Brewster's Millions (1945)

Synopsis: Allan Dwan's remake of the oft-filmed novel of George Barr McCutcheon stars Dennis O'Keefe as Monty L. Brewster. Just out of the army, Montague "Monty" L. Brewster is overjoyed when he learns that a wealthy uncle has died and left him eight million dollars. But the will stipulates that he must... Allan Dwan's remake of the oft-filmed novel of George Barr McCutcheon stars Dennis O'Keefe as Monty L. Brewster. Just out of the army, Montague "Monty" L. Brewster is overjoyed when he learns that a wealthy uncle has died and left him eight million dollars. But the will stipulates that he must spend the first million by his thirtieth birthday, which is two months away, in order to receive the remainder of the money, nor can he tell anyone about it. His uncle's executor, Swearengin Jones (John Litel), also tells him that he cannot spend the money frivolously or give it away, and cannot marry before the appointed date, which interferes with Monty's plans to wed Peggy Gray (Helen Walker), further complicated by his inability to explain to her what's happening. Monty decides to start a business and make terrible investments, as well as hiring his friends and paying them outrageous salaries. But things start to go downhill once his investments begin paying off and Peggy, baffled by Monty's postponement of their marriage, begins to believe he's interested in heiress Barbara Drew (Gail Patrick), and returns his engagement ring. An entertaining mixture of farce and slapstick, briskly handled by Dwan. [More]