Search - Other People's Money on DVD

Katcha S. (Katcha) from FORT JONES, CA
Reviewed on 9/17/2014...

Its great that this movie is entertaining to watch, but the REAL value of this movie is that it is a TRUE LITMUS TEST of a viewer's attitudes and appreciation of what is too commonly labeled capitalism (vs. socialism). Capitalism is about private ownership - basically if one is honored and honors, in mutual respect, the right of any person to have and make use of what s/he 'owns'. And that ownership includes custodial duties. (Socialism is government/social ownership of production)

Listen very carefully to what is said by the characters as well as the FACTS presented through out the movie and you will find that Gregory Peck's character is operating more from an emotional basis than a business one. DeVito's character is no nonsense about his business which is based on facts AND includes an unspoken caring about doing what is BEST for all involved. His making 'money' doing that is payment for the efforts he puts in.

About the only negative I can find about this movie is the title - OTHER People's Money is misleading in my mind, but I figure it was settled on for its attention grabbing ability ;-) If you are lucky enough to get a copy, watch it the great thinking it can inspire, but also for the fun and wonderful 'people' story that it contains too.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Torkel E. (Torbjorn) from FAIRHOPE, AL
Reviewed on 3/18/2011...

It was OK, nothing spectacular

0 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Clever and deep business morality play

John Paquette | Boston, MA, USA | 12/18/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The theme of this movie is: Altruism versus egoism in the business world.Gregory Peck delivers a great performance as an altruistic company owner. Devito is shrewd and irreverant as the corporate raider. The movie gives each of them plenty of screen time to present his argument, and you are the judge.The twist to it all is that the lovely daughter (Penelope Ann Miller) of the company owner is a lawyer charged with using any legal means of protecting the company from DeVito. And DeVito is trying to win both her heart AND the company. He's the model of ambition.The dialogue often sparkles with unexpected surprises: "I hate it when people ask me if they can be frank with me. It makes me wonder about what they are the rest of the time."And BOTH the final speeches are masterpieces, clearly presenting both sides of the essential moral issue.As a comedy, it may not completely satisfy. But as a morality play, it satisfies completely. Each time I see it, I understand more."

Realistic and thought provoking

frmokehee | Alaska | 07/20/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Gregory Peck is an idealistic, passionate, and paternal entrepreneur who is about to lose a business that he and many who work for him put their lives and spirit into. Danny Davido is a corporate raider but not portrayed as a Gordon Gekko. His reason for taking over Peck's business is not so much slaughter than it is economics. The crescendo to the movie comes in the two speeches before the company shareholders. The speeches punctuate what is more the reality in today's world. Corporate take-overs and liquidations are not simply a bunch of greedy business people enriching themselves at everyone else's expense. From an economic point of view New England Wire and Cable should be shut down. It's in a business that is outmoded by new technologies and its assets are worth more sold off for some other purpose. Rationally it makes no economic sense to continue such a business. The money from selling this failing business can be invested in a business that is viable and growing - this will help create new jobs and add growth to the economy. Of course the people that have worked at New England wire and cable will lose their jobs and Peck will lose his business.What's refreshing about the movie is the writer didn't set up a straw man to argue either point view. Both sides present intelligent arguments from believable characters. The movie challenges us that what is rational is not always what feels good. An efficient and productive economy is one that has the ability to change, but there are costs - people get displaced. Where the script fell short and where many in our society lose perspective is that while businesses may die out people are flexible. One's skills can be revamped and applied to more productive pursuits. Instead, however, the scriptwriters concoct a not so believable happy ending. Still, though Other People's Money is probably one of the most honest movies to come out of Hollywood on the topic of capitalism."

OPM- Used in my Business Management classes...

E. Spencer Garrett IV | Gautier, MS USA | 10/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is no nudity in this movie but there are some vaguely sexual discussions. Even some adults might miss the true points being made but you may want to consider that before allowing children to see OPM.

That said, this is the best business movie I have ever come across. When I first saw it in the theater I was all for Gregory Peck's character until DeVito's speech at the end which is truly thought provoking. In teaching business management at the University of Southern Mississippi, I have my students watch the whole thing at the beginning of the semester to acquaint them with the notion that those who have the goal of making money are not all bad. For some reason, even though they want to be in business, my students too often think of running a business and making money as grubby, nasty chores performed by evil people. The characters in OPM force them to examine those beliefs.

Other reviewers have made the point that this a funny movie and it truly is. The humor is probably better appreciated by adults than children since it is not of the slapstick kind but rather uses plays on words.

While the characters in OPM are somewhat one-dimensional, what I enjoyed is that they are always true to themselves. When offered a million dollars by Piper Laurie's character to go away , DeVito responds "It is not enough." She was being true to her goals of minimizing conflict in her company and he was being true to his goals of maximizing his wealth. When asked why, he gives an answer that shows that he doesn't accept the idea that he is the bad guy in this drama.

I particularly appreciated the movie not making DeVito's character out to be a totally bad guy. That is a real failing of most movies coming out of Hollywood. Other reviewers have talked about how his relationship with Penelope Ann Miller's character shows his humanity but I think people should take note of his relationship with his chauffeur and his secretary and their loyalty to him. He makes use of his reputation as a tough guy to serve his business needs but there is much more to the man.

All together, this is truly a great movie. It amazes me that it took so long for it to come out on DVD since it has all the stars in the world (DeVito, Peck, Miller, Laurie, Stockwell, etc.)"