Set in the roaring twenties and with exquisitely-scrupulous period detail, this is- if you want it to be- a lovable, comedy drama in the vein of a family who suddenly become rich beyond their wildest dreams.
On the other hand, it is a searing excoriation of the corrupting effect of wealth and the divisive and unjust influence of societal expectations and the class system.
Charles Coburn is outstanding as a wealthy man who inveigles his way into a family home before secretly endowing them with $100,000. The sight of him dancing the Charleston is a real treat. There are great turns too from a beautiful young Piper Laurie, Larry Gates as the bemused father, Lynn Bari and child-star Gigi Perreau. Even Rock Hudson holds his own.
The cinematography is exquisite, there are a few sparkling gags (Coburn on his own awful 'surrealist' painting- "hanging's too good for it") and the plot moves at pace and with no real predictable moments. Overall, it's a gem. 8/10.
