The Miracle Man

After twenty years, the church elders replace Florence's father with a younger preacher. She declares her father died of a broken heart and chastises the congregation as ungrateful and hypocritical. Her impassioned speech leaves a lasting impression on the crowd.

Hornsby, a promoter, is impressed by Florence's fiery speech and sees an opportunity. He persuades her to monetize her faith, proposing they squeeze donations from gullible believers. This marks the start of their uneasy collaboration.

Florence becomes a traveling evangelist billed as Sister Fallon, expanding her reach beyond the pulpit. Her sermons are broadcast on radio and carried to audiences across distances. The rapid rise sets the stage for the exploitation that follows.

John Carson, a blind aviator veteran, contemplates suicide but finds himself drawn to Florence's message. He and his caretaker Mrs. Higgins attend her crusade, and the encounter stirs curiosity and hope in him. This moment marks the beginning of his involvement with Florence.

Florence preaches from inside a cage of lions, a dramatic challenge to faith. A congregant accepts her dare to enter with her, and John joins them, moved by the spectacle. The audacious display cements her notoriety.

After the sermon, Hornsby shames the shills for not answering Florence's calls. The spectacle reveals faith as a calculated stunt, and the crusade's integrity seems compromised. The arrangement tightens around money and influence.

John waits outside the crusade and takes Florence to his apartment, where he treats her to music and a ventriloquist's dummy. A strong personal connection begins to form, deepening the complications around her career. Florence then hires John to write hymns, tying their fates together.

Florence arrives at Hornsby's party to find manager Bill Welford pressuring her to pay more to cover their con. The tension builds as she weighs the risks of exposure against ongoing schemes. The party scene underscores the coercive nature of their operation.

After Florence finishes her sermon, Hornsby shows a newspaper article reporting Welford's death by apparent suicide. He proclaims his love and forcibly kisses her, which she rejects. He leaves, taking Florence's house key in hand.

Florence returns to John's apartment for a romantic evening, and the two share a kiss. Their bond deepens, even as Florence's secrets threaten to unravel their relationship. The moment foreshadows the mounting conflicts to come.

Hornsby sneaks into Florence's house and displays a planted newspaper announcing that Florence will end her crusade for health and travel to Palestine (Monte Carlo). He blackmails her, threatening exposure and embezzlement charges if she does not cooperate.

Florence tells John the truth, but he says he still loves her. As she prepares to deliver a farewell sermon, Hornsby triggers a blackout; the lights go out and a fire erupts, forcing the congregation to flee. John is revived and rescues Florence from the blaze.

Six months later, Hornsby discovers Florence is working for the Salvation Army. She receives a telegram from John stating his eyesight could be restored, signaling a hopeful new chapter for both. Florence marches with her faith renewed, while Hornsby watches with contempt.