I saw this film on its release at the local Odeon In my film diary I wrote "TERRIBLE!!!!".I have to say that after trying , unsuccessfully,to plough my way through this film,I agree with my previous verdict.. This film came at a time when Sellers was trying to change his career from playing comedy roles such as Fred Kyte to comedy and dramatic roles,but this was not a complete success as this film proves.
Maybe Sellers fans are just to pleased to be able to see this film,than to be able to review it objectively.
I Like Money
1961
Action / Comedy / Drama
I Like Money
1961
Action / Comedy / Drama
43% - Critics
6.1Plot summary
Mr. Topaze ('Peter Sellers') is an unassuming school teacher in an unassuming small French town who is honest to a fault. He is fired when he refuses to give a passing grade to a bad student, the grandson of a wealthy baroness. Castel Benac (Herbert Lom),a government official who runs a crooked financial business on the side, is persuaded by his mistress, Suzy (Nadia Gray),a musical comedy actress, to hire Mr. Topaze as the front man for his business. Gradually, Topaze becomes a rapacious financier who sacrifices his honesty for success and, in a final stroke of business bravado, fires Benac and acquires Suzy in the deal. An old friend and colleague, Tamise (Michael Gough) questions him and tells Topaze that if what he now says and practices indicates there are no more honest men.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Herbert Lom as Castel Benac
Peter Sellers as Auguste Topaze
John Neville as Roger de Bersac
Billie Whitelaw as Ernestine
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLU 804.01 MB
1280*538
English 2.0
NR
Movie Reviews
Reviewed by
I haven't changed my views after 61 years
Reviewed by
A very worthy remake
Marcel Pagnol wrote many wonderful stories and his films of the 1930s are among my favorite movies. In this case, "Mr. Topaze" ("I Like Money") is a remake of one of these terrific films...a film originally made in the US and France back in 1933. I loved these films....and also enjoyed this remake by actor/director Peter Sellers.
Surprisingly, this wonderful film was a box office bomb back in 1961...which is why the movie was renamed to "I Like Money" and released in the USA...where it also apparently bombed. In fact, Sellers apparently tried to buy up all the prints...probably because he was embarrassed by this failure. But, fortunately, the British Film Institute found a copy....and it's been released to the Criterion Channel and on DVD.
When the story begins, Mr. Topaze is a poor but immensely honest school teacher. He is the epitome of decency and ultimately it brings him nothing but poverty and he finds himself fired because he refuses to set aside his strong moral compass.
Later, Topaze is approached by a well respected businessman and is offered a job. Topaze is so guileless that he doesn't realize that he is actually being hired as a front. Mr. Benac (Herbert Lom) is a well respected crook...and wants to use Topaze's good name to do his dirty business. What's next...especially after Topaze eventually realizes the ruse?
While I think I prefer the earlier versions of this story, Sellers' version is most respectable and enjoyable. It really is sad that the film did poorly, as it deserved much better. Well acted and clever....and most enjoyable.
Reviewed by
Maaaaaan....
So, Sellers is not only an amazing actor, but also succesful as a director...Not surprised. What a talented chap! Sadly, the film is not as popular as it deserves to be.