Miracles for Sale (1939)

Retired performer Mike Morgan sells original illusions to fellow magicians, and although he believes in the supernatural, likes to expose sham psychics. This involves him in some mysterious murders.

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:

reference to cagliostro | reference to harry houdini | reference to john barrymore | homicide detective | irish cop | 

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Taglines:

The Season's Surprise Hit!

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Genres:

Crime | Mystery

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Last film directed by Tod Browning.

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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.

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Quotes

Dad Morgan: [indicating the sign on his son's shop, "Miracles for Sale"] Well, if you wanted to go into business, why didn't you open a butcher shop? Now, selling meat's a business, but, selling miracles - that's monkey business.

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Soundtracks

Comin' through the Rye
(uncredited)
Traditional
Lyrics from Robert Burns poem (1782]

User Reviews

Wonderful Romp!

The first time I ever saw Florence Rice, that I know of, was in Four Girls in White. I fell in love with her immediately! Don't let one of the other reviews fool you, Florence was a talented hard working actress with a natural appeal, the girl next door type. She also had a comedy streak in her. She and Robert Young create some real "magic" in Miracles for Sale. (pun intended)Tod Browning brings his directorial good sense to the proceedings. Miracles for Sale is a delightful slice of a bygone era.

Sometimes being born privileged is a drawback. Was Florence the victim of petty Hollywood jealousies keeping her from being the huge star that she showed promise of being? Forty seven movies in ten years, OK they weren't all epics but she worked with some pretty heavy hitters. Perhaps in this day of DVD/VHS and our fascination with nostalgia, Florence Rice can be re-born into the STAR she should have been.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 August 1939 (USA)

Also Known As:

Miracles for Sale

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