Cinema: New Picture: May 2, 1932

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The Miracle Man (Paramount) was a vast success when acted by Thomas Meighan, Betty Compson and Lon Chaney in 1919. Now, remade as a talkie, it is an anomalous parable, more confusing than inspiring. Certain vicious characters led by a wretched John Madison (Chester Morris) find an old faith-healer (Hobart Bosworth) practicing his innocent seances in a sea-coast village. They form an adroit plan to exploit his doddering abilities. First they procure a knowing minx (Sylvia Sidney) to take care of the faith-healer. Then they have a contortionist named "Froggy" (John Wray) drag himself about on his haunches and unwrap when the faith-healer looks at heaven. To their dismay, the faith-healer works other and less specious miracles. In the end, instead of absconding with moneys they have collected from his patients, they become converted. They decide to stay with the faith-healer and build him a chapel. Silly shot: Chester Morris making Sylvia Sidney wipe the make-up off her face so that she will look demure.