Watch A Pocketful of Miracles

A Pocketful of Miracles is a classic comedy-drama movie released in 1961, directed by Frank Capra and starring Glenn Ford, Bette Davis, and Hope Lange. Set in 1930s New York City, it tells the story of Apple Annie (Bette Davis), a poor, aging woman who sells apples on the street but pretends to her daughter Louise (Ann-Margret) that she is a wealthy society lady.

When Louise visits from Spain with her fiance Dave (Peter Falk) and his wealthy family, Annie is terrified that they will discover her secret and abandon her. She turns to Dave's good-hearted boss, gangster Dave the Dude (Glenn Ford), for help. Despite his initial reluctance, Dave and his loyal gang, led by the flamboyant Happy (Thomas Mitchell), set out to transform Annie into a glamorous lady, complete with a new wardrobe, a lavish apartment, and even a fake husband.

But when Dave the Dude's rival gang leader, Spanish Eddie (Sheldon Leonard), learns of Annie's deception, he sees an opportunity to blackmail Dave and destroy his reputation. With the help of a colorful cast of characters, including a drunken judge (Barton MacLane) and a feisty Mexican girl (Ann-Margret), Dave and Annie must fight to maintain their newfound success and dignity against all odds.

A Pocketful of Miracles is a heartwarming and entertaining film that showcases the talents of its legendary cast. Bette Davis gives a memorable performance as the scrappy and determined Annie, who refuses to let poverty and hardship defeat her spirit. Glenn Ford is charming and likable as Dave the Dude, the tough but kind-hearted gangster with a soft spot for Annie.

Hope Lange shines as Queenie Martin, Dave's loyal girlfriend and confidante, who helps bridge the gap between Annie's old life and new. The movie features a stellar supporting cast, including Peter Falk as the naive but lovable Dave's fumbling son, Barton MacLane as the boisterous judge who presides over Annie's elaborate scheme, and Edward Everett Horton as Annie's stuffy butler.

The film is notable for its lively direction by Frank Capra, who had previously directed such classics as It's a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Capra brings his trademark optimism and sentimentality to the film, while also injecting it with a dose of gritty realism that gives it a more modern feel. The movie also benefits from its evocative period setting, which captures the glamour and grit of Depression-era New York City.

Overall, A Pocketful of Miracles is a charming and uplifting film that celebrates the power of faith, hope, and determination. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can find the strength and courage to overcome our obstacles and achieve our dreams. With its colorful characters, witty humor, and heartwarming story, this classic film is sure to delight audiences of all ages for years to come.

A Pocketful of Miracles is a 1961 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.