What would you do if you unexpectedly inherited a million dollars?
Would you put it towards your children’s education? Donate it to charity? Or would you spend the whole thing frivolously, because Why Not.
Sadly, $1 million doesn’t go as far as it used to, as we were reminded when watching the screwball comedy, Brewster’s Millions (1945). In the movie, $1 million has the spending power of $17.5 million in today’s inflated dollars, believe it or not.
You’ve probably seen a version of this movie, or the stage play, or read the book these were based on, and you likely know the story of Monty Brewster, a young man who gains – and must spend – an Unexpected Windfall.
In the 1945 film, Dennis O’Keefe plays Brewster, a WWII solider returning home to his mother and fiancée (Helen Walker). O’Keefe is Flat Broke, but full of optimism now that the war is over and he’s lived to Tell the Tale.
Imagine his delight, then, when he learns a distant relative has left him EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS! However! There’s a catch. He must spend $1 million before his 30th birthday in two months, and it all must go. There can’t be a single dime left, or he’ll be disqualified.
Why spend the million bucks? O’Keefe’s deceased uncle felt spending money to excess would make a person sick of it – much in the way a person would get sick of chocolate pudding if they ate too much. (Just kidding. As if that could ever happen.)
Alas, there’s another catch: O’Keefe cannot acquire any assets. He must have Nothing to show for the million clams.
Also: He cannot tell anyone About This because – you guessed it – that’s another deal breaker.
Have we got a proposition for you! Image: IMDb
It sounds easy, spending a whole wad of moola in 60 days, but it ain’t so. A mere week into the wild spending, O’Keefe discovers he’s actually making money.
Even worse, he has to delay marrying the lovely Walker, due to any material assets she might innocently acquire.
No matter! O’Keefe embarks on a mad shopping spree – rents luxury office space, hires people to do nothing, invests in a lousy stage production – and his friends, along with the beleaguered Walker, fear he’s Losing his Marbles.
Unbeknownst to him, O’Keefe’s pals implement Cost-Cutting Measures behind his back, because he’s mowing through the lettuce at an Alarming Rate.
Interestingly, O’Keefe’s friends never take advantage of his ludicrous generosity. They see it as a duty of friendship to protect him from himself. They do not siphon his loot; they shore it up, re-invest it, funnel it back to him.
Honestly, what’s a guy gotta do to unload a million beans around here?
How much did THIS cost? Image: FilmFanatic.org
Brewster’s Millions asks you to suspend disbelief, and you must if you’re going to enjoy this crazy film. But there is a lot to enjoy, with an Oscar-nominated score and some very funny lines.
For example, during a sadly profitable day, O’Keefe groans, “I’ve gotta find some way to spend money. I can’t afford this.”
In another scene, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, lists some of the ridiculous VP titles in O’Keefe’s shell company. There is a Vice President in Charge of Special Investments, for instance, and Anderson himself is the Vice President in Charge of Switchboards. “All we need now is a Vice President in Charge of Vice Presidents,” he deadpans.
Which brings us to this movie’s infamy. It was banned in a certain American state because Anderson, a black man, was too “familiar” with white characters and enjoyed too much “social equality”.
So, is Brewster’s Millions the best comedy of 1945? No, but it is a lighthearted romp that mirrors the idealism of post-war America.
Besides, if you’ve ever wanted to vicariously experience an outlandish shopping extravaganza, this might be the movie for you.
Brewster’s Millions starring Dennis O’Keefe, Helen Walker, June Havoc. Directed by Allan Dwan. Written by Siegfried Herzig, Charles Rogers & Wilkie Mahoney. Edward Small Productions, 1945, B&W, 79 mins.
I think the one from the 1980s is an updated version of the story. But since that was some time ago, perhaps a new version is needed for a new generation…?
I sat through this (and every other incarnation of the movie I could find) a few months ago, in anticipation of a post I intended to do on my own blog. I wanted to compare them to the Richard Pryor version, which was the only one I had seen in a theater, Have to admit i wasn’t enamored by this one, but it does have it’s moments. Especially when “Rochester” Anderson is on screen. My main problem with this one is I never really could get into O’Keefe’s character, but maybe I was just in the wrong mood…
Oh yeah, “Rochester” Anderson is just as fabulous on screen as he in on the radio. I hear what you’re saying about O’Keefe. He seems a bit old for the role.
This film has been on my Amazon watchlist forever, so it’s nice to know it’s a fun one. Mostly, anyway, lol. Thanks for joining the blogathon, Ruth–this was great!
Silver Screenings 
I had no idea the later version was a remake – definitely one to the rewatch list, albeit for the original. Great post.
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It’s such a wacky story, isn’t it? But that’s what makes it a lot o’ fun.
Hey, on another note, I want to join the Italian film blogathon & will drop by when I have a choice. Great idea!
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Thanks- just sent to you an email about this, so looking forward to your post already.
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Sounds like a very enjoyable movie. It’s unusually short: 79 minutes.
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I like these short movies. Thet get right down to business & don’t waste anyone’s time.
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What a fun movie. I haven’t seen it or the one of the same name from the 80s. Not even sure if it’s the same story. Maggie
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I think the one from the 1980s is an updated version of the story. But since that was some time ago, perhaps a new version is needed for a new generation…?
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Probably, but knowing today’s movies they’d add silly action sequences. 😊
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Ha! That is sadly true.
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I sat through this (and every other incarnation of the movie I could find) a few months ago, in anticipation of a post I intended to do on my own blog. I wanted to compare them to the Richard Pryor version, which was the only one I had seen in a theater, Have to admit i wasn’t enamored by this one, but it does have it’s moments. Especially when “Rochester” Anderson is on screen. My main problem with this one is I never really could get into O’Keefe’s character, but maybe I was just in the wrong mood…
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Oh yeah, “Rochester” Anderson is just as fabulous on screen as he in on the radio. I hear what you’re saying about O’Keefe. He seems a bit old for the role.
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Sounds like fun, although I would find it hard to see someone forced to waste a million dollars!
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It’s agonizing to watch the forced spending spree.
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I enjoyed seeing this again after reading your review. The hardest thing for me would be to keep the secret, especially to a fiancé. Ouch.
It looks like you had a nice visit over at my place. Thank you! I will read and comment soon. Merry Christmas!
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Keeping that secret from a fiancé would be SO difficult. I would not be able to do it.
Glad you saw this film again, and especially glad you enjoyed it.
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This film has been on my Amazon watchlist forever, so it’s nice to know it’s a fun one. Mostly, anyway, lol. Thanks for joining the blogathon, Ruth–this was great!
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I think you’ll enjoy it, Rebecca. Some really funny stuff here. And thanks for hosting this blogthon. I liked the incredible variety it offered.
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Great post 🙂 Been a while since I have seen it, so a rewatch is in order 🙂 Anyway, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas 🙂
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Thanks very much – and same to you! Wishing you the best in 2025.
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