfonso Romero (Arthur O’Connell): The father of Louise’s fiancé, who believes Apple Annie is a member of New York society.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Junior: “She’s like a cockroach what turned into a butterfly!” – Junior says this describing Annie’s amazing transformation from a beggar to a sophisticated lady.
• Dave the Dude: “I’m gonna make you a society dame if it kills me!” – Dave says this to Annie, showing his determination to help her with her predicament.
• Apple Annie: “God bless you.” – Apple Annie repeats this classic, familiar expression from the era.
• Joy Boy: “This whole thing smells like a three-day-old fish.” – Joy Boy says this when trying to describe that this whole thing is very strange.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,900,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $10,173

💥 Pocketful of Miracles Reviews

Personal Review

I watched ‘Pocketful of Miracles’ because I’m a huge fan of Bette Davis, and she didn’t disappoint! Seeing her transform from a disheveled street vendor to a sophisticated lady was amazing. The scene where she first appears in the fancy gown, with the Nutcracker music playing, gave me goosebumps! I’m always a sucker for a happy ending, and this movie delivered that in spades. Peter Falk was hilarious too – classic performance!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy heartwarming stories”
  • “Those interested in films set during the Prohibition era”
  • “Bette Davis and Glenn Ford fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Depiction of alcohol use”
  • “Brief scenes of gambling”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Capra tries to recapture the magic of his earlier work, but ‘Pocketful of Miracles’ feels overlong and lacks the heart of ‘Lady for a Day.’ While Davis delivers a strong performance, the film struggles to find its footing in its updated setting.
• The New York Times: “Bette Davis shines as Apple Annie, bringing both grit and grace to the role. However, the film is bogged down by a meandering plot and a cast that doesn’t quite gel. Capra’s direction feels uneven, resulting in a mixed bag of comedy and sentimentality.
• Los Angeles Times: “A visually appealing remake, but ‘Pocketful of Miracles’ fails to capture the charm and wit of the original. Glenn Ford’s performance is serviceable, but Peter Falk steals the show with his comedic timing. Ultimately, the film feels like a missed opportunity.

Audience Reactions

Peter Falk’s comedic performance as Joy Boy was a highlight for many viewers.: The film’s heartwarming story and strong performances resonated with audiences.

Bette Davis’ transformation was a memorable moment for many viewers.: Many viewers appreciated the feel-good nature of the film and its happy ending.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming but somewhat uneven remake that benefits from strong performances, particularly from Bette Davis and Peter Falk, but falls short of the original ‘Lady for a Day.’

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 1962

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Frank Capra considered Frank Sinatra for the role of Dave the Dude but ultimately cast Glenn Ford.”
• “Bette Davis and Glenn Ford reportedly clashed during filming due to Ford’s billing and control as producer.”
• “This was Ann-Margret’s film debut.”

🖥️ How to Watch Pocketful of Miracles?

Currently, ‘Pocketful of Miracles’ can be rented or purchased on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for television airings. While a streaming subscription is not currently known, these options offer immediate access to watch the movie. Consider purchasing the DVD or Blu-ray for a physical copy and potential bonus content.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Pocketful of Miracles, you might like these similar films:

• Lady for a Day (1933): This is the original film that Pocketful of Miracles remade, also directed by Frank Capra.
• Trading Places (1983): Shares the theme of social transformation through unusual circumstances, with comedic elements.
• My Fair Lady (1964): Features a similar plot of transforming a person of lower social standing into someone presentable to high society.
• The Sting (1973): Another caper movie with gangsters who come together to pull off a big con.

🛒 Pocketful of Miracles Related Products

• Pocketful of Miracles (Blu-ray): Own the digitally remastered classic film in stunning high definition. Includes bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
• Bette Davis: The Complete Collection: A comprehensive collection of Bette Davis’s films, including ‘Pocketful of Miracles’. A must-have for any fan of the iconic actress.
• 1930s New York City Gangster Costume: Dress up as a gangster from the film with this authentic-looking costume. Includes a pinstripe suit, fedora, and toy tommy gun.
• Apple Annie’s Good Luck Apple Charm: A replica of Apple Annie’s apple, believed to bring good luck. Made from high-quality materials, this charm makes a perfect gift.

🎧 Soundtrack

Pocketful of Miracles features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Pocketful of Miracles” – performed by Jimmy Van Heusen & Sammy Cahn

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Frank Sinatra Pocketful Of Mircles.

Did you know Frank Sinatra sang “Pocketful of Miracles”? Check out this classic performance; it’s a beautiful rendition and really captures the heart of the movie!

Singing – Pocketful of Miracles

Ever wonder how the music from “Pocketful of Miracles” resonates with others? Take a listen to this cover of the main song. It’s interesting to see how others interpret such a classic!

✨ Rate