Pocketful of Miracles (1961)

Boozy, brassy Apple Annie, a beggar with a basket of apples, is as much as part of downtown New York as old Broadway itself. Bootlegger Dave the Dude is a sucker for her apples --- he ... See full summary »

Director:

Frank Capra

Writers:

Hal Kanter (screenplay), Harry Tugend (screenplay),

Stars:

Glenn Ford, Bette Davis, Hope Lange

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Glenn Ford	...	Dave the Dude
Bette Davis	...	Apple Annie
Hope Lange	...	Queenie Martin
Arthur O'Connell	...	Count Alfonso Romero
Peter Falk	...	Joy Boy
Thomas Mitchell	...	Judge Henry G. Blake
Edward Everett Horton	...	Hudgins
Mickey Shaughnessy	...	Junior
David Brian	...	Governor
Sheldon Leonard	...	Steve Darcey
Peter Mann	...	Carlos Romero
Ann-Margret	...	Louise
Barton MacLane	...	Police Commissioner (as Barton Maclane)
John Litel	...	Police Inspector McCrary
Jerome Cowan	...	Mayor

Storyline

Boozy, brassy Apple Annie, a beggar with a basket of apples, is as much as part of downtown New York as old Broadway itself. Bootlegger Dave the Dude is a sucker for her apples --- he thinks they bring him luck. But Dave and girlfriend Queenie Martin need a lot more than luck when it turns out that Annie is in a jam and only they can help: Annie's daughter Louise, who has lived all her life in a Spanish convent, is coming to America with a Count and his son. The count's son wants to marry Louise, who thinks her mother is part of New York society. It's up to Dave and Queenie and their Runyonesque cronies to turn Annie into a lady and convince the Count and his son that they are hobnobbing with New York's elite.

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Plot Keywords:

apple | luck | dude | gangster boss | remake | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English American Sign Language Spanish

Release Date:

25 December 1961 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die unteren Zehntausend

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,900,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Franton Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

136 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to the Bette Davis biography, 'Fasten Your Seatbelts', the actress was furious when she read a Glenn Ford interview in which the actor claimed to have gotten her the part because of the boost she had given him years before in A Stolen Life. Davis is quoted as saying, "Who is that son of a bitch that he should say he helped me have a comeback! That shitheel wouldn't have helped me out of a sewer!"

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Goofs

During the police escort to the boat in the last few minutes of the movie, a 1949 Cadillac can be seen in the rear window of the car the governor is riding in on the right side of his head. The movie is set in 1930's

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Quotes

Joy Boy: Does it still kinda get you right here?

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Connections

Referenced in Miracles - Mr. Canton and Lady Rose (1989)

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Soundtracks

"Jarabe tapatio (Mexican Hat Dance)"
(uncredited)
Traditional
Played at the pier

User Reviews

Smart and Joyfull, made in Capra

I used to watch this movie once and again when I was a child. Didn't even know who Bette Davis or Frank Capra were, but already loved the film. The story is a remake of one of Capra's films of the 30's. Easy to follow, filled with smart humor and better acting. I admire the transformation of Bette Davis, great work along with wardrobe and make up departments! Last Capra's film, it has the typical characteristics of his career. The importance of emotions, the rhythm, the magic and the happy ending. It was the beginning of the future sex-symbol Ann Margret in a great and extensive cast. It's a great movie to watch with kids, or for cinema addicts looking for a rest.