Watch Money Madness

Money Madness is a 1948 thriller directed by Sam Newfield and starring Hugh Beaumont, Frances Rafferty, and Harlan Warde. The movie follows the story of a man named Dick Fleming (Hugh Beaumont) who wins a fortune in a lottery but is then besieged by greedy relatives and friends, all wanting a piece of his newly acquired wealth. Fleming struggles to navigate these newfound challenges while trying to hold onto his principles and relationships.

The film opens with Fleming working as an accountant at a small firm in New York. He has a loving wife, Mary (Frances Rafferty), and a young daughter, but the family lives in a cramped apartment and faces financial difficulties. One day, Fleming buys a lottery ticket on a whim and is shocked to find out that he has won $200,000. Fleming is ecstatic at first, but his joy is short-lived when he realizes the trouble and danger his newfound wealth has brought.

Immediately, Fleming is swarmed by various figures, including old acquaintances, distant relatives, and random strangers, each with their own ideas of how he should spend his money. Their greed blinds them as they scheme against each other, trying to secure their way into his fortune. Fleming is soon overwhelmed by the constant demands for money and the mounting pressure he feels to spend his winnings. To make matters worse, he is also being targeted by a group of con artists who have been monitoring his lottery ticket and intend to swindle him

Fleming’s marriage to Mary is also strained due to his lack of communication about the lottery win. Mary becomes increasingly frustrated with her husband's secrecy and the growing number of hangers-on. She also has concerns about their daughter's safety as she fears kidnappers may target their family.

Fleming's moral fortitude is tested when he is approached by a shady attorney who offers to help him manage his newfound wealth. The lawyer advises him to invest his money and offers him what seems like shady investment opportunities. Fleming remains skeptical and decides to seek out someone he can trust to manage his money.

Throughout the movie, Fleming tries to balance his desire to help others with his need to protect his newfound wealth. He becomes increasingly paranoid and suspicious of everyone around him, and his relationships are strained as a result.

As the tension mounts, Fleming has to figure out who to trust and who is after his money, before it’s too late. The film reaches a gripping climax as Fleming tries to outsmart the con artists and keep his fortune intact.

Money Madness is an engrossing thriller that explores the corrupting influence of money and the lengths people will go to acquire it. Despite its age, the movie remains relevant in its depiction of greed, mistrust, and the impact of sudden fortune on everyday people. The film is well-acted, with Hugh Beaumont delivering an excellent performance as the tormented Dick Fleming, and Frances Rafferty providing solid support as his wife. The plot moves at a steady pace, balancing suspense and drama, and delivering a satisfying conclusion.

In conclusion, Money Madness is an engaging thriller that holds up well even after over 70 years since its release. It is a fascinating insight into the relationship between money and power, and how it can drive people to make terrible choices. The film is well-crafted and features excellent performances from its cast. Overall, it is a timeless classic that is definitely worth watching.

Money Madness is a 1948 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.