Movie spotlight
New Adventures of Get Rich Quick Wallingford
Wallingford is a con-man whose specialty is taking money from suckers. His partners are Schnozzle, a pickpocket and car thief; and Blackie, who has played the game for years.
Insights
Plot Summary
A charming but unscrupulous salesman, J. Rufus Wallingford, arrives in a small town with a scheme to get rich quick. He enlists the help of a local man, pursuing the affections of a wealthy widow and employing various confidence tricks to swindle the townspeople out of their money. The film follows his elaborate deceptions and the consequences that arise from his avarice.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'New Adventures of Get Rich Quick Wallingford' was generally well-received for its comedic performances and satirical take on the American dream. Critics praised William Haines's energetic portrayal of the titular con man, and the film was seen as a lighthearted, albeit morally ambiguous, commentary on the era's get-rich-quick mentality. Audience reception was positive, contributing to its moderate success.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for William Haines's lively and charismatic performance.
Noted for its entertaining and satirical depiction of con artistry.
Considered a fun, fast-paced pre-Code comedy.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This film is one of the few surviving examples of early Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) talkies featuring star William Haines, who was known for his energetic persona before his Hollywood career was curtailed.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources