Miracle in Soho (1957)

In London's colourful but seedy Soho Michael Morgan is working mending the road. he is unhappy, with little hope of finding happiness. Then he meets Julia Gozzi, a barmaid, and "The Miracle... See full summary »

Director:

Julian Amyes

Writer:

Emeric Pressburger (novel)

Stars:

John Gregson, Belinda Lee, Cyril Cusack

Cast

Complete credited cast:
John Gregson	...	Michael Morgan
Belinda Lee	...	Julia Gozzi
Cyril Cusack	...	Sam Bishop
Peter Illing	...	Papa Gozzi
Rosalie Crutchley	...	Mafalda Gozzi
Ian Bannen	...	Filippo Gozzi
Billie Whitelaw	...	Maggie
Cyril Shaps	...	Mr. Swoboda
John Cairney	...	Tom
Marie Burke	...	Mama Gozzi
Barbara Archer	...	Gwladys
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Freda Bamford	...	Mrs. Mop
Brian Bedford	...	Johnny
Harry Brunning	...	Ernie
Michael Collins	...	Lorry Driver

Storyline

In London's colourful but seedy Soho Michael Morgan is working mending the road. he is unhappy, with little hope of finding happiness. Then he meets Julia Gozzi, a barmaid, and "The Miracle" happens ...

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Plot Keywords:

based on novel

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 August 1957 (UK)

Also Known As:

Avventura a Soho

Filming Locations:

Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rank Organisation, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Did You Know?

Trivia

Emeric Pressburger's novel "The Miracle of St. Anthony's Lane" was written for Kurt Gerron to film in 1934. It had been optioned to make a film at least four times and each time the film was not made so the rights reverted to Pressburger. Pressburger said he could retire if he had a few more stories like that. It was finally filmed as Miracle in Soho in 1957.

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Soundtracks

"The Miracle of Love"
Performed by Ronnie Hilton
Music by Brian Easdale
Words by Jack Fishman

User Reviews

I know who made in burst...

Produced by the great Emeric Pressburger, Miracle in Soho is a little-known, charmingly slight film that, whilst not up to the standards and ambition of Pressburger's legendary 'Archers' collaborations with Michael Powell, is nonetheless a rewarding and satisfyingly different kind of cinematic romance. John Gregson stars as a road gang worker and serial lothario whose years of 'love 'em and leave 'em' activity come to an end when he takes a job in Soho's St. Anthony's Lane, and falls for the pretty Belinda Lee; unfortunately she is only a few days away from emigrating to Canada with her family. Whilst this romantic angle is the main plot thread of the film, the movie is more notable for its 'slice of life' view of Soho in the 1950s, which is portrayed as a post-war melting pot of races and religions, and which incorporates a great many minor characters and subplots. The film is also unusual for its frank, realistic look at the nature of adult relationships; Gregson is a refreshingly 'no nonsense' type, whilst the various women he pursues are recognisably flawed and very human. There is some welcome humour in the film, mainly from Cyril Cusack's garrulous postman, as well as a couple of genuinely touching moments, such as when Ian Bannen, as Lee's feckless brother, is reunited with his father during a thronging church service, whilst the eventual 'miracle' of the title is a truly marvellous and totally unexpected plot twist. There are a couple of missteps (the accidental death of one of Gregson's co-workers is nothing but a bit of pointless melodrama), and the photography and direction are largely undistinguished, but the inventive script and lively performances ensure that, overall, this criminally little-seen film deserves a bigger audience. Unfortunately, it appears that it will remain little-seen; it hasn't been seen on UK TV in several years, and is not readily available on DVD or VHS.