If I Had a Million

The Charles Laughton section was the first I saw of this film when it was run at The National film Theatre in London in the 60s. It seems there were two versions of this part made. For the US all Laughton does is blow a large raspberry (Bronx Cheer for those in the US). In a version that was, presumably, made for the British audiences he also does a perfect V sign (palm back) which is the equivalent of 'the finger' in the US. Was this because the Americans did not understand the meaning of the V sign or was it to avoid offending their sensibilities. We will probably never know. Either way it a marvellous part of the film.

While the concept may not be unknown today (and it probably wasn't unknown even in its day: a man randomly hands out $1 million checks), If I Had a Million is one of the very best films of the 1930s. Why? The writing and acting are tiers above an average movie. Not one of the stories failed. They range from hilarious (W.C. Fields getting revenge on road hogs) to very poignant (the sad old women in the convalescent home). I cried more than once. I laughed as often. Yet...I missed about 15 minutes, probably one story and a conclusion. The convalescent home was the last part I saw. My tape cut out at what I expect to be the end of it. Can anyone tell me what happens afterwards? I would love to own this masterpiece, but it is of yet unavailable on VHS or DVD. Let us pray for release and recognition.

I wanted to see this movie for a couple of decades after I first heard about it, but none of the TV stations in my area ever aired it, and (despite its cult) it has never been released on video or DVD. Thank goodness for Turner Classic Movies, which aired this recently. Was it worth the wait? Yes it was. Certainly, the movie isn't perfect - there are several episodes that seem a bit too close to their themes. Two segments concern criminals who can't cash their checks, and there are two segments about cowed individuals who get revenge against their bosses once they get their checks. But there's a lot more positive to say about the movie. ALL the episodes are entertaining, the best being the W. C. Fields episode (hilarious even though you'll think of modern day and deadly road rage while watching it.) And enough of the segments concern people getting what they have desired to get for a long time - you'll really relate to them. Come on, Universal, release this on DVD!

A surprisingly fresh 1932 multi-part comedy-drama; many of the issues it deals with (poverty, faceless mass production, the sadness of old age, even reckless driving!) remain contemporary to this day, nearly 80 years later. My two favorite segments are those with Charles Laughton (in one of his first roles) and Wynne Gibson (whom we actually see in all her lingeried, tattooed glory!): they are short and to the point, sheer perfection. The closing episode, set at a resting home for elderly women, is touching and unusual; the one with the bank forger who can't cash his check is nicely ironic; the one with W. C. Fields and Alison Skipworth features some great car stunts. The weakest - and most overextended - story is the one with the three soldiers who let the check slip through their fingers, but hey, 7 out of 8 hits is still a great score. And mine is *** out of 4.

Thank heavens for fans of W.C. Fields, because it is they who have kept this diamond in the public forum after all these years. The film certainly does not belong to Fields, as his Road Hog routine is just one of eight stories of varying lengths. But fortunately, his fans discovered this film so the rest of us can truly enjoy everything else it has to offer, as well. A collection of writers presented eight stories of people who get an unexpected windfall from a steel tycoon. Some are funny, some are touching, some are brilliant in their brevity, some just make you think. Just desserts is the main theme. The Eddie Jackson (George Raft) segment is twistedly ironic enough to be a "Twilight Zone" episode. And EVERYBODY wants to be Phineas Lambert (Charles Laughton). Great writing, great cast - a good time.

Superb, episodic film showing what various people would do if they got a million dollars. The cast includes all of Paramount's biggest stars at the time and all the segments are by different directors. All the episodes are excellent--some are tragic, some are hilarious (the Fields one especially). All the acting is great (Raft especially) and there's never a dull moment. All of the episodes are short and don't wear out their welcome (the film is under 90 minutes). Basically, one of the best all-star films of the 30s--right up there with "Grand Hotel" or "The Women". If you get a chance, see it! It's well worth it.