Let’s start with a brief overview of the two works. “Brewster’s Millions” is a novel published in 1902 by George Barr McCutcheon. It tells the story of Monty Brewster, a young man who inherits a vast sum of money from his grandfather. However, in order to receive the full inheritance of seven million dollars, he must spend one million dollars in a year without acquiring any assets or liabilities.
“Three on a Spree” is a British comedy film released in 1961, directed by Sidney J. Furie. It is loosely based on “Brewster’s Millions” but with some significant changes. The story follows a trio of bumbling friends who inherit a large sum of money and are tasked with spending it all in a month in order to receive a larger inheritance.
A brief summary of the book “Brewster’s Millions”
“Brewster’s Millions” is a classic tale of rags to riches and back to rags again. Monty Brewster, a minor league baseball player, finds himself inheriting a fortune from his grandfather. However, there is a catch. In order to receive the full inheritance, he must spend one million dollars in a year without acquiring any assets or liabilities. This proves to be a daunting task, and Monty finds himself in all kinds of hilarious situations as he tries to spend the money.
Throughout the book, we see Monty’s character grow and change as he goes from living a simple life to one of excess and extravagance. He learns the true value of money and the importance of hard work and responsibility. The book is a witty satire on the excesses of the Gilded Age and a timeless tale of the dangers of easy wealth.
A brief summary of the movie “Three on a Spree”
“Three on a Spree” is a lighthearted comedy film that takes the basic premise of “Brewster’s Millions” and puts its own spin on it. The story follows three friends who inherit a large sum of money and are tasked with spending it all in a month in order to receive a larger inheritance. The friends, played by Brian Rix, William Hartnell, and Tommy Cooper, are not exactly the most responsible people, and their attempts to spend the money lead to all kinds of hijinks and mishaps.
The film is a fun romp through 1960s London, with plenty of sight gags and slapstick humor. While it deviates quite a bit from the original story, it retains the spirit of the book and delivers a solid comedy that is sure to entertain.
Key differences between the book and the movie
While both “Brewster’s Millions” and “Three on a Spree” share the basic premise of having to spend a large sum of money in a limited amount of time, there are several key differences between the two works.
Setting and time period of both the book and the movie
“Brewster’s Millions” is set in the United States in the late 19th century, during the Gilded Age. The book is a sharp satire on the excesses of this era, with Monty Brewster’s spending spree highlighting the extravagance and waste of the wealthy elite.
“Three on a Spree,” on the other hand, is set in 1960s London. The film takes a more lighthearted approach to the story, with the three friends’ spending spree taking them on a wild tour of the city’s landmarks and attractions.
Film locations of “Three on a Spree”
“Three on a Spree” was filmed on location in London, giving audiences a glimpse of the city in the early 1960s. The film takes the three friends on a whirlwind tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Trafalgar Square.
Introduction to the main characters in both the book and the movie
In “Brewster’s Millions,” the main character is Monty Brewster, a young man who inherits a fortune from his grandfather. Monty is a minor league baseball player who is suddenly thrust into a world of wealth and excess. Throughout the book, we see Monty’s character grow and change as he learns the true value of money and the importance of hard work and responsibility.
In “Three on a Spree,” the main characters are three bumbling friends who inherit a large sum of money and must spend it all in a month. The friends, played by Brian Rix, William Hartnell, and Tommy Cooper, are not exactly the most responsible people, and their attempts to spend the money lead to all kinds of hijinks and mishaps.
Memorable quotes from “Brewster’s Millions” and “Three on a Spree”
“Brewster’s Millions” is full of witty one-liners and memorable quotes. One of the most famous is Monty Brewster’s declaration that “the easiest way to make money is to save it.” This quote highlights the book’s theme of responsible spending and the dangers of easy wealth.
“Three on a Spree” is also full of great quotes, many of them delivered by the film’s bumbling trio of friends. One of the most famous is the line “what’s the good of having a million quid if you can’t do the things you’ve always wanted to do?” This quote captures the film’s sense of adventure and the joy of living life to the fullest.
The soundtrack by Ken Thorne in “Three on a Spree”
One of the standout features of “Three on a Spree” is its memorable soundtrack by composer Ken Thorne. The film’s main theme, “A Little Bit of What You Fancy” is a catchy tune that perfectly captures the film’s lighthearted and carefree spirit.
The soundtrack also features several other fun and upbeat tunes that will have you tapping your feet and humming along.
Curiosities and fun facts about both the book and the movie
Did you know that “Brewster’s Millions” has been adapted into a film over a dozen times? Or that the original manuscript of the book is held in the Special Collections department of Indiana University’s Lilly Library? “Three on a Spree” also has its share of interesting trivia, such as the fact that it was one of the first films to be shot on location in London’s Trafalgar Square.
Tips for cosplay and dressing up as Mike Brewster and Susan
Are you a fan of cosplay? If so, why not dress up as some of your favorite characters from “Brewster’s Millions” and “Three on a Spree”? For Mike Brewster, you’ll want to don a classic baseball uniform, complete with a cap and glove. For Susan, a turn-of-the-century dress and hat will do the trick. Don’t forget to accessorize with some period-appropriate props, such as a parasol or a baseball bat.
A brief biography of George Barr McCutcheon, the author of “Brewster’s Millions”
George Barr McCutcheon was an American novelist and playwright who was born in 1866 and died in 1928. He is best known for his novel “Brewster’s Millions,” which has been adapted into numerous films and stage productions. McCutcheon wrote over 40 novels in his lifetime, as well as several plays and short stories.
Five of George Barr McCutcheon’s best works
If you’re a fan of “Brewster’s Millions,” you’ll want to check out some of McCutcheon’s other works. Here are five of his best:
- “Graustark” – a romantic adventure set in the fictional country of Graustark
- “Beverly of Graustark” – a sequel to “Graustark” that follows the adventures of Beverly Calhoun
- “The Hollow of Her Hand” – a romance novel about a wealthy heiress and a struggling artist
- “The Sherrods” – a family drama set in a small Midwestern town
- “Mary Midthorne” – a novel about a young woman who defies convention and follows her heart
Five other media adaptations by Sidney J. Furie
Sidney J. Furie, the director of “Three on a Spree,” has had a long and varied career in the film industry. Here are five other notable works he has directed:
- “The Leather Boys” (1964) – a drama about a young couple in working-class London
- “The Ipcress File” (1965) – a spy thriller starring Michael Caine
- “Lady Sings the Blues” (1972) – a biopic of jazz singer Billie Holiday
- “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” (1987) – a superhero film starring Christopher Reeve
- “The Rage” (2007) – a horror film about a deadly virus
Ten similar movies to “Three on a Spree”
If you enjoyed “Three on a Spree,” here are ten other movies you might enjoy:
- “The Lavender Hill Mob” (1951) – a British comedy about a group of bank robbers
- “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (1947) – a comedy about a man who daydreams about living a more exciting life
- “The Million Pound Note” (1954) – a comedy about a man who is given a million pound note and must spend it without breaking it
- “The Great Race” (1965) – a slapstick comedy about a race across the world
- “The Pink Panther” (1963) – a classic comedy about a bumbling detective
- “The Party” (1968) – a comedy about a Hollywood extra who accidentally crashes a high-society party
- “A Shot in the Dark” (1964) – a comedy about the bumbling Inspector Clouseau
- “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” (1963) – a comedy about a group of strangers who race to find a hidden treasure
- “The Mouse That Roared” (1959) – a comedy about a small European country that declares war on the United States
- “The Love Bug” (1968) – a comedy about a Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own
Book club questions for “Brewster’s Millions”
If you’re reading “Brewster’s Millions” for a book club, here are some questions to get the discussion started:
- What do you think the book is saying about wealth and excess?
- How does Monty Brewster’s character change over the course of the book?
- What role do the minor characters play in the story?
- What do you think of the book’s ending? Did it surprise you?
- How does “Brewster’s Millions” compare to other works of satire you’ve read?
Ten similar novels to “Brewster’s Millions”
If you enjoyed “Brewster’s Millions,” here are ten other novels you might enjoy:
- “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
- “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway
- “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
- “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde
- “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain
- “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum
- “The War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells
- “The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells
- “1984” by George Orwell
Parent guide for “Three on a Spree”
“Three on a Spree” is rated PG and is generally suitable for all ages. The film contains some mild language and slapstick humor, but there is no violence or adult content. Parents should be aware that the film is set in the 1960s and contains some outdated attitudes and stereotypes.
Buying guide and gift ideas for fans of “Brewster’s Millions” and “Three on a Spree”
If you’re looking for a gift for a fan of “Brewster’s Millions” or “Three on a Spree,” here are some ideas:
- A copy of “Brewster’s Millions” by George Barr McCutcheon
- A DVD or Blu-ray of “Three on a Spree”
- A baseball cap or glove, for fans of Monty Brewster
- A vintage-style parasol or hat, for fans of Susan
- A Ken Thorne soundtrack CD, featuring the music from “Three on a Spree”
- A poster or print of the film’s iconic landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Brewster’s Millions” and “Three on a Spree” are two works that are worth exploring for fans of literature and film alike. While they may differ in many ways, both works capture the spirit of adventure and the joys and pitfalls of easy wealth. I hope this article has provided some insight into both works and inspired you to delve deeper into the world of George Barr McCutcheon and Sidney J. Furie.
