Synopsis

When tabloid reporters Frank Quinlan and Huey Driscoll investigate an Iowa woman's claim that an archangel lives in her boarding house, they discover Michael is real - though he smokes, drinks, swears, and behaves nothing like a conventional heavenly messenger. After the old woman's death, the reporters and an angel expert take Michael toward Chicago, where his miracles and hidden purpose gradually transform their lives.

Factoids & Trivia

• Michael was released in the United States on December 25, 1996, and opened at number one during its first weekend.

• The screenplay was developed by Nora Ephron, Delia Ephron, Peter Dexter, and Jim Quinlan. Dexter and Quinlan also received story credit.

• Much of the film was shot in Texas, including Holy Trinity Catholic Church in New Corn Hill, country roads near Walburg, and Gruene Hall.

• Randy Newman composed the original music score, adding a warm, Americana-influenced sound to the film's mixture of fantasy, comedy, and romance.

• The film earned approximately $95.3 million domestically and about $119.7 million worldwide.

• Michael's unconventional behavior deliberately contrasts with traditional angel imagery. He is portrayed as a rough, pleasure-loving figure whose earthly habits coexist with miraculous powers and unexpected wisdom.

• The bar fight's improvised weapons were designed to resemble the spear-and-shield imagery often associated with traditional depictions of the archangel Michael.