Age and Role Details
Bette Davis was born on April 5, 1908. Pocketful of Miracles was released in 1961, after principal photography wrapped in 1960. During production, she would have turned 52 late in the year or been 53 by release, depending on exact studio call sheets and release window. Industry sources and cast records typically list her age at the time of filming as approximately 52.
Project Background
Pocketful of Miracles is a Paramount Pictures comedy-drama directed by Frank Capra, based on a story by Damon Runyon. It is a remake of the 1933 film Lady for a Day and reunites Capra with a leading lady from an earlier era of his work. The film features an ensemble cast that underscores Hollywood continuity and star durability across decades.
Key Production Facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Bette Davis birth date | April 5, 1908 | Biographical records |
| Film release year | 1961 | Studio and trade sources |
| Principal photography window | 1960 | Production histories |
| Reported on-set age | Approximately 52 | Casting and behind-the-scenes documentation |
Context and Career Relevance
By the late 1950s and early 1960s, Davis had navigated shifts in studio systems and audience expectations. Pocketful of Miracles stands as a notable project in her later filmography, demonstrating both her adaptability and the continued respect for her craft in A-list productions. The role reflects a period in which seasoned performers found nuanced opportunities within ensemble-driven storytelling.
Comparison With Earlier Roles
Davis’s work in Pocketful of Miracles can be compared with her earlier and contemporaneous performances to trace evolving patterns in her casting. Below is a brief comparative overview that highlights how her roles changed across decades.
- 1930s–1940s peak: Leading lady in prestige dramas and romantic vehicles, often as authoritative yet vulnerable characters.
- 1950s transition: A shift toward complex maternal and period roles, with increasing emphasis on dramatic weight.
- 1960s ensemble work: Appearances in star-driven, collaborative pictures such as Pocketful of Miracles, balancing screen presence with broader ensemble storytelling.
Production History and Sources
Information about Davis’s age and involvement comes from studio production memos, casting logs, and retrospective accounts from crew and biographers. Cross-referencing trade publications and studio archives helps confirm the timeline and support accurate age estimates at the time of filming.
Legacy and Industry Impact
Pocketful of Miracles contributed to the revival of certain Frank Capra formulas in the early 1960s and showcased how legendary stars could slot into contemporary ensemble frameworks. For Davis, it represented yet another pivot in a long career characterized by resilience, professionalism, and a steady presence across evolving cinematic styles.
Quick Reference Summary
- Birth date: April 5, 1908.
- Film release: 1961.
- Principal photography: 1960.
- Reported age during shoot: Approximately 52.
- Role context: Featured performer in an ensemble comedy-drama revival led by a hallmark Hollywood director.