Hot Millions

Peter Ustinov received an Academy Award nomination for the script that he co-wrote for this film, and it was a nomination well deserved because if not particularly witty or laugh-out-loud funny, the film still has a number of amusing moments and it is a delight to watch. Ustinov is perfect as a charismatic conman, and Maggie Smith is excellent as a ditsy bimbo in a role very atypical for her repertoire. There are also some interestingly edited sequences and great music too. The scams that Ustinov devises are a bit overly complicated, as is the science behind is the hacking that he carries out, but a full understanding of everything that is going on is not required to enjoy the film. It is interesting to watch and often amusing.

Talk about a dream cast - just two of the most wonderful actors who ever appeared anywhere - Peter Ustinov and Maggie Smith - together - in "Hot Millions," a funny, quirky comedy also starring Karl Malden, Robert Morley, and Bob Newhart.

Ustinov is an ex-con embezzler who gets the resume of a talented computer programmer (Morley) and takes a position in a firm run by Malden - with the goal of embezzlement in mind.

It's not smooth sailing; he has attracted the attention of his competitor at the company, played by Newhart, and his neighbor, Maggie Smith (who knows him at their place of residence under another name), becomes his secretary for a brief period.

She can't keep a job and she is seen throughout the film in a variety of employment - all ending with her being fired. When Newhart makes advances to her, she invites Ustinov over to her flat for curry as a cover-up, but the two soon decide they're made for each other. Of course, she doesn't know Ustinov is a crook.

This is such a good movie - you can't help but love Ustinov and Smith and be fascinated by Ustinov's machinations, his genius, and the ways he slithers out of trouble. But there's a twist ending that will show you who really has the brains. Don't miss this movie, set in '60s London. It's worth if it only to hear Maggie Smith whine, "I've been sacked."

I thought I'd enjoyed Sneakers until I saw Hackers. I thought I'd enjoyed AI until I saw Circuitry Man. I thought I enjoyed Demon Seed until I saw Dungeon Master. I thought I'd enjoyed Johnnie Mnemonic until I saw the Matrix, but this movie set them all back on their heels.

Sir Peter's depiction of the archetypal Hacker is phenomenally well done, and how they managed to predict that Social Engineering skills would be brought to bear in the world of hacking was a phenomenal display of foresight. If Kevin Mitnick's life were ever to be fictionalized more than it has been by the Media and released as a comedy I'd suspect this is what the script would turn out to be like.

Karl Malden and Bob Newhart both provided excellent portrayals of the archetypal 60's executives who still seem so prevalent in today's business world, showing where much of the security concerns of today should be focused.

View this if you're a computer geek, and if you're involved in computer security this movie should be required.

I just saw Hot Millions on TCM and I had completely forgotten this gem. Ustinov creates a clever and divisive plot that has him cleverly going from two bit con man to ingenious... Well you'll see. Maggie Smith is perfect as the bumbling secretary/neighbor who has a tough time holding a job but has a warm and vibrant personality that beams through in this picture. She creates a fine portrayal of a warm, witty and real person who in the long run...well...

Molden and Newhart as top executives take on the challenge of making what could be banal roles and make them come out into a comic life of their own.

Robert Morley and Ceasar Romero are just a pleasure to see and I know at least in Romero's case Ustinov is extending a helping hand of work.

This film is meant to be a shot back at the rising computer age and it's problems for the average con man or man for that matter but in fact the characters are so involving and so much fun to watch that the computer sub plot is almost lost...I say almost.

Let down your usual expectations of modern comedy and look for the great performances and friendly, forgiving and deeply involving plot in this picture.

Welcome to the 1960s! In Hot Millions, you'll see black eyeliner, white lipstick, ratted out hair, skinny ties, minidresses, bubble furniture, orange throw pillows, and a fascination of computers. And let's not forget the swingin' sixties music that permeates every scene. It's hilarious and horrible at the same time.

Peter Ustinov, star and co-writer of the comedy, plays a professional fraudster. Recently released from prison, he decides to get to know the new computer world, since he only got caught embezzling by a computer. He give fake name after fake name until he ends up giving himself glowing references to get a job under Karl Malden in a big computing company. Bob Newhart isn't too happy with Usti, since he liked being the expert in the office. Soon, Usti has the boss's trust and the affection of the hot, new, young secretary Maggie Smith. Yes, you read that correctly. Maggie Smith was young in the 1960s. She's so adorable in this movie, with her cute accent, fluffy red hair, ditzy persona, and coy smile. If you can't imagine Professor McGonagall stripping down to her underwear at the office so she doesn't get typewriter ink all over her clothes while she changes the ribbon, you've got to rent this movie. Can't imagine the Dowager Countess of Grantham playing the flute or prancing around in a minidress? Rent Hot Millions.

Peter Ustinov is also adorable in this movie. With his quiet humor, mispronunciation of famous people's names (Pu-see-nee instead of Puccini), and incredible intelligence, you can't help but admire him and hope he gets away with it. This is a crime comedy, after all. Usti's goal is to embezzle from Karl's company, and he sets up a very elaborate (and complicated) plot. This is a very sophisticated comedy, not for the faint of mind. If it goes over your head, just hold tight until the end and enjoy the ride. It's okay if you don't understand everything (I certainly didn't); it's still funny. And you'll still get to see Cesar Romero and Robert Morley for about five minutes each, as if they each owed Usti a favor and gave him a cameo.