Charley and the Angel

Charley and the Angel

Year: 1973

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Vincent McEveety

FantasyComedyFamily

Charley, a devoted but work‑obsessed husband and father, learns from a heavenly messenger that his time is running out. Confronted with his impending death, he strives to mend neglected relationships, prioritize his family, and become the husband and dad he always should have been during his final days.

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Timeline & Setting – Charley and the Angel (1973)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Charley and the Angel (1973). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1920s-1930s

The story is set during the Great Depression and Prohibition, times marked by economic hardship and widespread illegal alcohol trade. This period influenced the characters' lives, highlighting struggles for economic stability and moral choices amidst societal challenges.

Location

Chicago, Charley's hometown

The movie takes place in Chicago during the era of Prohibition and the Great Depression. The city is depicted as a bustling hub with illegal activities surrounding bootlegging. It serves as a backdrop for themes of struggle, crime, and community resilience.

🌆 Urban 🎡 Industrial 🏭 Working-class

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:50

Main Characters – Charley and the Angel (1973)

Meet the key characters of Charley and the Angel (1973), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ray Ferris (Kurt Russell)

Ray is a young man with questionable trustworthiness who has a romantic relationship with Leonora. He is involved in illegal activities and faces moral dilemmas as he interacts with the family. His character reflects youthful daring and the possibility of redemption.

👦 Teen 💕 Lover ⚖️ Morally ambiguous

Nettie Appleby (Cloris Leachman)

Nettie, Charley's wife, is a caring mother who struggles with her husband's sudden behavioral changes. She embodies family loyalty and longs for stability and happiness for her children amid difficult circumstances.

👩 Wife ❤️ Supportive 💪 Resilient

Willie Appleby (Vincent Van Patten)

Willie is one of Charley's sons, who is involved in illegal bootlegging operations. His actions exemplify youthful rebellion and the influence of criminal activities during the Prohibition era.

👦 Son 🚗 Rebel ⚖️ Criminal involvement

Charley Appleby (Fred MacMurray)

Charley is a hardworking hardware store owner who undergoes significant personal transformation. His commitment to his family and his spiritual awakening highlight themes of integrity and redemption.

👨 Husband 🛠️ Shopkeeper ✨ Redeemed

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:50

Major Themes – Charley and the Angel (1973)

Explore the central themes of Charley and the Angel (1973), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✨ Redemption

Charley's journey reflects themes of redemption as he seeks to mend his strained family relationships and embrace faith. His transformation demonstrates that it's never too late to change and find purpose through sacrifice and honesty.

👪 Family

The importance of family bonds is central, as Charley's efforts to reconnect with his wife and children highlight themes of love, support, and prioritizing loved ones over material concerns. The film emphasizes loyalty and sacrifice within family units.

💫 Miracles

Supernatural interventions and the angel Roy symbolize hope and divine guidance. Charley's miraculous survival and the angel's intervention underscore themes of faith, destiny, and divine justice prevailing over danger.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:50

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Unlock the Full Story of Charley and the Angel

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Charley and the Angel Summary

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Charley and the Angel Summary

Charley and the Angel Timeline

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Charley and the Angel Timeline

Charley and the Angel Spoiler-Free Summary

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Charley and the Angel Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Charley and the Angel

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More About Charley and the Angel

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Discover movies like Charley and the Angel that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.

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Charley and the Angel (1973) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Charley and the Angel (1973) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Charley and the Angel (1973) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow

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