Michael (1996)

Two tabloid reporters checking out a report of the Archangel Michael living with an old woman find that it's true. But that's not the only surprise.

Director:

Nora Ephron

Writers:

Peter Dexter (story) (as Pete Dexter), Jim Quinlan (story)

Stars:

John Travolta, Andie MacDowell, William Hurt

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Travolta	...	Michael
Andie MacDowell	...	Dorothy Winters
William Hurt	...	Frank Quinlan
Bob Hoskins	...	Vartan Malt
Robert Pastorelli	...	Huey Driscoll
Jean Stapleton	...	Pansy Milbank
Teri Garr	...	Judge Esther Newberg
Wallace Langham	...	Bruce Craddock
Joey Lauren Adams	...	Anita
Carla Gugino	...	Bride
Tom Hodges	...	Groom
Catherine Lloyd Burns	...	Evie
Richard Schiff	...	Italian Waiter
Calvin Trillin	...	Sheriff
Donald J. Lee Jr.	...	Court Bailiff

Storyline

Frank Quinlan and Huey Driscoll, two reporters from a Chicago-based tabloid, along with Dorothy Winters, an 'angel expert', are asked to travel to rural Iowa to investigate a claim from an old woman that she shares her house with a real, live archangel named Michael. Upon arrival, they see that her claims are true - but Michael is not what they expected: he smokes, drinks beer, has a very active libido and has a rather colourful vocabulary. In fact, they would never believe it were it not for the two feathery wings protruding from his back. Michael agrees to travel to Chicago with the threesome, but what they don't realise is that the journey they are about to undertake will change their lives forever.

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Plot Keywords:

reporter | archangel michael | angel | road trip | dog | 

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Taglines:

He's an angel... Not a saint.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for a mild barroom brawl, some language and sensuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

Teri Garr's character's name Judge Esther Newberg ,is the name of a literary agent.

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Goofs

When Michael is in the field after Sparky has been run down by a truck and he is facing Dorothy, Frank and Huey, the sun is on right hand side and is bright. When the shot goes back to the other characters, they are facing Michael and the sun is also on their right hand side and is obviously lower in the sky.

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Quotes

Michael: Whatever they say, you can never have too much of earth.

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Connections

Referenced in Rewind This! (2013)

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Soundtracks

Dream
(1944)
Written by Johnny Mercer
Published by Michael H. Goldsen, Inc./WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Performed by Chet Atkins with George Benson
Produced by Chet Atkins and George Benson
By Arrangement with Sony Music Licensing
George Benson appears courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Inc.

User Reviews

Funny and heartwarming little movie

I really enjoyed this movie for what it is: A funny little film that doesn't take itself too seriously. Plot summaries are available everywhere so I won't go into details. Michael isn't about a complex plot anyway. It just builds on a great premise and takes the viewer on a wonderful road trip.

John Travolta's performance as a chain-smoking, lady-loving, bar-brawling, pie-eating angel is just perfect. And who doesn't love Sparky?

Watch this if you want to have a few laughs and a overall good time. Highly recommended.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Portuguese

Release Date:

25 December 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Michael

Filming Locations:

Gruene Hall - 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, Comal County, Texas, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$17,435,711, 29 December 1996

Gross USA:

$95,318,203

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$119,718,203

Company Credits

Production Co:

Turner Pictures (I), Alphaville Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1