About Leap of Faith

"Leap of Faith" is a dramatic comedy, released in 1992, directed by Richard Pearce. The film tells the story of a fraudulent faith healer, Jonas Nightengale, who uses all the tricks in the book to con the people attending his shows. Despite his team's efforts to prevent it, Jonas' new show in a small town gets hampered when he falls in love with a local. He keeps asking for prayers for the girl's critically ill son, hoping that his prayers will be answered.

Making / Production

The movie was produced by Michael Manheim and Ralph S. Singleton, with a screenplay written by Janus Cercone. The cinematography was by Matthew F. Leonetti, showcasing rural Kansas in the backdrop of Jonas' revival meetings.

Actors

• Steve Martin as Jonas Nightengale: Martin played the role of a charismatic and manipulative faith healer.
• Debra Winger as Jane Larson: She portrayed a cynical member of Jonas' team, who eventually develops a bond with the local sheriff.
• Liam Neeson as Sheriff Will Braverman: Neeson played a skeptical small-town sheriff who gets drawn into Jonas' spectacle.
• Lolita Davidovich as Marva: Davidovich played a local waitress, the love interest of Jonas Nightengale.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The scene where Jonas is nearly struck by lightning was filmed in an actual thunderstorm.
• While the movie is a drama/comedy, Steve Martin did do his own fire-and-brimstone preaching, and it's reported that he worked with several televangelists to make his performance authentic.

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's original music score was composed by Cliff Eidelman.
• The film also includes songs by Meat Loaf, Patti LaBelle, and Lyle Lovett.

Quotes

• "If your miracle doesn't come right away, don't be discouraged. The Lord is working his purpose out." - Jonas Nightengale
• "You can't get saved if you're just an observer. You got to participate!" - Jonas Nightengale