This movie is a humorous take on the concept of monetary status, and how the idea of perceived wealth is more important than the actual possession of said wealth. While the movie does not compare to the genius of To Kill A Mockingbird and isn't half as charming as Roman Holiday, it is a feel-good movie in and of itself.
The American protagonist is down on his luck, trying to find a way to sustain himself on British soil - a situation he finds himself quite on accident. Two eccentric British gentlemen have a wager between themselves and choose this American man to help them reach a conclusion. He is handed a one-million-pound banknote and is sent out into the streets to live on it for 30 days. The man, Henry Adams (Gregory Peck), is not told much about the wager. He finds himself in a series of interesting situations that ultimately lead to one of the Britons winning the bet.
The movie is based on a short story by celebrated author, Mark Twain, and I'd have to admit, I liked the short story better. Some creative liberties were taken in the movie, and I preferred the original version in the story. Moreover, the novelty wore off fairly quickly. It would have been more interesting with some other witty elements, but it was a nice movie nevertheless. I enjoyed the idea of the story and how the movie talks about our society and the economic influence people enjoy due to the concept of perceived wealth.
The acting department mainly features Gregory Peck, as he has the maximum screen-time, and he does well with what he has been given. The female lead, Jane Griffiths, appears quite late into the movie, and even then does not have much to do. The supporting cast includes actors that were funny enough, but not so memorable in their respective roles. Overall, the movie was pleasant enough but can only be considered a one-time watch.
The American protagonist is down on his luck, trying to find a way to sustain himself on British soil - a situation he finds himself quite on accident. Two eccentric British gentlemen have a wager between themselves and choose this American man to help them reach a conclusion. He is handed a one-million-pound banknote and is sent out into the streets to live on it for 30 days. The man, Henry Adams (Gregory Peck), is not told much about the wager. He finds himself in a series of interesting situations that ultimately lead to one of the Britons winning the bet.
The movie is based on a short story by celebrated author, Mark Twain, and I'd have to admit, I liked the short story better. Some creative liberties were taken in the movie, and I preferred the original version in the story. Moreover, the novelty wore off fairly quickly. It would have been more interesting with some other witty elements, but it was a nice movie nevertheless. I enjoyed the idea of the story and how the movie talks about our society and the economic influence people enjoy due to the concept of perceived wealth.
The acting department mainly features Gregory Peck, as he has the maximum screen-time, and he does well with what he has been given. The female lead, Jane Griffiths, appears quite late into the movie, and even then does not have much to do. The supporting cast includes actors that were funny enough, but not so memorable in their respective roles. Overall, the movie was pleasant enough but can only be considered a one-time watch.