I Like Money

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 Topaze" ("I Like Money") is a remake of one of these terrific films...a film originally made in the US and France back in 1933.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.

This is the fourth film version of Marcel Pagnol's play, the third of which was directed by Pagnol himself and here Peter Sellers as the title character is following in the footsteps of luminaries Louis Jouvet, John Barrymore and Fernandel. This would be a daunting enough task for the best of actors but Mr. Sellers alas does not fall into that category. He has furthermore made a rod for his own back by attempting to direct the piece. A handful of actor/directors have managed to pull off the double but he is certainly not one of them.

He has to his credit cast the film well, notably Herbert Lom, Nadia Gray and John Neville and the film perks up a little when they appear. Georges van Parys' idiomatic score is a delight whilst the excellent art direction is by Peter Murton, best known for his work on the Bond films.

The film is weakened however by the confounded Cinemascope format, plodding direction, dire pacing and one would have to say, Seller's performance. We are again witnessing brilliant mimicry with utter emptiness behind it although those who consider Sellers a great actor will no doubt consider this view to be heretical.

One critic has suggested that Sellers' sole directorial effort is in need of reappraisal.... No sir, it is not!

This is truly a very interesting film. It's not a masterpiece, but it's worth watching this film if you like Peter Sellers.

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.

It's maybe not a masterpiece, but it surely is an enjoyable watch.