Mr Billion ( 1977 )

Mr. Billion (1977): A Forgotten Farce of Fortune and Fish-Out-of-Water Comedy

“Mr. Billion,” released in 1977, is a cinematic curio, a comedic romp that, while largely forgotten today, boasts a significant budget, an all-star cast, and a premise ripe for both slapstick and social commentary. Directed by Jonathan Kaplan, the film stars Terence Hill as Guido Falcone, a humble Italian mechanic who unexpectedly inherits a vast American industrial empire from his eccentric and reclusive uncle, John Falcone. The story follows Guido's chaotic journey to America, navigating corporate intrigue, romantic entanglements, and cultural clashes as he attempts to claim his inheritance and prove his worth. While not a critical darling, “Mr. Billion” offers a glimpse into the comedic sensibilities of the era and the enduring appeal of the “fish out of water” narrative.

The Plot: From Italian Mechanic to Industrial Heir

The film opens in Italy, introducing Guido Falcone as a charming but somewhat irresponsible mechanic, more concerned with chasing women and fixing cars than with ambition. His life takes an abrupt turn when he learns of the death of his estranged uncle, John Falcone, a wealthy industrialist in America. John Falcone, known for his eccentricities and reclusive lifestyle, has bequeathed his entire fortune – including the Falcone Corporation – to Guido, his only living relative. However, there’s a catch. To claim the inheritance, Guido must travel to America within 20 days and demonstrate his ability to manage the company.

This sets the stage for Guido’s whirlwind adventure. He’s thrust into a world of corporate boardrooms, high-stakes deals, and cutthroat executives, a stark contrast to his simple life in Italy. Accompanying him on his journey is Naomi Brilstein (Valerie Perrine), a savvy and pragmatic lawyer assigned to assist him in navigating the complexities of American business and ensuring he fulfills the stipulations of the will.

Complicating matters are duplicitous executives led by Arthur “Art” Appleton (Jackie Gleason), who, anticipating inheriting the company themselves, scheme to sabotage Guido’s efforts. They employ various tactics, from bureaucratic delays to outright physical obstacles, to prevent Guido from reaching the deadline and proving his competence. Throughout the film, Guido's naive charm and resourcefulness are tested as he struggles to outwit Appleton and his cronies, learn the intricacies of the Falcone Corporation, and adjust to the cultural differences of America.

The narrative unfolds as a series of comedic set pieces. Guido, accustomed to the simple life, is bewildered by the opulence and excess of American corporate culture. He's confused by business jargon, struggles with the language barrier, and often finds himself in embarrassing or absurd situations. His attempts to understand and manage the company often result in chaos, but his genuine intentions and innate ingenuity gradually win over some of his employees and even some of his initial adversaries. The romantic tension between Guido and Naomi adds another layer to the plot, as their initial professional relationship evolves into something more intimate amidst the backdrop of corporate intrigue.

The Cast and Characters: A Blend of Comedic Talent

“Mr. Billion” boasts a cast filled with recognizable names, bringing their unique comedic styles to their respective roles.

Terence Hill, known for his roles in spaghetti westerns and action-comedies (often alongside Bud Spencer), brings his signature physical comedy and charismatic screen presence to the role of Guido. His fish-out-of-water portrayal is both endearing and humorous, as he navigates the unfamiliar world of American business with a mixture of confusion and determination. Valerie Perrine provides a grounded counterpoint to Hill's comedic energy, portraying Naomi as a sharp and intelligent lawyer who initially views Guido with suspicion but gradually comes to appreciate his genuine nature.

Jackie Gleason, a legendary comedian known for his boisterous and larger-than-life characters, plays Arthur Appleton with gusto. His portrayal of the scheming executive is a caricature of corporate greed and ambition, providing a foil to Guido's more idealistic approach. The supporting cast, including Slim Pickens as a helpful truck driver and William Redfield as a nervous accountant, adds further comedic color to the film.

Themes and Analysis: Culture Clash and the Critique of Corporate Greed

Beneath the surface of slapstick and comedic set pieces, “Mr. Billion” explores several underlying themes, including culture clash, the critique of corporate greed, and the importance of personal values over material wealth.

Culture Clash: The film prominently features the culture clash between Guido’s simple Italian lifestyle and the fast-paced, materialistic culture of America. Guido's confusion and bewilderment at American customs and business practices serve as a source of humor, but also highlight the differences in values and priorities between the two cultures. He initially struggles to understand the corporate jargon, the focus on profit margins over human connection, and the relentless pursuit of wealth. His honest and straightforward approach often clashes with the more manipulative and self-serving tactics of his American counterparts. The film uses this culture clash to both entertain and to subtly critique the excesses of American consumerism and corporate culture.

Critique of Corporate Greed: The character of Arthur Appleton and his cronies embodies the theme of corporate greed. They are portrayed as ruthless and self-serving individuals who are willing to resort to any means to maintain their power and wealth. Their schemes to sabotage Guido highlight the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrosive effects of prioritizing profit over ethical considerations. The film implicitly contrasts their behavior with Guido’s more altruistic intentions, suggesting that personal values and genuine human connection are more important than material wealth.

Personal Values vs. Material Wealth: Ultimately, “Mr. Billion” champions the importance of personal values over material wealth. Guido, despite inheriting a vast fortune, remains grounded in his principles. He prioritizes honesty, loyalty, and genuine human connection over corporate success and material possessions. His journey demonstrates that true wealth lies not in financial abundance but in integrity and meaningful relationships. The film subtly suggests that a simpler, more authentic life, like the one Guido left behind in Italy, may be more fulfilling than the pursuit of wealth and power.

The film also offers a lighthearted commentary on the nature of wealth and its impact on individuals. While Guido initially revels in the opportunities his newfound wealth provides, he eventually realizes that money doesn't necessarily equate to happiness or fulfillment. His experience underscores the idea that true satisfaction comes from personal connections and living a life aligned with one's values.

Production and Reception: A Box Office Disappointment

“Mr. Billion” was a relatively high-budget production for its time, costing an estimated $8 million. Filming took place in various locations, including Italy and several cities in the United States, adding to the film's visual scope. Despite the star power of its cast and its relatively large budget, “Mr. Billion” was not a critical or commercial success. It received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its comedic energy and the performances of the cast, while others criticized its predictable plot and reliance on slapstick humor.

The film's box office performance was disappointing, grossing only around $2 million in the United States and Canada. This underperformance can be attributed to several factors, including its release date amidst a competitive summer movie season, the lack of a strong marketing campaign, and the mixed critical reception. The film's comedic style, while appealing to some, may not have resonated with a broader audience. Additionally, the film's themes, while relevant, may have been overshadowed by its reliance on slapstick and broad humor.

Legacy and Conclusion: A Forgotten Gem?

Despite its initial failure, “Mr. Billion” has gained a small cult following over the years. It remains a relatively obscure film, but it offers a glimpse into the comedic sensibilities of the 1970s and the enduring appeal of the fish out of water narrative. While not a cinematic masterpiece, Mr. Billion provides a lighthearted and entertaining experience, with its blend of physical comedy, cultural satire, and a charming cast. Its exploration of themes like corporate greed and the importance of personal values remains relevant even today.

“Mr. Billion” might not be a film that frequently tops best of lists, but it serves as a reminder that even films that are not initially successful can offer moments of enjoyment and provide insights into the cultural landscape of their time. Its blend of comedic styles and exploration of relevant themes makes it a worthwhile viewing experience for those interested in discovering a forgotten gem from the 1970s.