The Man Who Could Work Miracles

The Man Who Could Work Miracles

Year: 1936

Runtime: 82 mins

Language: English

Director: Lothar Mendes

ComedyFantasy

A Modern Aladdin Who Could make Women Do Things! An ordinary man, while vigorously asserting the impossibility of miracles, suddenly discovers that he can perform them.

The Man Who Could Work Miracles (1936) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Man Who Could Work Miracles (1936) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a quiet corner of early‑20th‑century England, a trio of otherworldly observers watches humanity with a mixture of curiosity and doubt. Their silent wager—to see whether a single mortal might wield true power without losing the freedom that defines us—sets the stage for an extraordinary experiment. The chosen subject is an unassuming haberdasher’s apprentice, George McWhirter Fotheringay, whose everyday routine is shattered when he discovers an uncanny ability to bend the fabric of reality itself. The film opens with his skeptical banter about miracles, a conversation that quickly turns from idle debate to the dawning realization that the impossible may have slipped into his grasp.

As George grapples with his sudden gift, he finds himself surrounded by a cast of earnest and often bemused companions. The kindly vicar, Mr. Maydig, becomes both confidant and philosophical foil, urging the young man to contemplate the moral weight of his newfound influence. Meanwhile, Maggie Hooper, the woman who quietly anchors his world, represents the personal stakes that ground his soaring possibilities. The looming presence of Colonel Winstanley adds a more pragmatic, skeptical counterpoint, embodying the societal structures that might resist or harness such power. The tone balances whimsical wonder with a subtle undercurrent of existential questioning, inviting viewers to consider the allure and peril of omnipotence in a world still bound by ordinary concerns.

Through its lush period setting and a narrative voice that blends light‑hearted satire with earnest philosophical inquiry, the story poses a timeless question: what happens when an ordinary person is handed the levers of creation? The film’s atmosphere is one of gentle absurdity, where everyday locations—pubs, shops, humble homes—become stages for the extraordinary. By the end of the opening act, the audience is left with a tantalizing sense that George stands at the crossroads of divine experiment and human frailty, poised to discover just how far a single miracle‑maker can reshape, or be reshaped by, the world around him.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:12

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Power and Responsibility Fantasies like The Man Who Could Work Miracles

Ordinary people confronted with extraordinary abilities and the fallout.If you enjoyed The Man Who Could Work Miracles, you'll love movies like this that explore wish fulfillment and its dramatic consequences. Find similar stories where ordinary characters gain power and must face the ethical and societal impact of their actions.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with a whimsical discovery of power, followed by a period of playful or personal use. The plot escalates as the protagonist's ambitions grow, leading to a crisis that forces them to confront the limits of their wisdom and the potential for hubris. The journey is often a cautionary tale, culminating in a resolution that highlights the cost of power and the importance of humility.

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Whimsical Fables like The Man Who Could Work Miracles

Playful stories with a serious, thought-provoking core.Discover movies like The Man Who Could Work Miracles that blend a playful tone with serious themes. These whimsical fables use fantasy and comedy to ask big questions, offering a similar mix of charm and intellectual depth for viewers who enjoy thought-provoking stories.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative structure often presents a 'what if' scenario that disrupts the ordinary world. Through this lens, the story examines human behavior, ethical dilemmas, or social structures. The tone balances humor and charm with dramatic weight, leading to an ending that is often bittersweet or ambiguous, leaving the audience with something to ponder long after the film ends.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups movies based on their unique blend of tone and theme. The central connection is the use of whimsy as a narrative tool to deliver a philosophical payload. The experience is characterized by a steady pace that allows for both enjoyment of the premise and reflection on its implications.

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The Man Who Could Work Miracles Summary

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The Man Who Could Work Miracles Summary

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The Man Who Could Work Miracles Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Man Who Could Work Miracles

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Man Who Could Work Miracles

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