The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo (1935)

The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo Poster

A Russian prince goes to Monte Carlo just after World War I with money supplied to him by Parisian Russians. He wins but the casino operators want him to honor the tradition of returning to the tables.

Introduction
"The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo" is a 1935 American comedy and romantic film directed by Stephen Roberts. The movie is based upon the song of the exact same name produced in 1892, which is itself based on the exploits of Charles Wells who, in 1891, gambled at the Monte Carlo Casino and broke the bank several times. The film stars Ronald Colman and Joan Bennett, whose efficiencies develop an appealing and distinct film experience.

Plot
The movie informs the story of Paul Gaillard (Ronald Colman) who is a Russian military officer who is owed compensation by the government after returning from Siberia. To get his due, Gaillard comes up with a strategy where he encourages the authorities that he's a famous trickster, referred to as 'The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo'. His strategy achieves success and he manages to fool the government out of the money that they owe him.

However, word of this escapade takes a trip quick and he soon catches the attention of Bertrand, the casino's supervisor who knows that the genuine swindler passed away several years back. Gaillard maintains his act, taking pleasure in the privileges and status that the myth affords him. He starts gambling at the gambling establishment and begins winning just as the real trickster did, capturing the attention of Helen Berkeley (Joan Bennett), a wealthy heiress.

Advancement
Bertrand attempts to reject Gaillard, revealing that the genuine swindler is dead. However, Gaillard utilizes this to his advantage, declaring he had fabricated his death to avoid the authorities. Helen soon falls for Gaillard however is wary due to the rumors surrounding him.

Adding another layer of issue, the Russian federal government gets word that the swindler remains in Monte Carlo, and they send 2 emissaries to jail Gaillard. This results in comic scenes as Gaillard attempts avoiding arrest while keeping up his persona and pursuing Helen.

Conclusion
Simply when things are relatively heading out of hand, Helen's abundant Aunt Sophie, who had a past romantic participations with Gaillard, intervenes. She validates that Gaillard's not the trickster and convinces Helen to trust her feelings.

In a final twist, it ends up that Gaillard genuinely was 'The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo', just not in the method individuals believed. He utilized the allure of the conman's legend to return his money from the federal government and win over Helen's heart. By the film's end, they are seen leaving Monte Carlo while leaving behind a tale that the gambling establishment's staff and clients will remember forever.

General Impression
The movie "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo" is a traditional romantic comedy with an unique storyline. It effectively utilizes elements of mistaken identity, romance, and humor to create an appealing narrative. The performances of Ronald Colman and Joan Bennett are noteworthy, bringing their characters to life in an enticing way. While the movie might seem a bit outdated now, it still delivers on entertainment, making it a timeless piece of timeless Hollywood romantic funny.

Top Cast

  • Ronald Colman (small)
    Ronald Colman
    Paul Gaillard
  • Joan Bennett (small)
    Joan Bennett
    Helen Berkeley
  • Colin Clive (small)
    Colin Clive
    Bertrand Berkeley
  • Nigel Bruce (small)
    Nigel Bruce
    Ivan
  • Montagu Love (small)
    Montagu Love
    Director
  • Frank Reicher (small)
    Frank Reicher
    2nd Assistant Director
  • Lionel Pape
    3rd Assistant Director
  • Ferdinand Gottschalk (small)
    Ferdinand Gottschalk
    Office Man
  • AndrĂ© Cheron (small)
    André Cheron
    Dealer
  • John Carradine (small)
    John Carradine
    Despondent Casino Gambler (uncredited)
  • John George
    (uncredited)