Watch Mister 880

Mister 880 is a lighthearted and charming 1950 film about a small-time counterfeiter who captures the hearts of those around him. Based on a true story, the movie follows the life of Skipper Miller (played by Edmund Gwenn), a kindly old man who lives a modest life in his New York apartment. What sets him apart from other elderly men is his hobby: printing his own money.

While his notes are crude and easily detectable, Skipper has managed to evade police detection for years. However, when a Treasury agent named Steve Buchanan (played by Burt Lancaster) comes to investigate his counterfeit bills, Skipper finds his quiet life turned upside down.

Steve is initially skeptical of Skipper's claims that he is only doing it to supplement his social security income, but as he spends time with him and the people he has affected, he begins to understand the motivations behind his illegal activities. Steve also forms a close bond with the apartment building's manager, Ann Winslow (played by Dorothy McGuire), who is initially suspicious of him but eventually becomes a crucial ally in his efforts to learn more about Skipper.

As Steve delves deeper into Skipper's world, he discovers just how much of an impact the counterfeiter has had on those around him. Skipper has used his fake money to help out struggling business owners and artists, and even to pay for a young girl's surgery. His actions, though technically illegal, have brought joy and hope to those who were struggling.

In the end, Steve is faced with a difficult decision: should he turn Skipper in and ruin his life, or should he let him continue his harmless counterfeiting? The film navigates this question with delicacy and grace, never veering too far into sentimentality or moralizing.

One of the film's strongest points is its cast. Edmund Gwenn is truly charming as Skipper, capturing both his twinkling mischievousness and his genuine kindness. Burt Lancaster also gives a strong performance as Steve, playing the straight man to Skipper's whimsy. Dorothy McGuire shines as Ann, bringing a grounded warmth to the film.

Another standout element is the film's New York City setting. Shot on location, the movie showcases the bustling streets and distinctive neighborhoods of the city in the 1950s. The use of real NYC locales also adds a sense of authenticity to the story.

Mister 880 is not a groundbreaking film by any means, but it is a delightful and heartfelt one. Its themes of compassion, generosity, and understanding still resonate today, as does its portrayal of an idiosyncratic character who manages to make a positive impact on his community. If you're looking for a heartwarming and charming film with a touch of larceny, Mister 880 is definitely worth a watch.

Mister 880 is a 1950 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.