6 Things You Didn’t Know About ‘Brewster’s Millions,’ the 1985 Richard Pryor Classic
Before there was a Kevin Hart or even an Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor was the undisputed king of comedy — and his career reached new heights after the success of one of his most popular movies, Brewster’s Millions. The film, released on May 22, 1985, centers on Monty Brewster (played by Pryor), a down-on-his-luck man who unexpectedly inherits $300 million from his recently deceased great uncle. Unfortunately for Brewster, there’s a catch: He can only inherit the entire fortune if he successfully spends $30 million in 30 days, without keeping any of it or telling anyone about the conditions.
As part of the deal, Brewster is not allowed to gain any personal enjoyment from spending the money. He must throw away the cash, buy extravagant items and make decisions that go against the typical logic of spending. If he fails, he will receive nothing, but if he succeeds, he will inherit the $300 million.
Hilarity ensues as Brewster deals with his own moral dilemmas and the reactions of those around him as he struggles to waste money in ever-more creative ways. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of this classic comedy, let’s take a look at six little-known facts about Brewster’s Millions!
1 Richard Pryor almost passed on the movie
Columbia Pictures/Courtesy: Everett Collection
Richard Pryor, known for his edgy comedy, initially hesitated to take on the role of Monty Brewster. He felt it was a departure from the types of characters he was known for, as the role called for a more charming, likable lead. However, after reading the script, Pryor was won over by the lighthearted nature of the story and the potential for humor in the absurd situation. His decision to take the role marked a shift in his career toward more mainstream comedy, though he still brought his unique comedic voice to the character.
2 The script was rewritten to increase John Candy’s role
Everett Collection
John Candy‘s character, the well-meaning lawyer Spike Nolan, wasn’t originally as central to the story. Early drafts of the script presented him as a more traditional secondary character, offering legal advice and comic relief. However, during rehearsals, Candy’s infectious charm and improvisational skills quickly became apparent, so the script was rewritten to beef up his role significantly. The change added a dynamic between the two comedy powerhouses that elevated the movie to new heights, with Candy’s lovable, bumbling performance complementing Pryor’s wit.
3 The original Brewster’s Millions movie was made in 1945
Everett Collection
Brewster’s is actually based on the novel of the same name by George Barr McCutcheon — which was published way back in 1902. And the 1985 version of Brewster’s Millions wasn’t the first film adaptation of the novel.
The original film, made in 1945, starred Dennis O’Keefe as Monty Brewster and featured a slightly different plot. While both versions share the basic premise, the 1945 film has a more straightforward, post-World War II tone, reflecting the era’s optimism. Over the years, the story has been remade numerous times, including adaptations in France and India, demonstrating its global appeal.
4 The luxurious spending spree involved real luxury items
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One of the most memorable aspects of Brewster’s Millions is the extravagant spending spree that Brewster embarks on to meet the conditions of his inheritance. To make the scenes more believable, the filmmakers used real high-end auction houses to acquire rare paintings and other high-price items. After filming, many of these items were sold at auction, allowing the production to recoup some of the cost.
5 The $30 million target was adjusted for inflation
In the film, Monty Brewster must spend $30 million in 30 days in order to inherit a fortune of $300 million. This sum was chosen to match the financial climate of the 1980s, where inflation had raised the stakes considerably compared to the original novel, where the hero must spend only $1 million. The $30 million figure was an interesting choice because it allowed the filmmakers to craft elaborate, over-the-top spending scenes. Obviously, that number would be a lot higher today!
6 The “No fun” rule was a social commentary
A key element of Brewster’s challenge is that he cannot enjoy spending the money, making it a unique twist on the “spend as much as possible” premise. According to insiders, this angle was put into place as a subtle critique of how wealth is often pursued without true enjoyment or fulfillment. Brewster’s struggle to spend the money without having fun was meant to mirror the 1980s’ economic climate, which often valued materialism and profit over personal satisfaction and happiness.
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May 2024
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