A Simple Twist of Fate (1994)

43% of critics liked it
(21 reviews)
51% of users liked it
(9,753 ratings)

Steve Martin produced, wrote, and starred in this modernized adaptation of the George Eliot novel Silas Marner. Martin is miserly small-town hermit Michael McCann, who hoards his wealth in the form of a rare coin collection. When his coins are stolen, McCann is ruined, but then he discovers an… More Steve Martin produced, wrote, and starred in this modernized adaptation of the George Eliot novel Silas Marner. Martin is miserly small-town hermit Michael McCann, who hoards his wealth in the form of a rare coin collection. When his coins are stolen, McCann is ruined, but then he discovers an abandoned baby girl on his doorstep. Although he doesn't know it, the girl, whom McCann names Mathilda, is the illegitimate daughter of a prominent local politician, John Newland (Gabriel Byrne). Raising Mathilda has a profound effect on McCann, who emerges from his self-imposed exile and becomes an excellent, creative father. Mathilda grows up to be an intelligent, attractive girl, friendly with Newland and his wife (Laura Linney). When the Newlands learn that they cannot have children, John confesses his secret and embarks on a custody battle with McCann to regain guardianship of his daughter. The location of McCann's long-lost coins has a powerful impact on the proceedings, however. A rather dour and downbeat film, A Simple Twist of Fate lacked the charm and whimsy of Martin's earlier literary adaptation, Roxanne, and did not enjoy that film's box office success. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 46 min.
Directed By: Gillies MacKinnon
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 2, 1994 Wide
On DVD: May 6, 2003

Critic Reviews

Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review
One of Steve Martins most underated performances
Fred Topel, About.com
Inconsistent tone. Not quite a drama, definitely not a comedy. But it's not balanced, it's either/or.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
Good Intentions.....that's about it
Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies
Dreary, misconceived movie about a man redeemed by the love of a child.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Proves that the good life cannot be purchased but must be patiently constructed out of love and devotion.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Steve Martin gives a quirky performance that holds interest.

Read all 6 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Lucas M

A moving and entertaining film. A Simple Twist of Fate, nevertheless is not the best of Steve Martin.
♥˩ƳИИ &

This movie is about a man named Michael McCann (Steve Martin) who lives a lonely simple life. That is, until he finds an abandoned little girl on his doorstep. From there he goes on to adopt the young girl. But a custody battle erupts a couple years later. But of course it turns into… More
This movie is about a man named Michael McCann (Steve Martin) who lives a lonely simple life. That is, until he finds an abandoned little girl on his doorstep. From there he goes on to adopt the young girl. But a custody battle erupts a couple years later. But of course it turns into a battle of money, which McCann doesn't have a lot of. This movie was very heart warming. Not a comedy as most films done by Martin. He plays a dramatic role,and it is refreshing. Loved this movie. Pulls on the heart strings. It shows you that any man can be a loving father to a child without actually being related. The little girl in this movie was so cute, and was such great little actress. Definitely a movie to see.
Dean M

Steve Martin makes a wonderful performance in this effective tale of a man who all but cuts himself off from the world after he discovers that the child his wife is about to have is not his. Then, a baby is left on his doorstep.
Candy R

Get the tissues out. Heart warming movie.
Leigh R

So cute.
Leo L

A great film! Very touching.

Read all 6 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Steve Martin as Michael McCann

            Gabriel Byrne as John Newland

            Laura Linney as Nancy Newland

            Catherine O'Hara as April Simon

            Alana Austin as Mathilda McCann at age 11

            Alyssa Austin as Mathilda McCann at age 5

            Stephen Baldwin as Tanny Newland

            Byron Jennings as Keating

            Michael Des Barres as Bryce

            Amelia Campbell as Marsha Swanson

            Kellen Crosby as Lawrence (age 11)

            Dan Chandler as Cop

            Tom Even as Dad the Cop

            Ed Grady as Judge Marcus

            Anne Heche
            
            Scott Higgs as Summons Server

            Boyce Holleman as Politician #1

            Stephanie Astalos Jones as Parent

            Terry Loughlin as Cal

            Carolyn McCormick as Elaine McCann

            Janell McLeod as Court Stenographer

            Muriel Moore as Mrs. Latham

            Danny Nelson as Dr. Roberts

            Afemo Omilami as Bailiff

            Ric Reitz as Male Social Worker

            Mary Nell Santacroce as Female Social Worker

            Suzanne Stewart as Judge's Wife

            Kristoffer Tabori
            
            Libby Whittemore as Playgroup Mom

            David Dwyer as Joe the Bartender

            Tim Ware as Rob

            Dianne Crittenden
            
            Judson Vaughn as Politician #2

            Mary Ann Hagen as Girl at Polo Game

            Jon Kohler as Janitor

            Alaina Mobley
            
            Callie Mobley
            
            Elizabeth Evans
            
            Victoria Evans
            
See full cast