“Do you understand? This is serious business!”
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Synopsis:
When a U.S. mint worker (Jim Hutton) accidentally destroys $50,000 in new bills, he enlists the help of his buddy (Walter Brennan), his co-worker (Dorothy Provine), and others to reprint the cash.
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Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
- Comedy
- Counterfeiting
- Ensemble Cast
- Jim Hutton Films
- Thieves and Criminals
- Walter Brennan Films
Response to Peary’s Review:
Be prepared to suspend all disbelief while watching this outrageous and “hilarious” slapstick comedy, which Peary claims in his very brief review is “deservedly a cult hit”. If you get too caught up in logistics, you’ll drive yourself crazy; instead, relax and enjoy the spectacularly inept maneuverings of these greedy thieves, who can’t resist the temptation to print “just one more sheet”. Jim Hutton is rather bland in the lead role:
but he’s surrounded by a wealth of comedic geniuses, including Milton Berle:
… Jack Gilford:
… and Walter Brennan:
Bob Denver (“Gilligan”) has a small role as well, playing a meek ice cream truck driver whose task is to distract a beautiful yet nosy onlooker during the heist.
Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
- Walter Brennan as “Pop”
- A hilarious “crossing hallways” slapstick sequence
- A fascinating look at how machines in the Mint used to operate
Must See?
No, but it’s an enjoyable slapstick comedy.
Links:
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One thought on “Who’s Minding the Mint? (1967)”
First viewing. Not must-see.
I can’t imagine why this is any kind of cult hit (or if it still is). At best, it’s an innocuous, for-the-whole-family diversion – very mildly amusing – which less successfully follows in the footsteps of ‘It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World’ (which also featured Berle).
Comedian Howard Morris directed with a mild flair for old-fashioned shtick, much of which sadly no longer plays all that effectively. It’s not awful or cringe-worthy, just… mild.
Perhaps the cleverest joke is the silent one which underscores the closing credits.