The Man Who Could Work Miracles (1936) in Color — Starring Roland Young & Ralph Richardson

Plot Summary

The film opens with a celestial prologue in which godlike beings debate the nature of humanity and decide to conduct an experiment by granting unlimited miraculous powers to a single, ordinary mortal. Their choice falls upon George McWhirter Fotheringay, a meek and thoroughly unremarkable shop assistant in a small English town whose defining characteristic is his firm and loudly stated disbelief in the possibility of miracles.

Fotheringay discovers his new ability accidentally while arguing in the local pub about whether miracles are possible. To prove his point that they are not, he commands a lamp to turn upside down—and it does. Bewildered but intrigued, he begins experimenting with his powers in increasingly ambitious ways, starting with small conveniences and gradually moving to more significant alterations of reality.

As word of Fotheringay’s abilities spreads, various people attempt to influence how he uses his powers. The local vicar urges him to use his gifts for moral improvement of the community. A colonel demands he create military advantages. Business interests want commercial benefits. And Fotheringay himself struggles with the temptation to use his powers for personal gain and romantic conquest, discovering that even unlimited power cannot make people genuinely love you or respect you.

The situation escalates dramatically when Fotheringay, guided by the well-meaning but misguided advice of those around him, attempts to reorganise the entire world according to utopian principles. His grandest miracle—stopping the Earth’s rotation so that he might have more time to complete his reforms—results in catastrophic consequences that demonstrate the terrifying gap between the power to change the world and the wisdom to change it well. The film builds to a spectacular and philosophically rich conclusion that questions whether humanity is truly ready for unlimited power.

Cast & Crew

Director: Lothar Mendes

Stars: Roland Young, Ralph Richardson, Ernest Thesiger, Joan Gardner, George Zucco, Sophie Stewart

Roland Young is perfect as the bewildered everyman thrust into godlike power, bringing a gentle, understated comic quality that makes his character’s journey both amusing and genuinely touching. Ralph Richardson delivers a commanding performance as the colonel, while the screenplay by H.G. Wells himself provides a razor-sharp satirical framework for the fantasy.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of The Man Who Could Work Miracles dramatically enhances the film’s remarkable special effects sequences, bringing the miraculous transformations, celestial prologues, and spectacular climactic destruction to vivid, impressive life. Now also available in colour. The colourful treatment of the fantasy elements elevates the visual impact to a level that matches the ambition of H.G. Wells’ imaginative screenplay, while the warm tones of the everyday English village scenes provide a perfect contrast. Buy The Man Who Could Work Miracles (1936) Colorized – €15.00

Historical Significance

The Man Who Could Work Miracles represents one of the most ambitious fantasy productions in pre-war British cinema, featuring special effects that were groundbreaking for their time and a screenplay written by H.G. Wells himself. The film’s themes of power, responsibility, and the limitations of human wisdom remain remarkably relevant and have influenced countless subsequent works exploring similar ideas, from superhero films to philosophical science fiction. Through colorization, this visionary piece of British cinema has been preserved for modern audiences who can now appreciate its remarkable special effects, witty screenplay, and timeless philosophical insights in a vibrant new presentation.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 82 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Yes
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Did H.G. Wells really write the screenplay?
A: Yes, the screenplay was written by H.G. Wells himself, adapted from his own short story. This gives the film an intellectual depth and literary quality that sets it apart from typical fantasy entertainment.

Q: Are the special effects impressive for the period?
A: Yes, the film featured groundbreaking visual effects for 1936, including elaborate miracle sequences and a spectacular climax that demonstrated remarkable technical ambition for the era.

Q: Is this primarily a comedy or a serious film?
A: It is a unique blend of both—genuinely funny in its depiction of an ordinary man grappling with extraordinary power, while also raising serious philosophical questions about humanity’s fitness to wield unlimited capacity for change.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file that plays on virtually any modern device including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

Q: Is there DRM protection on the file?
A: No, the download is completely DRM-free, meaning you own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or internet requirements.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: The download is available instantly after payment is confirmed, allowing you to start watching within minutes of your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• The Smallest Show on Earth (1957)
• An Inspector Calls (1954)
• The Phantom Light (1935)
• A Taste of Honey (1961)
• The Old Dark House (1932)