Brewster's Millions

Today, I thought I would segue out of my SCTV kick and spend this week taking a look back at some forgotten treasures from the great Richard Pryor. And what better way to start it off then when Pryor teamed up with SCTV alum John Candy in 1985's Brewster's Millions.

In the seventh filmed adaptation of the classic novel, Pryor stars as Monty Brewster, a minor league ballplayer who gets word that he has inherited a fortune from a great uncle, Rupert Horn, Hume Cronyn, that he never knew he was related to. But there's a catch. Brewster must spend $30 million in 30 days. At the end of the 30 days, he can't have anything to show for it. And he can't tell anyone about the inheritance in those 30 days. If he is able to do this, he will get $300 million. If he declines, he can walk out with $1 million upfront. Brewster is up for the challenge and accepts.

At first, he gives out money to everybody. His best friend Spike, Candy, and a book keeper, Angela, Lonette McKee, that Brewster has designs on, think he's lost his mind. And he begins to feel that way. But then he gets clever by putting money into a political campaign that he has decided to run for, knowing that he has no chance of winning. But a young lawyer, Warren Cox, Stephen Collins, has been bribed by the law firm handling Rupert's assests to make sure that Brewster fails so they can claim the inheritance.

Both Pryor and Candy are very funny in this, especially Candy, whose more of the comic relief in this. McKee is also good as the potential love interest. Another SCTV vet, Rick Moranis, pops up in a hilarious cameo as well.

It was directed by one of my favorite filmmakers, Waler Hill. Kind of an odd choice since Hill is mostly know for action. But the studio really wanted him since he had success with the action comedy 48 Hrs. Hill later said that he took the job for the money. I think he does a fine job with his only straight comedy picture.

This was a minor hit when it came out, but it's not really remembered today. I think it's pretty funny and a nice showcase for two comedy legends.

It's available on dvd.