If I Had a Million
If I Had a Million

If I Had a Million

1932Movie88 minEnglish

An elderly business tycoon, believed to be dying, decides to give a million dollars each to eight strangers chosen at random from the phone directory.

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Director: Norman Taurog, Stephen Roberts, Ernst Lubitsch, Norman Z. McLeod, James Cruze, Erich von Stroheim, William A. SeiterGenres: Comedy, Drama, Anthology

Plot Summary

This anthology film presents eight separate stories, each depicting a different individual who receives one million dollars from a dying, eccentric millionaire. The recipients react in various ways, with some finding happiness and others discovering that wealth brings unexpected complications and reveals their true characters. The diverse tales explore themes of greed, generosity, morality, and the often-surprising impact of sudden fortune on ordinary lives.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'If I Had a Million' was generally well-received by critics for its innovative anthology format and its star-studded cast, who delivered memorable performances across the varied segments. Audiences found the collection of stories engaging and thought-provoking, appreciating the different perspectives on wealth and human nature.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its ambitious ensemble cast and diverse narrative segments.
  • Commended for its exploration of wealth's impact on human behavior.
  • Noted for its innovative, multi-director anthology structure.

Google audience: Audience reception data from Google is not readily available for this classic film.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director for Ernst Lubitsch (though he directed only one segment, 'The Bishop's Candlesticks', which was later removed from the final film in some releases).

Fun Fact

The film was controversial at the time of its release for the segment directed by Erich von Stroheim, 'The Lonely Road', which was deemed too bleak and was largely cut or replaced, leading to its removal from many prints.

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