The Million Pound Note

1954

Action / Comedy / Romance

3
IMDb Rating 6.8/10 10 4778 4.8K

money american penniless

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Plot summary

An impoverished American sailor is fortunate enough to be passing the house of two rich gentlemen who have conceived the crazy idea of distributing a note worth one million pounds. The sailor finds that whenever he tries to use the note to buy something, people treat him like a king and let him have whatever he likes for free. Ultimately, the money proves to be more troublesome than it is worth when it almost costs him his dignity and the woman he loves.

Director

Ronald Neame Photo
Ronald Neame

Top cast

Lesley Scoble Photo
Lesley Scoble as Minor Role
Willoughby Goddard Photo
Willoughby Goddard as Stockbroker
Hugh Latimer Photo
Hugh Latimer as Bumbles Hotel Receptionist
John Chandos Photo
John Chandos as 2nd Businessman at Bumbles Hotel
480p.DVD
749.13 MB
512*384
English 2.0
Approved
Subtitles
25 fps
1 hr 24 min
Seeds 12

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by CinemaSerf 7 / 10

When two wealthy old buzzards - Ronald Squire

When two wealthy old buzzards - Ronald Squire and Wilfrid Hyde-White espy the poverty stricken American "Adams" (Gregory Peck) they invite him into their home and give him an envelope. He is promised it contains money and so he promptly sits down to a much needed meal. When payment is duly demanded, he reveals the contents of the letter. A £1,000,000 pound note. It's real, but nobody can cash it. Nobody has the change. Indeed, quite quickly he discovers that the very sight of the thing is sufficient to open doors of credit at just about everywhere in London. A swanky hotel, fine tailoring and dining all beckon. High society welcomes him with open arms and that might even provide him with an opportunity to court the otherwise inaccessible "Portia" (Jane Griffiths), thd daughter of the haughty "Duchess of Cromarty" (Joyce Grenfell). His deal with his two sponsors, so to speak, is that he must keep the note intact for one month and if he does, well there's a real glittering prize awaiting him. It's all going really rather well but he's overlooked one small thing. The previous owner of his hotel suite - the "Duke of Frognal" (AE Matthews) was none to pleased about being relegated to lesser accommodations, and so enlists the help of an housemaid to purloin said banknote. When "Adams" and his loyal, mute, retainer cannot present it to their creditors, well let's just say all the goodwill evaporates and things all start to look distinctly dodgy! This is quite a cheery and enjoyable adaptation of the Mark Twain story that sees Peck on jovial form amidst a fine cast of British character actors. The narrative takes an unswerving, but light-hearted, swipe at the hypocrisy and venality of society - at all levels as well as at the double standards that prevail across the board when those who have money (or are perceived to) don't really need it and those who are desperate for the stuff can't get near enough to it to buy basic essentials. The shallowness of many of these characters is writ large and entertainingly and though I did find the denouement a bit rushed, I did rather enjoy the irony of the conclusion. Peck looks like he enjoyed making this, as did the permanently sozzled Matthews and the on-form Grenfell and I did quite enjoy watching it.
Reviewed by theowinthrop 8 / 10

A Peculiarly Hard Bank Note to Spend

Reviewed by jotix100 7 / 10

Charge it to my account!

Oliver and Roderick Montpellier, two English brothers, make a bet that any man given a one million pound note, can live off the fat of the land just by showing off the good fortune of having it in his possession. Then, if by the end of a month, if he can show the intact bill, he will indeed be a man worthy of whatever fortunes might befall on him because of the sheer luck of proving the brothers right.The lucky recipient of the note is one Henry Adams, an American in London who is just a poor man with no money, or prospects of a job in the near future. He tests his good fortune when he decides to dine at a modest restaurant. As the bill comes, he shows his one million pound note, which of course, the owner can't possibly change. The meal is free.Henry Adams then discovers how he can go through his present situation relying on the fact that he is a millionaire, without really being one. He is given a set of smart clothes, a suite at one of the best hotels in town, and an introduction to high society, something that is not always available to Americans, even rich ones, as Henry appears to be.This delightful comedy of 1954 was a total surprise. The film, made in England at the famous Pinewood studios, was directed by Ronald Neame. Based on a Mark Twain story, which we haven't read, it counts on the great work of Gregory Peck, a man that was one of the most charismatic performers during his years in the cinema. Mr. Peck is the whole movie; it's unimaginable to think of any other actor playing Henry Adams.The supporting cast shows familiar faces of consummate English players who contribute to create the Edwardian atmosphere. Ronald Squire and Wilfrid Hyde-White are the Montpellier brothers, whose bet trigger the action. Reginald Beckwith is the mute valet who sticks by Henry through thick and thin. Jane Griffiths plays Portia, the woman that conquers Henry Adams heart. Also in the cast we saw Hugh Griffith, in a non-credited role. Joyce Grenfell, another delightful character actress, has some brilliant moments as the Duchess of Cromarty.An enjoyable movie. Catch if it ever plays on your classic movie channel. You won't be disappointed!
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