El Millonario
Wonderful television show. Remember: 'You sent for me sir.' We were well on our way to discover who was going to get the next million dollars.
Funny, how the writers of this show would never have the benefactors ask Mike Anthony to stay for a cup of coffee or danish. The show was absolutely great because it took us into a world of fantasy where we could imagine what we would do with all that money. A variety of people received the money at random.
Did John Beresford Tipton use the phone book? I vividly remember where one such 'lucky' person was on death row waiting to be executed for murdering someone. No, he wasn't guilty. He was spared at the end when his innocence was proved. You never saw the Tipton character and that made the show even more engaging. After Mike got the money, you would hear the most rousing musical score which I can still hum to this very day. Of course, with inflation the way it is-the show would have to be retitled today as the trillionaire and would star among others- Mayor Bloomberg of NYC.
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.
Millonario Rayas De Patron
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. 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.
El Millonario De Al Lado
An enjoyable movie. Catch if it ever plays on your classic movie channel. You won't be disappointed!