I Like Money (1961), also known as Mr. Topaze, is a comedy film directed by Peter Sellers and based on the play of the same name by Marcel Pagnol. It stars Sellers as Auguste Topaze, a poor but honest French schoolmaster who is fired after refusing to alter the grades of a wealthy student.
He is then hired by corrupt city council member Castel Benac (Herbert Lom) to manage one of his shady businesses. Benac believes that Topaze's honesty will protect him from suspicion. However, Topaze soon realizes that he is being used, and he decides to turn the tables on Benac.
Topaze begins to embezzle money from Benac's company, and he also begins to seduce Benac's mistress, Suzy Courtois (Nadia Gray). Benac eventually discovers Topaze's deception, and he tries to have him killed. However, Topaze outsmarts Benac and escapes with all the money.
The film's title, I Like Money, is a reference to Topaze's transformation from an honest man to a crooked businessman. He begins to see money as the ultimate power, and he is willing to do anything to get it.
Why the difference in name?
The difference in name between the American and British releases of the film is likely due to marketing considerations.
It is possible that the American distributor wanted to make the film more appealing to a mainstream audience. The title I Like Money is more straightforward and easier to understand than the title Mr. Topaze. It also conveys the film's central theme of greed in a more direct way.
Another possibility is that the American distributor wanted to avoid alienating potential viewers who might be unfamiliar with the play by Marcel Pagnol. The title Mr. Topazemight have made the film seem too foreign or intellectual for some viewers. I Like Money is more universal and accessible, and it is likely to appeal to a wider audience.
Regardless of the reason, the title I Like Money is more memorable and attention-grabbing than the title Mr. Topaze. It is also a more accurate reflection of the film's central theme.
Trailer
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Cast
- Peter Sellers as Albert Topaze
- Nadia Gray as Suzy
- Herbert Lom as Castel Benac
- Leo McKern as Muche
- Martita Hunt as Baroness
- Michael Gough as Tamise
- Anne Leon as Mrs. Tamise
- Billie Whitelaw as Ernestine
- Joan Sims as Colette
- John Neville as Roger
- John Le Mesurier as Blackmailer
- Michael Sellers as Gaston
Writers: Pierre Rouve, Johnny Speight (script associate)
Box Office Gross: NA
Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox
Genre: Drama
Release Date: April 4, 1961