Kid Millions

Kid Millions is a 1934 comedic movie that sees the legendary Eddie Cantor in the lead role. Spending 90 delightful minutes riffing, singing, and dancing, he captivates viewers with his unique comedic talents. This rollicking, fun-filled musical comedy was one of the biggest box-office successes of the year, delighting audiences of all ages.

The story traces the journey of Cantor's character, Edward 'Eddie' Wilson Jr., a New Yorker who becomes an accidental heir to an enormous Egyptian fortune. As expected, considerable hilarity ensues as Eddie navigates his newfound wealth. His unforeseen journey reflects the classic rags-to-riches arc, blending melodrama and humor in a unique way.

The plot of Kid Millions opens with Eddie working as an ice cream vendor in New York, living a relatively ordinary life. Things take a dramatic turn when Eddie learns that his ship captain father has passed away and left him an unexpected inheritance – a fortune in Egyptian gold. Excited by the prospect, Eddie travels to Egypt to claim his inheritance. His life dramatically shifts gears from scooping ice cream to dealing with gold and camels under the scorching sun of Egypt.

His new life of extravagance isn't seamless, however. Eddie finds himself mixed up with rival factions, each vying for a piece of his inheritance. To make matters more complex, there's a love interest thrown into the mix - the charming heiress, Joan Alden, played by Ann Sothern. Interwined in this funny chaos is Joan's conniving stepfather (Paul Harvey), who is concocting a plot to seize Eddie’s riches.

The tale also incorporates several musical numbers that add rhythm and variety to the comedic narrative. The film is punctuated by several catchy songs, most notably "When My Ship Comes In," "An Earful of Music," and "Okay, Toots!" These musical interludes give both Eddie Cantor and other cast members a chance to demonstrate their song-and-dance prowess, notably Ethel Merman in a cameo, who provides a notable musical highlight.

One of the standout elements of Kid Millions is Eddie Cantor's performance. True to his style, he brings his vaudeville background to his role, adding a layer of slapstick to the proceedings. Kid Millions uses Cantor's charisma and comedic chops to full advantage; his humor and warmth are infectious, drawing in the audience and keeping them entertained. Ann Sothern, an accomplished actress and singer, plays the role of the love interest with charm and vivacity, creating a lovely counterpart to Cantor’s comical character.

Behind the camera, the film is supported by seasoned director Roy Del Ruth. Del Ruth’s earlier works included several successful musical comedies, and he continues this streak with Kid Millions. His creative vision and handling of the musical numbers are noteworthy, giving the film a distinctive style and flow.

Supporting performances by the likes of Paul Harvey, Ethel Merman, and Clarence Wilson also add depth to the plot. These talented actors add wit, humor, and context to the central narrative, providing perfect foils for Eddie's comedic showman.

Adding to the spectacle of the film, Technicolor is used in certain segments, a novelty in the 1930s and a conspicuous inclusion in Kid Millions. This splash of color makes the Egyptian adventure more vivid and engaging, outlining the transformation of Eddie's world, from the streets of New York to the deserts and palaces of Egypt.

Simply put, Kid Millions is a laugh-out-loud, feel-good comedy with a sprinkling of music and dance that is sure to charm viewers even today. With Eddie Cantor at his side-splitting best, buoyed by a competent cast, it is a delightful trip down memory lane. Sprinkled with lighthearted tunes, wisecracks, and a lot of laughs, Kid Millions is a thoroughly enjoyable romp, exploring the social and personal effects of sudden wealth and the classic challenges and delights that come with it. A classic of its time, Kid Millions remains a treasured slice of cinematic history.