The story takes place in a small midwestern town in the mid 1930's. "Charlie Appleby"(played by Fred MacMurray)is more concerned about trying to maintain his hardware business than spending time with his wife and their three kids. One morning..while he is opening up his store.."Charlie"is nearly killed in what appears to be freak accidents. It isn't until the end of the day that he finds out that the attemps on his life were not accidential. He soon meets an elderly angel named"Roy Zerney"(played by Harry Morgan). "Mr.Zerney The Angel"tells "Charlie"that his time is up and that he must die and come to heaven with him. At first.."Charlie"doesn't believe that the crazy old man is a real angel and he tells him to get lost. When he proves that he is a heavenly messenger and that "Appleby's"time is up.."Charlie"begs for more time to prepare for the end. "Zerney"is not willing to do this..but he relunctantly agrees and he departs..while "Charlie"prepares his will and he tries to spend some time with his family. His kids "Rupert"(Played by Vincent Van Patten), "Willie","Leonora" and his wife"Nettie"(played by Cloris Leachman)are suspicious of the patriach's change of heart. "Nettie"believes that her husband is insane and has him see the family doctor(played by Liam Dunn)for a checkup. "Leonora"becomes involved in a questionable relationship with"Ray Ferris"(played by Kurt Russell) .."Ferris"works in a local speak easy called"Sadie's Place" and "Charlie"tells "Ferris"to stay away from his daughter. "Rupert" and "Willie"go to work for a local junk dealer named"Felix"(played by Larry D.Mann)..his junk yard is really a front for a bootlegging operation. And the two boys are hired to deliver booze to "Sadie's Place"by driving an old truck. "Charlie"becomes aware of his son's involvement with the bootlegger's and he becomes frightened..when two of the crooks(played by Richard Bakilyn and Mills Watson)assault Felix and kidnap his sons. The crooks have the kids take them to the"Appleby" house. Where they make the family their prisoners.. But? "Charlie"grabs the gun from the crooks and clobbers them and calls the police. After turning the crooks over to the police chief (played by George O'Hanlon).."Charlie"finds out that there is a reward of $500,000 dollars for their capture. Everyone is happy about this good fortune and they want to use the monies for the kids future and to go to The Chicago World's Fair. "Charlie"doesn't share in the merriment..for he has to go see "Roy Zerney"and go to heaven with him. He drives to a certain street to meet with "Roy" ..when he finally meets up with the elderly angel. "Roy"tells "Charlie"that he woint have to go to heaven with him..that because of his good deed..he'll stay alive and not know when his time will be up. After hearing this good news.."Charlie"returns home. Where he prepares his family for their well earned happy vacation and a better life. "Charlie & The Angel"was not a hit with moviegoers in 1973..but it would finally gain it's audience via tv reruns and being rereleased on home video. This was Mr.Fred MacMurray's last movie.