Pretty Good

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Imagine a cross between Brewster's Millions and Trading Places, and you'll get Gregory Peck's Man with a Million. Wilfrid Hyde-White and Ronald Squire, are rich and idle brothers looking for a little fun. They come up with a bet: give a total stranger a million pound note, and tell him that if he lasts a month without spending it, they'll give him a good job. One man thinks it's the knowledge of having untouchable wealth that will propel the pauper into the high life, and the other thinks he'll have to spend it to get ahead. Greg plays the Man with a Million, or in other countries' release, the man with The Million Pound Note.If you like those types of movies, you'll like this one, since it doesn't stray very far from the usual mold. There's a moral debate, lots of jokes, lots of satire about the upper class—it stems from a Mark Twain story—and a fair amount of silliness. Plus, it's a period piece and Greg looks very handsome in his beautiful clothes, so you'll have plenty of eye candy. If you're looking for a more serious Gregory Peck movie, you've got tons to choose from, but it's nice to see him step out from his Atticus Finch person and have some silly fun every once in a while.

Gregory Peck is a "Man with a Million" in this 1954 British film directed by Ronald Neame. Besides Peck, the stars are Ronald Squire, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Hartley Power, Maurice Denham, Bryan Forbes, and Portia Lansdowne.An out of work, broke American sailor, Henry Adams (Peck) is given a one million pound bank note by two men who have made a bet. If Adams can return the note in one month, intact, the two gentlemen will help him find work.Turns out that all he has to do is show the note, and he's showered with clothes, a swanky hotel room, and introductions into high society.This is a slight but entertaining film about the power of money or even implied money. When Adams goes to get help from the consulate originally, they can't do anything for him. When he shows the note, they offer him a loan. It rings true in today's economy, where wealthy people have no problem getting loans from a bank, but if you really need one - forget it! Peck is young, very handsome, and quite good. All in all, this isn't much, but it is a good watch.

Yes, even the great Gregory Peck could make a colossal bomb and he sure did it with this 1954 ridiculous nonsense of a film.Two old codgers, one played by the venerable Wilfrid Hyde-White, make a wager to see if someone with a million pound note can get by by not spending it.Along comes a homeless Gregory Peck and the two rues give him the note. It's basically a story of what money can buy. With all that money, Peck seems relevant to society and doors begin to open up for him. As rumors spread that Peck really doesn't have the money, those doors are about to close up until movie writing changes all that.It's an inane film which really lacks any quality.

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!