The Million Pound Note (Man With a Million) (1954)

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(678 ratings)

Released in the US as Man With a Million, The Million Pound Note is a satisfying adaptation of a satirical short story by Mark Twain. Gregory Peck plays Henry Adams, an impecunious American living by his wits in London. Henry becomes the object of a wager between millionaire brothers Oliver and… More Released in the US as Man With a Million, The Million Pound Note is a satisfying adaptation of a satirical short story by Mark Twain. Gregory Peck plays Henry Adams, an impecunious American living by his wits in London. Henry becomes the object of a wager between millionaire brothers Oliver and Roderick Montpelier (Ronald Squire and Wilfred Hyde-White), who want to find out if a man with a million pound note in his bank account could live comfortably for one month on the strength of that note--without ever spending a penny of it. When Henry is given the note and lets it be known that he has it, every courtesy imaginable is extended to him by hoteliers, restauranteurs, etc. Trouble brews when Henry uses the note's reputation to speculate on the stock market. When his creditors demand that he produce the note as an act of faith, Henry is unable to do so, whereupon pandemonium reigns--and the audience's laughter cascades. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Ronald Neame
Written By: Mark Twain, Jill Craigie
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 18, 1954 Wide
Studio: United Artists

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Featured Audience Ratings

Randy T

Lite cinema featuring Gregory Peck as a penniless American stranded in London. On a bet, two wealthy bankers give him a million pound note with the stipulation that IF he can go one month without cashing it he can have any job his heart desires (within reason, of course). Yes,… More
Lite cinema featuring Gregory Peck as a penniless American stranded in London. On a bet, two wealthy bankers give him a million pound note with the stipulation that IF he can go one month without cashing it he can have any job his heart desires (within reason, of course). Yes, it's a plot riddled with holes but with Peck carrying the film nobody seems to mind. A delightful little comedy.
xGary X

This enjoyable fable from Mark Twain is a good natured forerunner to the likes of Trading Places and Mr. Deeds. An amusing satire on society and it's measure of a man's worth as the sycophants an honest, intelligent and upstanding working man (Gregory Peck at his most… More
This enjoyable fable from Mark Twain is a good natured forerunner to the likes of Trading Places and Mr. Deeds. An amusing satire on society and it's measure of a man's worth as the sycophants an honest, intelligent and upstanding working man (Gregory Peck at his most likeable) encounters treat him initially with disdain, which soon turns to obsequiousness once they realise that he is a "millionaire".

Cast

            Gregory Peck as Henry Adams

            Jane Griffiths as Portia Lansdowne

            Ronald Squire as Oliver Montpelier

            Joyce Grenfell as Duchess of Cromarty

            Reginald Beckwith as Rock

            Hartley Power as Hastings

            Maurice Denham as Reid

            Brian Oulton as Lloyd

            Wilbur Evans as American Ambassador

            John Slater as Parsons

            Hugh Wakefield as Duke of Cromarty

            Ernst Thesiger as Bank Director

            Ronald Adam as Samuel Clements

            Richard Caldicot as James

            George Devine as Chop House Proprietor

            Harold Goodwin
            
            Ann Gudrun as Renie

            Joan Hickson
            
            Wilfrid Hyde-White as Roderick Montpelier

            Hugh Latimer as Bumbles Receptionist

            Eliot Makeham as Consulate Official

            A.E. Matthews as Duke of Frognall

            Jack McNaughton as Williams

            Bryan Forbes as Todd

            John Kelly
            
            Trish Stewart
            
            Jane Griffith
            
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