Copyright 7 April 1950 by Cardinal Pictures, Inc. A Harry M. Popkin Production, released by United Artists. New York opening at the Capitol: 11 May 1950. U.S. release: 7 April 1950. U.K. release: 29 May 1950. Australian release: 3 November 1950. 9,143 feet. 100 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Quiz contestant shoots the works for $40 million - or nothing!
COMMENT: Ronald Colman may not have been as popular with the general American moviegoer in the early 1950s as he was in the 20s, 30s and 40s, but certainly Champagne for Caesar was a big hit amongst U.S. and Canadian connoisseurs. True, on paper the film isn't half as amusingly satirical or delightfully witty as it appears on the screen. Full marks not only to Whorf's clever direction but to the absolutely inspired performances by just about every member of the cast.
In fact, all the principals are so zestfully appealing, it's hard to decide who to congratulate first. It's tempting to join the chorus and single out Vincent Price, but I loved Art Linkletter's parody of assumed TV geniality just as much. As well of course as Colman's determined take-the-money-at-all-costs contestant. I particularly enjoyed two of the minor players: Byron Foulger as the hopeless pianist and Ellye Marshall as an extra with nothing to hide.
Celeste Holm, aided by Ivano's translucent lighting, is a little inclined to overdo her "act", but it all fits into place.
OTHER VIEWS: Caesar is a parrot - and such a parrot! But the rarely reticent Caesar provides but one of many diversions in this entertaining satire on TV quiz programs and corporate huckstering. Ronald Colman, as adept at light comedy as heavy melodrama, is perfect as the intended victim of wonderfully wacky tycoon Vincent Price. Barbara Britton is attractively svelte and vulnerable as Colman's unmarried sister, whilst Art Linkletter provides a most amusing study of the jokesy quizmaster. Winningly photographed and set, the film is directed by Richard Whorf with surprising style and panache. - G.A.
SYNOPSIS: Quiz contestant shoots the works for $40 million - or nothing!
COMMENT: Ronald Colman may not have been as popular with the general American moviegoer in the early 1950s as he was in the 20s, 30s and 40s, but certainly Champagne for Caesar was a big hit amongst U.S. and Canadian connoisseurs. True, on paper the film isn't half as amusingly satirical or delightfully witty as it appears on the screen. Full marks not only to Whorf's clever direction but to the absolutely inspired performances by just about every member of the cast.
In fact, all the principals are so zestfully appealing, it's hard to decide who to congratulate first. It's tempting to join the chorus and single out Vincent Price, but I loved Art Linkletter's parody of assumed TV geniality just as much. As well of course as Colman's determined take-the-money-at-all-costs contestant. I particularly enjoyed two of the minor players: Byron Foulger as the hopeless pianist and Ellye Marshall as an extra with nothing to hide.
Celeste Holm, aided by Ivano's translucent lighting, is a little inclined to overdo her "act", but it all fits into place.
OTHER VIEWS: Caesar is a parrot - and such a parrot! But the rarely reticent Caesar provides but one of many diversions in this entertaining satire on TV quiz programs and corporate huckstering. Ronald Colman, as adept at light comedy as heavy melodrama, is perfect as the intended victim of wonderfully wacky tycoon Vincent Price. Barbara Britton is attractively svelte and vulnerable as Colman's unmarried sister, whilst Art Linkletter provides a most amusing study of the jokesy quizmaster. Winningly photographed and set, the film is directed by Richard Whorf with surprising style and panache. - G.A.