Dear God 1996
"Many people write to God. Somebody is answering."
Directed by Garry Marshall, *Dear God (1996)* follows Tom Turner, a smooth-talking con artist who faces a judge's ultimatum: jail or a year of honest work. Assigned to the U.S.
Director: Garry Marshall
Cast
Greg Kinnear
Tom Turner
Laurie Metcalf
Rebecca Frazen
Maria Pitillo
Gloria McKinney
Tim Conway
Herman Dooly
Héctor Elizondo
Vladek Vidov
Jon Seda
Handsome
Roscoe Lee Browne
Idris Abraham
Anna Maria Horsford
Lucille Barnett
Kathleen Marshall
Whispering Wendy
Isadora O'Boto
Hot Mary
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dear God (1996) about?
*Dear God (1996)* centers on Tom Turner, a con artist given an ultimatum by a judge to either serve jail time or perform a year of honest labor. Assigned to the U.S. Post Office's dead letter department, he decides to answer letters written to God, sparking a chain reaction of unexpected kindness among his coworkers. But as their newfound generosity catches the attention of authorities, Tom must decide whether to let his facade crumble or double down on his scheme.
Who directed Dear God?
The film was directed by Garry Marshall, known for his work on romantic comedies and ensemble films like *Pretty Woman* and *Runaway Bride*.
Who stars in Dear God?
The cast includes Greg Kinnear as Tom Turner, Laurie Metcalf as his skeptical coworker, Maria Pitillo as a fellow letter office worker, Tim Conway as a quirky coworker, and Héctor Elizondo in a supporting role.
Is Dear God (1996) worth watching?
For fans of lighthearted comedies with a touch of sincerity, *Dear God (1996)* offers a pleasant mix of humor and heart. While it may not be Marshall's most iconic work, Greg Kinnear's charismatic performance and the film's quirky premise make it a charming watch for those seeking feel-good entertainment with a twist of moral reflection.
How long is Dear God?
The movie runs for 112 minutes, or about 1 hour and 52 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Dear God (1996) — A con man's redemption in the dead letter office
Directed by Garry Marshall, *Dear God (1996)* follows Tom Turner, a smooth-talking con artist who faces a judge's ultimatum: jail or a year of honest work. Assigned to the U.S. Post Office's dead letter office, he stumbles into an unexpected opportunity when he starts responding to heartfelt letters addressed to God. What begins as a self-serving scheme to impress his new colleagues soon spirals into a ripple of genuine kindness, transforming not just their workplace but their lives. As Tom's letters inspire his cynical coworkers to act selflessly, the harmony they create clashes with bureaucratic red tape and suspicion from the postmaster general.
Set against the backdrop of a mundane government office, the film blends sharp workplace satire with heartwarming moments, exploring themes of redemption, community, and the power of small acts of faith. With Greg Kinnear's charming performance at its core, *Dear God (1996)* delivers a lighthearted yet thoughtful comedy that questions whether goodness can thrive within flawed systems—or if even the most cynical hearts are capable of change.
