The Miracle Woman

Frank Capra's 1931 film is adapted from a play written in the shadow of a famous preacher of the day. Florence Fallon loses her faith after her father is used up by his congregation and dies, and her last speech from the pulpit is an accusation. A confidence man listening to it sees that anger as a way to make money, and together they set up a false temple. Florence performs miracles on stage, draws crowds and the collection boxes fill; the film shows in detail how the performances are prepared. The trust placed in her by a blind former aviator forces her to face her own lie. It belongs to the period before censorship rules were strictly enforced, which is why its criticism of religion as a business is so open. Barbara Stanwyck was twenty-four and carries the part without hesitation. Who it's for: viewers who like early Capra and pre-code Hollywood. Who it's not for: anyone expecting the optimism of his later films; this one is harder.