The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo

I only watched this film because I like Joan Bennett and was rather disappointed. The dull Ronald Colman plays the titular gambler and the film then sets out to make a story based upon the popular song, which seems like a bad idea. I wonder if this was the 1930s equivalent of basing a movie on a video game? Meh.

I've said it before that I could watch Ronald Colman on scene reciting the Monte Carlo phone directory. But in a role tailor made for him he's magnificent.

I can't think of anyone else who could have played the part of the gallant Russian exile prince who now drives a taxi in Paris. His fellow exiles chip in some money to him and send him off to Monte Carlo as the song goes with an independent air. And apparently a lot of luck because the becomes the proverbial Man Who Broke The Bank At Monte Carlo.

But as tradition demands it the casino wants him to honor the house with a chance to get even. And Colman's not having any of that. So the casino manager Montagu Love sends out an agent and her handler in the persons of Joan Bennett and Colin Clive to get him back by fair means or foul.

I think you can see where this is going, but the devil may care exile prince fits Colman better than that glove fit OJ. Colman fans should appreciate his performance in a film that while not one of his classic roles is one totally suited to him.

Ronald Colman could have read the 'phone book and made it sound interesting. He was always good value in his pictures, so it was no wonder I looked forward to watching this, and ninety minutes later could say I enjoyed it immensely.

The title would indicate that the premise for the film was rather sleight - if it were based on the number put over by Charles Coburn on the Music Hall stage, but it does go a lot further, for you see, Mr. Colman is a Russian nobleman living in Paris. Like many of his peers, he is forced into a low-income existence after the Bolsheviks forced them all into exile. He drives taxis. Naturally these expatriates congregate at the Cafe Russe where apart from being waiters, cooks and bottle washers, they can remember the good old days.

We change scenes and Mr. Colman is now in Monte Carlo. He wins millions of francs at the casino and cleans them out. This is where Nigel Bruce comes in. He must have formerly been Mr. Colman's valet before getting a job at the Cafe, and now that Mr. Colman is back in the dough, he has his old job back. They make a good team bouncing lines off each other.

Then we are in a train. Perchance, Mr. Colman briefly meets Joan Bennett as she sits opposite him for breakfast in the dining car. He falls in love with her. Who wouldn't? But she is travelling with Colin Clive.

Later we learn that Ms. Bennett is in the employ of the casino as is also Mr. Clive - who we find is her brother. The casino wants their money back and Ms. Bennett has been sent as bait.

It is altogether a wonderful and elegant romp - for most of the time we are living the high life, staying in posh hotels, travelling first class and rarely out of evening dress.

Does Mr. Colman stick with his fortune? Does he go back to the casino and win another or lose the lot? Does he find out about the ruse put on him? Does he end up settling down with the lovely Ms. Bennett? Well, now that I have whetted your appetite to have these questions answered, you will have to take a peek at the picture yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Ronald Colman plays the poorly named Paul Gaillard. After all, he's supposed to be a Russian prince! His name is hardly Russian. Despite this confusing name, his job is to go to Monte Carlo and try to increase the money his little band of ex-pats has. He turns out to have amazing luck and soon breaks the bank! But the casino refuses to simply let him walk away and they employ a sexy lady (Joan Bennett) to turn his head and convince him to return to the tables.

Slight as can be and Colman is miscast because he seems British, not Russian. However, despite that, his graceful manner and lovely acting work out in most every film he's done...even a weak one like this. Perhaps the only turkey he couldn't save was "The Story of Mankind"...a movie so stupid even Colman couldn't save it. This one, however, is worth seeing but far from a must-see.

Ronald Colman plays a Russian prince going by the name of Paul Gaillard in "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo" from 1935. He and his ex-patriots work in a restaurant and have gathered their money to send him to Monte Carlo to hopefully increase it. He not only increases it, he breaks the casino!

The casino owners, of course, don't want him to leave since they would like him to start losing, but he insists that he is leaving Monte that night!

Paul meets a beautiful blond (Bennett) and falls for her, even proposing marriage. She explains that she can't marry him - her brother is in trouble to the tune of 5 million francs, so she will have to marry the wealthy man to whom she is betrothed. He wants to bail the brother out, but she won't permit it. Wouldn't he grant her one favor? Take her traveling for one week to here, there....and Monte Carlo?

Paul's traveling companion (Nigel Bruce) thinks it's a set-up. Will Paul not be able to resist returning to the tables while in Monte Carlo?

Colman is, as always,fabulous. I prefer Bennett as a brunette. She does an okay job in this, but it isn't a role with much range. Other actors include the aforementioned Bruce, Colin Clive, and Montagu Love.

The restaurant scenes were quite good.