Miracles for Sale (1939)

Mike Morgan creates the illusions that magicians use in their shows. While his business is Miracles for Sale, his hobby is exposing fake spiritualists. At the club, he is invited to attend ... See full summary »

Director:

Tod Browning

Writers:

Harry Ruskin (screen play), Marion Parsonnet (screen play),

Stars:

Robert Young, Florence Rice, Frank Craven

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Robert Young	...	Michael Morgan
Florence Rice	...	Judy Barclay
Frank Craven	...	Dad Morgan
Henry Hull	...	Dave Duvallo
Lee Bowman	...	La Claire
Cliff Clark	...	Inspector Gavigan
Astrid Allwyn	...	Mrs. Zelma La Claire
Walter Kingsford	...	Colonel Watrous
Frederick Worlock	...	Dr. Sabbatt (as Frederic Worlock)
Gloria Holden	...	Madame Rapport
William Demarest	...	Quinn
Harold Minjir	...	Tauro

Storyline

Mike Morgan creates the illusions that magicians use in their shows. While his business is Miracles for Sale, his hobby is exposing fake spiritualists. At the club, he is invited to attend the calling from the other world by Sabbatt, but Judy wants Mike to help her instead. Later that night, after spoiling an attempt on the life of Judy, and meeting Madame Rapport, Mike goes to Sabbatt's hotel only to find the doors chained from the inside and a strange voice speaking. Busting in, he finds Sabbatt strangled. While there seems to be no way for anyone from this world to commit the murder, it is only the first murder. Mike must find the how and why before Judy becomes the third and final victim.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | magician | gunfire | blackmail | strangulation | 

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Genres:

Mystery

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 August 1939 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cuda na sprzedaz

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

71 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Frank Sully is listed in studio records as the bus driver, but he was replaced by Matt McHugh. A modern source lists Fred Warren as police surgeon, but the role of the coroner (the only surgeon in the movie) was played by E. Alyn Warren.

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Goofs

One scene shows Morgan having some fun with a waiter by making sugar bowls disappear and reappear. The first time he does the trick it is cleverly executed, but the second and third time it is clearly accomplished with a camera effect instead of actual slight-of-hand.

User Reviews

Wonderful magic show courtesy of Browning the Great

I understand this was the famous Todd Browning's final film; well, he certainly picked a good one to go out on. MIRACLES FOR SALE is a murder mystery with a twist: all the suspects are either magicians or oculists. This naturally makes for a very spooky and atmospheric thriller, which is well handled by Browning and the cast. Robert Young is perfect as the glib magician hero, Florence Rice is appealing as the frightened heroine, and Frank Craven and Cliff Clark supply some hilarious dialogue. Unlike many murder mysteries of this vintage, though, MIRACLES doesn't fall into unsuspenseful slapstick by trying to ape the Thin Man films--it gets positively creepy in parts. Also refreshing is the fact that Young's character doesn't deny the existence of the supernatural: he just thinks that the murder in this case is the work of humans. As you would expect in a magician murder mystery, there are several tricks and illusions in the plot, one of which took me in completely. My brother, an amateur magician of sorts, also passed this one on the accuracy of its depiction of the magic profession. Check it out; you won't be disappointed.