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Anyway, given half-a-chance energetic rowdy Burt Reynolds almost steals the show in his first movie role. Nonetheless, it's that crowded cast that tends to scatter the narrative, thereby reducing overall impact. I guess her ridiculous mugging is supposed to be comic relief. However, the redoubtable Joan Blondell over-emotes in embarrassing fashion. Hamilton too surprises as a fairly effective revivalist. Happily, Jens is excellent as the humble Angel, without an ounce of emoting. It's one of the more unvarnished productions of the period. In fact, there's no effort at glamorizing or even polishing the humble Southern surroundings.
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To me, the best part of the production are the many faces of everyday people. The final episode leaves us unsure whether miracles really occur or are only momentary relief, probably the best conclusion for this commercial product. Meanwhile, Strand is alerted to Angel's compromised status and comes to her moral rescue. He then exploits her success by selling a sideline of products to the crowds now coming to see her. However, she's persuaded when-unknown to her- he hires people to fake disabilities and then miraculously recover thanks to her apparent faith healing. Nonetheless, Angel's dubious, her religious scruples still intact. Then along comes a greedy businessman (Clark) who sees potential in her, but only if she converts from low-key preacher to angelic faith healer. However, Angel Baby's independent effort doesn't take off, limping along on the edge of failure. So she maneuvers her into getting her own traveling tent show that Strand reluctantly agrees to. Trouble is his aging wife, Sara (McCambridge), gets jealous of the younger woman.
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Meanwhile, Strand recognizes her soft-spoken charisma and works her into his stage program. As a result, Jens is drawn to the charismatic Strand and his Godly way of life. Strand doesn't claim to be a faith healer, so when Angel finally speaks, it's apparently resulting from group encouragement and not a "miracle". She's been mute for years, apparently the result of childhood trauma. Sweet young Angel (Jens) is encouraged by revivalist Strand (Hamilton) to overcome a disability and speak. Understandably, a message like that can't be made too offensive to believers. But then the movie's a commercial product dealing with phony faith healing. Uneven revivalist tale harmed by spotty acting and somewhat muddled message.