Movie: Brewster's Millions (1945)

Movie: Brewster's Millions (1945), starring Dennis O'Keefe. A real screwball slapstick and outrageously funny

There are several versions of this movie and this version was produced in 1945 is an absolute classic. Dennis O'Keefe as the lead character Monty Brewster has outperformed himself in this screwball comedy. The story is about a former serviceman Monty Brewster inherits eight million dollars from his wealthy uncle with a stipulation that he spend the first million in just two months to qualify for the rest of inheritance, the seven million dollars. It becomes the sweetest gift just before his wedding, but it also stipulates that he keep this secret for himself and not reveal to his friends and family. Desperate to spend, he starts businesses and makes intentionally bad investments. But things go awry as he begin earn wealth.

The movie is strongly supported by Helen Walker, Gail Patrick, June Havoc and Eddie Anderson. The jealousy of his fiancé played by Helen Walker becomes dominant factor when Monty starts attracting ladies like June Havoc and Gail Patrick with his charm and money. Allan Dwan has done a terrific job of directing the movie; it moves fast and the story is highly engaging. Another key feature of this movie is the family servant played by the black actor Eddie Anderson who has many funny lines and works wonderfully with the rest of actors in the story.

The 1985 version starring Richard Pryor and John Candy is also great movie released under the same title but I like this 1945 version much better.