Brewster's Millions (1945) - 4 stars out of 10

Brewster's Millions (1945) - 4 stars out of 10

"Brewster's Millions" is a classic story that has been put onto the silver screen several times.  The 1945 version is not my favorite version but it still brings the story to life in an entertaining way.  I think that the problem with this film is its cast.  Dennis O'Keefe is good in the titular role as he has to spend a fortune in as many clever ways as he can muster.  I also really enjoyed Eddie Anderson as the loyal servant who is overly supportive of his boss' spending.  But the rest of the cast is flat and unmemorable.  Although the story is a comedy, this version may be a bit too lighthearted and losing the anxiety for Brewster to succeed.  The horse race scene is definitely memorable and I thought that the ending was very clever and comical.  While I much prefer the 1985 Richard Pryor version, this edition of "Brewster's Millions" still creates that exhilaration as one man throws away everything that he has.