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Brewster's Millions
This is a reproduction of the original artefact. Generally these books are created from careful scans of the original. This allows us to preserve the book accurately and present it in the way the author intended. Since the original versions are generally quite old, there may occasionally be certain imperfections within these reproductions. We're happy to make these classics available again for future generations to enjoy!
162 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1902
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976 people want to read
About the author
George Barr McCutcheon
289 books19 followersGeorge Barr McCutcheon was an American popular novelist and playwright. His best known works include the series of novels set in Graustark, a fictional East European country, and the novel Brewster's Millions, which was adapted into a play and several films.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
January 17, 2015
To say this is a bit of light reading would be an understatement. It is not just a comedy, it is a farce. Many people are familiar with the story because of the 1985 movie with Richard Pryor. Other than the concept, they are hardly recognizable as being related, and this is one of the few instances where the movie is better than the book. Actually there have been several movies and a stage play adapted from this book. The concept, you may recall, is that Brewster has inherited a million dollars from his grandfather. Shortly thereafter a rich uncle, one who hated Brewster's grandfather, dies and leaves Brewster a fortune of 7 million dollars. But there is a condition; Brewster must first divest himself of the million inherited from his grandfather, and do it within a year to receive the fortune from his uncle. The story surrounding the spending of the million is outrageous and beyond believable. One other thing that bothered me about the book was it's disparagement of several groups of people including Africans, Italians, Middle Easterners, almost any non-white. There are several anecdotes throughout the book that would be considered not politically correct today. This book was published in 1902 and it's not uncommon to find this type of thing in some American literature from that time. If you pass on reading this one you won't miss much.
June 3, 2025
From 1902
I assumed this book was from the 1930s, it seems like Great Depression financial fantasy. It turns out it’s much earlier than I thought.
I guess having to spend a million dollars in one month (in order to inherit a whole 7 million) is just always entertaining. This is fun, seeing Monty Brewster try to lose money. He sails around the world, having to fight a Middle Eastern Sheik for his true love Peggy.
That does not happen in the only movie of this I saw, the Richard Pryor version from when I was seven. I saw it when it came out, at the drive in with my friend and her parents. They still had drive in movies.
I assumed this book was from the 1930s, it seems like Great Depression financial fantasy. It turns out it’s much earlier than I thought.
I guess having to spend a million dollars in one month (in order to inherit a whole 7 million) is just always entertaining. This is fun, seeing Monty Brewster try to lose money. He sails around the world, having to fight a Middle Eastern Sheik for his true love Peggy.
That does not happen in the only movie of this I saw, the Richard Pryor version from when I was seven. I saw it when it came out, at the drive in with my friend and her parents. They still had drive in movies.
September 26, 2017
A truly entertaining read and a really novel idea for a story. I'd never seen the movie version so I was kept on the edge of my seat as to if/how Brewster would spend the million dollars. In addition to the suspenseful and intriguing main plot with Brewster trying to go from millionaire to penniless within one year, we get some romance and even some action and adventure later on (which surprised me) and a good dose of humor along with some important life lessons. Would have been a five star for me except that it lagged a little bit in the middle and some of the supporting characters were too one-dimensional (I couldn't keep the Little Sons of the Rich straight) and, alas, it does feature some of the racism that pops so nauseatingly into many of these early 1900s novels.
April 17, 2017
A little light reading from the Comedy section of the Guardian 1000 Books list. With a helping of the myopic cultural disparagement which was so often present in those times. Otherwise, the story was fairly frothy and fun. Although, it does give form to the adage, "Be careful what you wish for."
September 18, 2010
You know, it's funny how we often forget how exceptional truly talented authors are. By that I mean those authors who can tell a story which is inventive, interesting, engaging, and timeless. All too often today, we get caught up with both what I call "series work", where the author continues developing a character through a series of novels (and expects you to continue to buy the series regardless of whether he/she is able to write well), or by novels that are sensational, yet only in the context of today.
Brewster's Millions, by George Barr McCutcheon, is just one of those timeless yet beautifully written books which, even though first published in 1902, is now, and will forever be, relevant to the human condition. The premise is not so far fetched given the ever present eccentricities of human behavior and the pace of the story and the character development that McCutcheon achieves makes this a truly wonderful read.
I won't include any spoilers here but if you want a great read that will engage both your mind and your heart, then read this book. Oh, I forgot the to tell you something really terrific.......this book is in the public domain and is available for FREE on your Ipod, Iphone, or virtually any other portable device which you might own. WOW, now that makes it almost the "perfect" read...excellent story, easily found, and FREE!
Brewster's Millions, by George Barr McCutcheon, is just one of those timeless yet beautifully written books which, even though first published in 1902, is now, and will forever be, relevant to the human condition. The premise is not so far fetched given the ever present eccentricities of human behavior and the pace of the story and the character development that McCutcheon achieves makes this a truly wonderful read.
I won't include any spoilers here but if you want a great read that will engage both your mind and your heart, then read this book. Oh, I forgot the to tell you something really terrific.......this book is in the public domain and is available for FREE on your Ipod, Iphone, or virtually any other portable device which you might own. WOW, now that makes it almost the "perfect" read...excellent story, easily found, and FREE!
July 9, 2017
Far fetched plot but quite a lot of fun. Not as silly as Wodehouse but a similar sense of humor.
February 6, 2021
How the Million Dollars Disappeared
Who couldn't love Monty Brewster...rich or poor? His story is full of witty charm and amusing moments. My favorite part: when Monty gets mugged in New York. Great classic comedy!
Who couldn't love Monty Brewster...rich or poor? His story is full of witty charm and amusing moments. My favorite part: when Monty gets mugged in New York. Great classic comedy!
February 28, 2013
I purchased this book for Free from Amazon.com. It is one of the thousands of Public Domain books they offer in Kindle format.
I remember seeing the Movie Brewster's Million's starring Richard Pryor in the late 1980s. Lately I have been wanting to see it again and the search for the movie led to me discovering that it was based upon this book. It also led me to discover that there have been several movies based upon this book. The first one released in 1914.
As with most Book v. Movie comparisons, the book is much better than the movie. It is also very different. As I remember in the movie Mr. Brewster inherits $30 Million from an unknown Grandfather and must spend it in a month with nothing to show for it so that he can then inherit $300 million from the same Grandfather. In the book Monty Brewster inherits $1 million from his paternal Grandfather that he knows very well since his Grandfather raised him after his parents died when he was a young boy. This inheritance happens to fall upon his birthday. A few days later, however, he learns that a barely remembered Uncle on his mother's side has left him $7 million with the provision in the Will that he must be penniless upon his next birthday. It seems that the paternal grandfather looked down on Monty's mother's family and the Uncle does not want any of his money mingled with the Brewster money. Monty, however, may not tell anyone about the will and its stipulations nor may he just give the money away with the exception of sparing gifts to charity. In addition, he must get his money's worth from all of his spending so that he can prove that he is able to handle large sums of money. Satisfying the provisions of the will is found to be more difficult than you might think. Especially since the book was written in 1902 when $1 million was a much larger fortune than it is today.
The writing style in the book reminded me of some of Mark Twain's short stories and I was interested to find out that the author listed Mark Twain as one of his influences. The book was funny in places and touching in places and Monty finds out who his real friends are. All in all a really good read.
I remember seeing the Movie Brewster's Million's starring Richard Pryor in the late 1980s. Lately I have been wanting to see it again and the search for the movie led to me discovering that it was based upon this book. It also led me to discover that there have been several movies based upon this book. The first one released in 1914.
As with most Book v. Movie comparisons, the book is much better than the movie. It is also very different. As I remember in the movie Mr. Brewster inherits $30 Million from an unknown Grandfather and must spend it in a month with nothing to show for it so that he can then inherit $300 million from the same Grandfather. In the book Monty Brewster inherits $1 million from his paternal Grandfather that he knows very well since his Grandfather raised him after his parents died when he was a young boy. This inheritance happens to fall upon his birthday. A few days later, however, he learns that a barely remembered Uncle on his mother's side has left him $7 million with the provision in the Will that he must be penniless upon his next birthday. It seems that the paternal grandfather looked down on Monty's mother's family and the Uncle does not want any of his money mingled with the Brewster money. Monty, however, may not tell anyone about the will and its stipulations nor may he just give the money away with the exception of sparing gifts to charity. In addition, he must get his money's worth from all of his spending so that he can prove that he is able to handle large sums of money. Satisfying the provisions of the will is found to be more difficult than you might think. Especially since the book was written in 1902 when $1 million was a much larger fortune than it is today.
The writing style in the book reminded me of some of Mark Twain's short stories and I was interested to find out that the author listed Mark Twain as one of his influences. The book was funny in places and touching in places and Monty finds out who his real friends are. All in all a really good read.
January 1, 2023
I have always loved the 1985 movie of the same name and recently watched the 1945 version as well which I enjoyed. After seeing how different the two versions were I wanted to read the novel and of course, check out more adaptations as well. This novel is less of an out-and-out comedy than the films and has a heavier emphasis on the romance of Brewster which kept things from getting too repetitive. A very fun book and I'm glad I read it.
January 29, 2019
Muchas veces leo libros por casualidad, como resultado de la búsqueda específica de algún libro para un reto, que es lo que me ha pasado con este libro, escogido para un reto en el que se debía leer un libro con un final feliz, y que te dejara buenos sentimientos. Solo encontraba novelas románticas, que es un género que no me gusta mucho, hasta que encontré este. Me llamó mucho la atención la sinopsis, hasta el punto de preguntarme que habría hecho yo si estuviera en el lugar del protagonista.
Monty, el protagonista, ha vivido casi siempre en casa de su abuelo, pese a que este es un hombre rico; Monty no dispone de dinero a su nombre, por lo que al terminar sus estudios, se pone a trabajar y se traslada a vivir en una habitación alquilada. A pesar de esto, es feliz; tiene a sus amigos, su trabajo, y una cierta tranquilidad económica... hasta que recibe la noticia de la muerte se su abuelo y que es el heredero de un millón de dólares. Ese mismo día, tras el fallecimiento de un tío al que apenas conocía, se entera de que también heredará su fortuna: casi 7 millones; pero con la condición de que en un año no puede tener a su nombre nada relacionado con el abuelo, al que no soportaba por una rencilla familiar.
Y aquí empieza realmente el meollo del libro: debe deshacerse del millón, pero sin regalarlo, ni donarlo, ni en apuestas,.... se lo debe gastar y mantener el secreto!!
Monty intenta hacerlo por todos los medios que se le ocurren: fiestas majestuosas, largos viajes, regalos impresionantes,...
Mientras lo hace, el autor nos describe la vida en sociedad de la clase alta neoyorquina a principios del siglo XX, con algunas referencias a la clase media.
No es un libro que haga en ningún momento crítica social, sino más bien un libro de entretenimiento, con algunas situaciones comprometidas, diálogos ágiles.
Recomendable para pasar el rato sin tener que pensar demasiado.
Monty, el protagonista, ha vivido casi siempre en casa de su abuelo, pese a que este es un hombre rico; Monty no dispone de dinero a su nombre, por lo que al terminar sus estudios, se pone a trabajar y se traslada a vivir en una habitación alquilada. A pesar de esto, es feliz; tiene a sus amigos, su trabajo, y una cierta tranquilidad económica... hasta que recibe la noticia de la muerte se su abuelo y que es el heredero de un millón de dólares. Ese mismo día, tras el fallecimiento de un tío al que apenas conocía, se entera de que también heredará su fortuna: casi 7 millones; pero con la condición de que en un año no puede tener a su nombre nada relacionado con el abuelo, al que no soportaba por una rencilla familiar.
Y aquí empieza realmente el meollo del libro: debe deshacerse del millón, pero sin regalarlo, ni donarlo, ni en apuestas,.... se lo debe gastar y mantener el secreto!!
Monty intenta hacerlo por todos los medios que se le ocurren: fiestas majestuosas, largos viajes, regalos impresionantes,...
Mientras lo hace, el autor nos describe la vida en sociedad de la clase alta neoyorquina a principios del siglo XX, con algunas referencias a la clase media.
No es un libro que haga en ningún momento crítica social, sino más bien un libro de entretenimiento, con algunas situaciones comprometidas, diálogos ágiles.
Recomendable para pasar el rato sin tener que pensar demasiado.
April 14, 2020
In 1900 New York City, a young man inherits a million dollars, only to discover that, if he can spend the entirety of that million in the next year, he’ll inherit seven million dollars.
Originally a popular novel, Brewster’s Millions was remade countless times in the first part of the twentieth century. It’s dated in places, runs long (even at a light 200 pages), but it’s easy to see why the central concept repeatedly hooked audiences. Monty Brewster is likeable, and his difficulties in trying to spend the money – without being able to tell well-meaning friends and loved ones why he’s thrown aside his previously responsible habits – are entertaining.
Another one I’ll add to my list of “I’m surprised Hollywood hasn’t tried to remake this one yet.” Recommended.
Originally a popular novel, Brewster’s Millions was remade countless times in the first part of the twentieth century. It’s dated in places, runs long (even at a light 200 pages), but it’s easy to see why the central concept repeatedly hooked audiences. Monty Brewster is likeable, and his difficulties in trying to spend the money – without being able to tell well-meaning friends and loved ones why he’s thrown aside his previously responsible habits – are entertaining.
Another one I’ll add to my list of “I’m surprised Hollywood hasn’t tried to remake this one yet.” Recommended.
December 5, 2023
Picked this old book up at a library book sale in coastal Somesville, Maine, and it was as lighthearted, entertaining, and good natured as a summer day on vacation there. A perfect summer read, except I just read it in December. The author reminds me of an American PG Wodehouse, predating, in fact, PGW's work, but his writing also rings with the cleverness and flights of fancy of his contemporaries, O. Henry and, to some extent, Jack London. A lot of fun.
July 18, 2020
Am cumpărat pachetul de la All, cel cu 35 de cărți, și am luat, ieri, o carte la întâmplare. Întâmplarea a făcut să aleg "Milioanele lui Brewster". O întâmplare fericită, am terminat cartea într-o zi. Nu povestesc despre ce este vorba, spun doar că ideea mi s-a părut foarte bună, inedită chiar. Se citește ușor, este bine scrisă, pentru zilele acestea lungi de pandemie, este medicamentul cel mai indicat. Că veni vorba de pandemie. Eu mă simt ca înainte de 89, activități multe, în jurul casei, lectură, badminton, cultivat gradina. O cu totul și cu totul altă viață. Nu mă mai fugareste nimeni, timpul s-a dilatat și miroase a flori de cireși și iarbă cosita. Revin.
August 3, 2020
Having seen the 45 film version I finally got a hankering (and was challenged) to go to the source. And its a solid little potboiler which the (45 film at least) hews relatively close to. And yet like the films, it never quite solves the problem of nice idea, shame about the execution.
In the book the bet is spend your previous inheritance in total before you get the new one (in the films its always just a stipulation of the will). In the book he has a year, whereas in the films its often a month. But the basic problem remains, in the world of the book spending money is hard, frivolous bets come off, businesses invested in come a-cropper. It has the problem many convoluted romcoms have, where the audience is in one the secret that cannot be shared with his friends and loved ones. So they go around trying to save him from becoming bankrupt and he acts more and more like an ass.
McCutcheon realises this halfway, reckons a boat trip around the world would be a good way to spend money and then we get stuck into a number of really rather racist diversions not least a Sheikh about which the less said the better. It was about here that I realised the breezy adventure happy consequence free prose reminded me of someone, and of course McCutcheon wrote Graustark - the Ruritanian romances I read at the very start of lockdown. Like those he wades in with a song sense of purpose, loses it halfway and relies on a last minute reveal to solve everything.
Its fine (except for the racism) but the 1945 film is 79 minutes long and pretty much nails it.
In the book the bet is spend your previous inheritance in total before you get the new one (in the films its always just a stipulation of the will). In the book he has a year, whereas in the films its often a month. But the basic problem remains, in the world of the book spending money is hard, frivolous bets come off, businesses invested in come a-cropper. It has the problem many convoluted romcoms have, where the audience is in one the secret that cannot be shared with his friends and loved ones. So they go around trying to save him from becoming bankrupt and he acts more and more like an ass.
McCutcheon realises this halfway, reckons a boat trip around the world would be a good way to spend money and then we get stuck into a number of really rather racist diversions not least a Sheikh about which the less said the better. It was about here that I realised the breezy adventure happy consequence free prose reminded me of someone, and of course McCutcheon wrote Graustark - the Ruritanian romances I read at the very start of lockdown. Like those he wades in with a song sense of purpose, loses it halfway and relies on a last minute reveal to solve everything.
Its fine (except for the racism) but the 1945 film is 79 minutes long and pretty much nails it.
March 22, 2020
Un libro de humor estadounidense publicado a inicios de 1900, época donde la literatura de Estados Unidos imitaba todo lo hecho en Inglaterra, así mismo con el humor, sabes que no es británico y que por eso al imitar no es igual al original, aunque tiene pinceladas con buenos trazos no llega a cuajar del todo.
La anécdota es original, Monty Brewster en la celebración de su cumpleaños 25 se entera que acaba de heredar un millón de dólares, aún con la euforia encima le llega notificación que un tío también lo hereda con siete millones de dólares con una cláusula, -que en el término de un año no posea nada- eso significa gastarse el millón con ciertas condiciones muy especiales que se lo dificultarán tremendamente.
Esta anécdota es el defecto más grande de toda la novela pues en pos de ser lo más importante y centrarse en ella, la historia se encadena y limita a ella, aunque tiene momentos buenos, esta forma de circunscribirlo todo, como repito limita y al mismo tiempo agota al lector.
Otro detalle mayor es el desarrollo de los dos personajes femeninos principales Barbara y Pegy, aunque el autor les da personalidades distintas, al darse los escarceos amorosos con el protagonista actúan de la misma forma, lo cual me hace deducir que el escritor piensa que las mujeres eran muy tontas para el amor, de verdad lo lamenté mucho, porque eran personajes muy bien construidos y que podían haber aportado mucho en fuerza y emoción a la historia.
Aunque el final me gusto y el personaje de Monty es muy bueno, sus decisiones y acciones lo convierten casi en un santo, pero creíble y con sentido del humor.
La anécdota es original, Monty Brewster en la celebración de su cumpleaños 25 se entera que acaba de heredar un millón de dólares, aún con la euforia encima le llega notificación que un tío también lo hereda con siete millones de dólares con una cláusula, -que en el término de un año no posea nada- eso significa gastarse el millón con ciertas condiciones muy especiales que se lo dificultarán tremendamente.
Esta anécdota es el defecto más grande de toda la novela pues en pos de ser lo más importante y centrarse en ella, la historia se encadena y limita a ella, aunque tiene momentos buenos, esta forma de circunscribirlo todo, como repito limita y al mismo tiempo agota al lector.
Otro detalle mayor es el desarrollo de los dos personajes femeninos principales Barbara y Pegy, aunque el autor les da personalidades distintas, al darse los escarceos amorosos con el protagonista actúan de la misma forma, lo cual me hace deducir que el escritor piensa que las mujeres eran muy tontas para el amor, de verdad lo lamenté mucho, porque eran personajes muy bien construidos y que podían haber aportado mucho en fuerza y emoción a la historia.
Aunque el final me gusto y el personaje de Monty es muy bueno, sus decisiones y acciones lo convierten casi en un santo, pero creíble y con sentido del humor.
February 7, 2020
Good fun, with some snappy dialogue (which sounded more like 1920's that 1902!), but overall disjointed and with overmuch emphasis on romance rather than spend-spend-spend! The Pryor/Candy movie is much funnier/more coherent. 2.5 stars but rounding up to 3 cos 2 would be harsh.
July 17, 2022
Recensione originale: https://sonnenbarke.wordpress.com/202...
Monty Brewster diventa milionario quando suo nonno muore lasciandogli in eredità un milione di dollari. Inaspettatamente, poco dopo riceve una nuova eredità, questa volta da sette milioni di dollari. Ma le cose non saranno semplici per lui. L’anziano zio del Montana era il fratello della madre di Brewster, ma lui si era quasi dimenticato di questo parente con cui non aveva alcun contatto. I termini del testamento sono a dir poco bizzarri: l’anziano zio odiava il nonno di Monty e quindi la sua condizione è che, al compimento del ventiseiesimo anno, Monty abbia speso fino all’ultimo centesimo il milione lasciatogli dal nonno. Ma di nuovo, le cose non saranno semplici per Monty Brewster, dato che dovrà farlo in maniera per quanto possibile giudiziosa, dimostrando di essere comunque un bravo uomo d’affari. Sembra un po’ una contraddizione chiedere che il giovane rimanga in possesso solo dei vestiti che indossa, ma che al contempo spenda il suo milione in modo giudizioso, eppure proprio questa è la condizione posta dallo zio. Un amico fidato dello zio avrà il compito di vigilare sul nipote affinché i termini del testamento siano rispettati alla lettera, e solo allora potrà consegnargli i sette milioni di dollari.
Seguono le peripezie di Monty, che dovrà cercare tutti i modi possibili e immaginabili per spendere questa immensa quantità di soldi (sono tanti anche oggi, ma ricordiamoci che stiamo parlando dell’inizio del Novecento). La cosa più difficile è che gli è proibito parlarne con chicchessia, perciò gli amici e tutti gli altri non possono che considerarlo un pazzo dedito alle più folli stravaganze.
Il romanzo mi è piaciuto molto ma se devo essere sincera lo avrei visto meglio come racconto, perché dopo un po’ le spese pazze di Monty risultano un poco noiose. Inoltre ci sono momenti di grande razzismo ma dobbiamo sempre ricordare che il libro è stato scritto nel 1902, quando la sensibilità e la consapevolezza erano enormemente diverse da quelle di adesso.
Nel complesso, pur essendo sostanzialmente un libro sui soldi e su un riccone (che però ha un cuore e degli amici che gli vogliono davvero bene), l’ho trovato estremamente gradevole e mi sento di consigliarlo. Non mi risulta, purtroppo, che sia stato tradotto in italiano.
Monty Brewster diventa milionario quando suo nonno muore lasciandogli in eredità un milione di dollari. Inaspettatamente, poco dopo riceve una nuova eredità, questa volta da sette milioni di dollari. Ma le cose non saranno semplici per lui. L’anziano zio del Montana era il fratello della madre di Brewster, ma lui si era quasi dimenticato di questo parente con cui non aveva alcun contatto. I termini del testamento sono a dir poco bizzarri: l’anziano zio odiava il nonno di Monty e quindi la sua condizione è che, al compimento del ventiseiesimo anno, Monty abbia speso fino all’ultimo centesimo il milione lasciatogli dal nonno. Ma di nuovo, le cose non saranno semplici per Monty Brewster, dato che dovrà farlo in maniera per quanto possibile giudiziosa, dimostrando di essere comunque un bravo uomo d’affari. Sembra un po’ una contraddizione chiedere che il giovane rimanga in possesso solo dei vestiti che indossa, ma che al contempo spenda il suo milione in modo giudizioso, eppure proprio questa è la condizione posta dallo zio. Un amico fidato dello zio avrà il compito di vigilare sul nipote affinché i termini del testamento siano rispettati alla lettera, e solo allora potrà consegnargli i sette milioni di dollari.
Seguono le peripezie di Monty, che dovrà cercare tutti i modi possibili e immaginabili per spendere questa immensa quantità di soldi (sono tanti anche oggi, ma ricordiamoci che stiamo parlando dell’inizio del Novecento). La cosa più difficile è che gli è proibito parlarne con chicchessia, perciò gli amici e tutti gli altri non possono che considerarlo un pazzo dedito alle più folli stravaganze.
Il romanzo mi è piaciuto molto ma se devo essere sincera lo avrei visto meglio come racconto, perché dopo un po’ le spese pazze di Monty risultano un poco noiose. Inoltre ci sono momenti di grande razzismo ma dobbiamo sempre ricordare che il libro è stato scritto nel 1902, quando la sensibilità e la consapevolezza erano enormemente diverse da quelle di adesso.
Nel complesso, pur essendo sostanzialmente un libro sui soldi e su un riccone (che però ha un cuore e degli amici che gli vogliono davvero bene), l’ho trovato estremamente gradevole e mi sento di consigliarlo. Non mi risulta, purtroppo, che sia stato tradotto in italiano.
August 26, 2012
Since it was originally written in the early 1900s, I don't imagine too many people nowadays have read this book without having heard of it through the 1985 Richard Pryor movie adaptation. But if you enjoy the film, as I do, then I'd recommend the novel if you can find it.
About all I'll say in comparing the 2 versions is this: the one and only similarity is they both center around a man named Montgomery Brewster having to dispose of a certain sum of willed money within a specified time period, without telling anyone why, in order to be eligible for a larger fortune. That's it. The novel's amounts are different, Mr. Brewster's profession and friends are different, and even the reason for the whole game is totally different - more complex and interesting in the novel, I thought. So it follows that Monty's methods of spending his money and the adventures, setbacks, and romances he experiences along the way make the novel a completely different story. Without giving away the book's ending, I will say that's different too, but equally satisfying.
Basically, if you're hesitant about tackling the novel because you're afraid it's just an outdated version of a story you already know, don't be. Read the book and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
About all I'll say in comparing the 2 versions is this: the one and only similarity is they both center around a man named Montgomery Brewster having to dispose of a certain sum of willed money within a specified time period, without telling anyone why, in order to be eligible for a larger fortune. That's it. The novel's amounts are different, Mr. Brewster's profession and friends are different, and even the reason for the whole game is totally different - more complex and interesting in the novel, I thought. So it follows that Monty's methods of spending his money and the adventures, setbacks, and romances he experiences along the way make the novel a completely different story. Without giving away the book's ending, I will say that's different too, but equally satisfying.
Basically, if you're hesitant about tackling the novel because you're afraid it's just an outdated version of a story you already know, don't be. Read the book and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
May 11, 2015
I picked up this book from a local bookshop after having seen the movie years ago. I’m glad I did.
On the positive side, the book is a great snapshot of life in the early 1900s. It’s filled with timely references to just how people spend their money and what a life of ease was like. It does require a few trips to the dictionary so be prepared for that. The story is easily readable in a long afternoon and keeps things quite entertaining. It also boasts a fun twist and the end and has a moral point to make about money and our relationship to it. It’s a merry romp.
To the negative, the middle third of the book does tend to drag a bit. Not terribly but enough that I did get a bit distracted. I powered through though and once the book gets going downhill again in the last third it’s easy going again. Also, while the book is entertaining at it does seem rather implausible at various points. It does little to distract from the entertainment but it does make one go ‘Hmm…’ quietly to oneself
In summary, this is a nice little piece of history very similar to “Life with Father” or other light-hearted novels of the time. An easy read that the kids might even safely enjoy if they’re sufficiently inclined to such things.
On the positive side, the book is a great snapshot of life in the early 1900s. It’s filled with timely references to just how people spend their money and what a life of ease was like. It does require a few trips to the dictionary so be prepared for that. The story is easily readable in a long afternoon and keeps things quite entertaining. It also boasts a fun twist and the end and has a moral point to make about money and our relationship to it. It’s a merry romp.
To the negative, the middle third of the book does tend to drag a bit. Not terribly but enough that I did get a bit distracted. I powered through though and once the book gets going downhill again in the last third it’s easy going again. Also, while the book is entertaining at it does seem rather implausible at various points. It does little to distract from the entertainment but it does make one go ‘Hmm…’ quietly to oneself
In summary, this is a nice little piece of history very similar to “Life with Father” or other light-hearted novels of the time. An easy read that the kids might even safely enjoy if they’re sufficiently inclined to such things.
August 13, 2016
First published in 1902, this story is familiar to many because of the 1985 movie starring Richard Pryor. There was at least one more movie based on this book in 1945 starring Dennis Okeefe. Both movies vary quite a bit from the book in several aspects, but the main theme stays true: young man must spend a huge amount of money (with several stipulations) in a short time in order to inherit a grand fortune. In the book, as New Yorker Brewster attempts to empty his bank account in the allotted time, several of his sure-fire schemes to lose money backfire and earn him more big bucks. He gives lavish dinner parties and balls, and takes a large host of his friends on a months-long transatlantic cruise, putting up his guests in extravagant European hotels at various stops along the way, paying for whole villages to put on amazing festivals and entertainments for his guests' pleasure along the way. He is not allowed to tell anyone of the inheritance promise, so he drives his financial advisors and friends crazy with his wasteful living. While the story is otherwise clean and funny, be warned that there there are many racial slurs against non-white persons, as is typical in literature of the time.
April 7, 2014
A novel about a man who is tasked with spending every penny of a million dollar inheritance within a year. 1903.
Full review (and recommendations!) at Another look book
I don't know why it took me so long to review this...Maybe it was just nice to have a review in reserves? I don't know! But I DO know that this was a really solid, enjoyable read. I'd recommend this one if you like the idea of an American P.G. Wodehouse, and a Wooster and a Jeeves all rolled up into one main character. Plus, after you've read and loved Brewster's Millions, there are still, oh, 40 George Barr McCutcheon books to go!
Full review (and recommendations!) at Another look book
I don't know why it took me so long to review this...Maybe it was just nice to have a review in reserves? I don't know! But I DO know that this was a really solid, enjoyable read. I'd recommend this one if you like the idea of an American P.G. Wodehouse, and a Wooster and a Jeeves all rolled up into one main character. Plus, after you've read and loved Brewster's Millions, there are still, oh, 40 George Barr McCutcheon books to go!
May 22, 2017
Although I think I took on a load of stress in wondering if Brewster would be able to rid himself of one million dollars in under a year's time, I really liked this American comedy. Lovable characters, a good plot, and plenty of interesting situations-even if the mathematics make one's brain ache.:)
July 2, 2020
Reading the Twentieth Century : year 1902.
This book was funny and delightful, I enjoyed the ending of Monty's adventure so very much!
This book was funny and delightful, I enjoyed the ending of Monty's adventure so very much!
May 29, 2017
This story reminded me of a board game we used to play, it was called Go For Broke. The object was to go around the board and spend all of your money. The person with the least amount won the game. It sounds easy but was actually hard to do. Monty Brewster had inherited one million dollars from his grandfather. Then another offer came to him, keep the million dollars or spend all of grandfather's money and become a multi-millionaire. Sounds like a game show. It was an interesting theme, but I got bored. I thought this would be a funny book. Some parts were humorous. He tried to gamble and hit it big. He could not tell his friends the plan and they were horrified when he risked his money on gambling and risky stock market investments. I kept reading because I thought the whole idea was a scam. I sat on the edge of my seat, to see if I was right.
January 5, 2022
Having grown up on the 1985 Brewster's Millions movie, I was surprised to see this on Hoopla, and more surprised that it's from the turn of the century and has been made five or six times as a movie over the years (and a play!). I guess the root of the story is an intriguing one. The original doesn't play out with quite as much fun as the Richard Pryor version, but it was still interesting. I would kind of like to see a movie version of the turn of the century spending spree. The most memorable part that will stick with me when I think back on it, sadly, is the handful of eyebrow-raising racial slurs - not just niggerdly and darkies, either; we travel to the "Orient" to battle a dago and do some Arab name-calling as well!
July 23, 2019
This is the book that was adapted into a semi-popular Richard Prior movie in the 80s. It is pretty good. A young American inherits one million dollars from his grandfather. Set during the early part of the 20th century, this is quite a large sum. Lightening strikes twice for Brewster. An distant uncle without a direct heir to his fortune bequeaths an even large fortune to the newly minted millionaire. There is a catch. His uncle's fortune of $6 million is held in escrow for one year. He had a falling out with Brewster's grandfather and requires Brewster to not hold one penny of assets originating from this source.
The challenge poses a dilemma for Brewster. He might spend nearly all of his grandfather's fortune and still fail in meeting his uncle's requirements. Brewster an optimist and a determined young man takes on the challenge.
He rents a lavish apartment in New York, throws extravagant parties, and does his best to quickly liquidate his new-found wealth. Many of his plans go awry. His friends and acquaintances are shocked and amused with Brewster's excesses. Feeling too much scrutiny, Brewster decides to hit the road. He heads to Europe where he attempts to spend the rest of his wealth in the south of France and Italy. Finding himself falling short of his liquidation schedule, he charters a yacht and accelerate his spending.
Along the way, his friend and assistant Penny watches in horror as Brewster carelessly fritters away his fortune. She cares for the man deeply but is turned off with his irresponsible lifestyle. A condition of the will is that he is not confide in anyone about the challenge set by his uncle. This makes the burden heavy as his friends and Penny question the eccentric behavior of Brewster. Despite his wasteful spending habits, Brewster exhibits acts of substance, kindness, and strength. This complexity confuses his friends and Penny. They don't know what to believe. Is Brewster a shallow playboy, or is he a magnanimous man who abhors his too-easily found wealth?
The clock is ticking, Brewster is tiring of the charade, and his friends and Penny don't know what to think. Will Brewster succeed? Will he have any friends remaining either way?
Although there is a subtle message about the corruption of wealth, this is not a preachy book. It is a simple, short, and easy romp through a fantastic scenario. McCutcheon's writing is solid. His case holds together despite a few inconsistencies. Brewster is a man who is easy to cheer for. McCutcheon could have extended the journey and provided more hand-wringing and chastisement towards Brewster but he decided to keep it light and enjoyable. An easy, breezy read that works.
The challenge poses a dilemma for Brewster. He might spend nearly all of his grandfather's fortune and still fail in meeting his uncle's requirements. Brewster an optimist and a determined young man takes on the challenge.
He rents a lavish apartment in New York, throws extravagant parties, and does his best to quickly liquidate his new-found wealth. Many of his plans go awry. His friends and acquaintances are shocked and amused with Brewster's excesses. Feeling too much scrutiny, Brewster decides to hit the road. He heads to Europe where he attempts to spend the rest of his wealth in the south of France and Italy. Finding himself falling short of his liquidation schedule, he charters a yacht and accelerate his spending.
Along the way, his friend and assistant Penny watches in horror as Brewster carelessly fritters away his fortune. She cares for the man deeply but is turned off with his irresponsible lifestyle. A condition of the will is that he is not confide in anyone about the challenge set by his uncle. This makes the burden heavy as his friends and Penny question the eccentric behavior of Brewster. Despite his wasteful spending habits, Brewster exhibits acts of substance, kindness, and strength. This complexity confuses his friends and Penny. They don't know what to believe. Is Brewster a shallow playboy, or is he a magnanimous man who abhors his too-easily found wealth?
The clock is ticking, Brewster is tiring of the charade, and his friends and Penny don't know what to think. Will Brewster succeed? Will he have any friends remaining either way?
Although there is a subtle message about the corruption of wealth, this is not a preachy book. It is a simple, short, and easy romp through a fantastic scenario. McCutcheon's writing is solid. His case holds together despite a few inconsistencies. Brewster is a man who is easy to cheer for. McCutcheon could have extended the journey and provided more hand-wringing and chastisement towards Brewster but he decided to keep it light and enjoyable. An easy, breezy read that works.
June 23, 2025
Brewster’s Millions by George Barr McCutcheon
Eight out of 10
Worried about financial or medical Armageddon, one might be tempted to forget about Doomsday with a comedy where the protagonist, Montgomery Brewster, has the opposite concern, how to spend one million dollars – which could well be about the real fortune of Donald Trump, in the currency of the present, estimated at a few hundred million before this crisis, and not exceeding a few billions, as the pathological liar claims – in one year, so that he could gain much more, the equivalent of more than a billion in the present currency, by abiding to the stipulations in the second inheritance he might get…
This amusing book has been included on The Guardian’s 1,000 Novels Everyone Must Read list – in the comedy section - https://www.theguardian.com/books/200... - and you can listen to it for free (published in 1903, the copyright has long expired and the content is in the public domain, hence wonderful volunteers – perhaps you wish to join them – have read the texts of Magnum opera and others can enjoy the works now ) at https://librivox.org/ - where you have two versions of the same novel, one with a rather outré intonation…
When you look for Brewster’s Millions, google suggests the film adaptation first and then other entries, such as the full cast, and if this would be a spectacular chef d’oeuvre, this would be quite annoying, to see it so much sank into oblivion, but the fact is that it does not seem so glorious, though there are some entertaining scenes and as we read about people bored to death at home, chasing dogs through the house, dressing as clowns (or just appearing like what they are, buffoons, as in the case of the orange president and the members of his sect of brutes and pithecanthropus), maybe reading about Brewster is not such a bad idea…better than watching an Absolute Lunatic recommend yesterday shots of UV, after he peddled that anti malaria medicine which was not just useless, but dangerous when applied to this new virus…
When reading about the plight of the hero of this comedy, this reader thought about the story of the Dalai Lama, who has entered a hypermarket somewhere – sure, before this pandemic would have emptied many shelves – and looked with serene surprise at the abundance of material goods and said with detachment…’wow, so many things I do not need!’ – this is what Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and other divine stoics have recommended – indeed, even if rich and the former an emperor, absolute ruler of the known world, they also applied these precepts – and recent research in positive psychology demonstrates that the Hedonic Adaptation phenomenon is a real thing…we adapt to material possessions, cars, houses, clothes and everything else, and if we get the Brewster or other millions, they are much better spent on ‘experiences’, charity, travel…
Winners of the lottery have been studied, those with gains over one million dollars, ad it was discovered that after some months of an increase in wellbeing and life satisfaction, they return to a base happiness level, in spite of the accumulated wealth that makes so many of us say…if we could only gain that ticket, have a million or in the case of emerging economies, perhaps they say if we could only get a thousand dollars…the upshot of all this Hedonic Treadmill effect is that we also adapt to negative events and for instance those who suffer a debilitating, crippling accident tend to return to their wellbeing levels after some months pass…unemployment and the loss of someone close are much more difficult to cope with and this is what happens in the world now, and it will be a bigger challenge to cope with this trauma.
Montgomery Brewster is the grandson of a rich a man, but he opts to work for a small salary, at the bank of this relative, before he becomes the sole inheritor of about a million dollars, and then requests for charity and offers to give him the benefit of various inventions and business opportunities rain of him, but he appears more concerned with helping a good friend, Margaret aka Peggy, and her mother, without insulting their pride, since they cannot accept his money just like that and as he is worried with the use of this new wealth, another event happens.
An uncle dies and he is richer than grandfather Brewster, with who this newly deceased relative had been in a grave conflict, for the grandfather considered that his son made a mistake when he married in a lesser family and the uncle has some very peculiar, restrictive conditions attached to the execution of his will, which has Monty receive many millions (seven plus) and property, mines and bonds, but only if he will have had no penny from the enemy in one year’s time, and he will have acted with discipline and discretion.
Therefore, this is a situation which could be construed as so amusing – perhaps most readers will take that view – but also quite annoying, maybe even making many fume at the idea that ‘some have all the luck or why is that bastard caught between two huge fortunes and we look at this lockdown, the Apocalypse with no money and other waves of the Corona virus’
There is caveat there, for ‘poor Brewster’ stands to lose both inheritances, as he tries to spend the first million with wisdom, by abiding to the rules imposed, which also proclaim no excesses, he cannot just sign a check and give it all on the last day, and all the while he is bound by the rule of silence, hence the apparent extravagance in spending makes many think he is a stupid fool, squandering with expedience the fortune accumulated by the dead grandfather in record time…the amusing episodes do not overall make this just as memorable as Lucky Jim say http://realini.blogspot.com/2018/05/l... - Ending Up http://realini.blogspot.com/2018/07/e... or Girl, 20 http://realini.blogspot.com/2018/07/g... all by the genius Kingsley Amis and all three a much better choice (1,000 times better) than this Adventure of the Spent Millions…
Granted, there is also some adventure, when in order to spend this wealth, so that he can get a much bigger pile, Brewster takes a party of friends to Europe, on a rented yacht and tries to spend his way out of the million, by renting villas, chateaux, buying cars, participating at two special performances at the La Scala in Milan, where for 20,000, they open the closed season for him – in Italy, gold will get you anything they say in the book – then he has to fight with the men sent by a crazy sheik, infatuated with Peggy and determined to get her against her will, and he manages to kidnap her, but as to the final outcome, let us keep the silence…
Eight out of 10
Worried about financial or medical Armageddon, one might be tempted to forget about Doomsday with a comedy where the protagonist, Montgomery Brewster, has the opposite concern, how to spend one million dollars – which could well be about the real fortune of Donald Trump, in the currency of the present, estimated at a few hundred million before this crisis, and not exceeding a few billions, as the pathological liar claims – in one year, so that he could gain much more, the equivalent of more than a billion in the present currency, by abiding to the stipulations in the second inheritance he might get…
This amusing book has been included on The Guardian’s 1,000 Novels Everyone Must Read list – in the comedy section - https://www.theguardian.com/books/200... - and you can listen to it for free (published in 1903, the copyright has long expired and the content is in the public domain, hence wonderful volunteers – perhaps you wish to join them – have read the texts of Magnum opera and others can enjoy the works now ) at https://librivox.org/ - where you have two versions of the same novel, one with a rather outré intonation…
When you look for Brewster’s Millions, google suggests the film adaptation first and then other entries, such as the full cast, and if this would be a spectacular chef d’oeuvre, this would be quite annoying, to see it so much sank into oblivion, but the fact is that it does not seem so glorious, though there are some entertaining scenes and as we read about people bored to death at home, chasing dogs through the house, dressing as clowns (or just appearing like what they are, buffoons, as in the case of the orange president and the members of his sect of brutes and pithecanthropus), maybe reading about Brewster is not such a bad idea…better than watching an Absolute Lunatic recommend yesterday shots of UV, after he peddled that anti malaria medicine which was not just useless, but dangerous when applied to this new virus…
When reading about the plight of the hero of this comedy, this reader thought about the story of the Dalai Lama, who has entered a hypermarket somewhere – sure, before this pandemic would have emptied many shelves – and looked with serene surprise at the abundance of material goods and said with detachment…’wow, so many things I do not need!’ – this is what Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and other divine stoics have recommended – indeed, even if rich and the former an emperor, absolute ruler of the known world, they also applied these precepts – and recent research in positive psychology demonstrates that the Hedonic Adaptation phenomenon is a real thing…we adapt to material possessions, cars, houses, clothes and everything else, and if we get the Brewster or other millions, they are much better spent on ‘experiences’, charity, travel…
Winners of the lottery have been studied, those with gains over one million dollars, ad it was discovered that after some months of an increase in wellbeing and life satisfaction, they return to a base happiness level, in spite of the accumulated wealth that makes so many of us say…if we could only gain that ticket, have a million or in the case of emerging economies, perhaps they say if we could only get a thousand dollars…the upshot of all this Hedonic Treadmill effect is that we also adapt to negative events and for instance those who suffer a debilitating, crippling accident tend to return to their wellbeing levels after some months pass…unemployment and the loss of someone close are much more difficult to cope with and this is what happens in the world now, and it will be a bigger challenge to cope with this trauma.
Montgomery Brewster is the grandson of a rich a man, but he opts to work for a small salary, at the bank of this relative, before he becomes the sole inheritor of about a million dollars, and then requests for charity and offers to give him the benefit of various inventions and business opportunities rain of him, but he appears more concerned with helping a good friend, Margaret aka Peggy, and her mother, without insulting their pride, since they cannot accept his money just like that and as he is worried with the use of this new wealth, another event happens.
An uncle dies and he is richer than grandfather Brewster, with who this newly deceased relative had been in a grave conflict, for the grandfather considered that his son made a mistake when he married in a lesser family and the uncle has some very peculiar, restrictive conditions attached to the execution of his will, which has Monty receive many millions (seven plus) and property, mines and bonds, but only if he will have had no penny from the enemy in one year’s time, and he will have acted with discipline and discretion.
Therefore, this is a situation which could be construed as so amusing – perhaps most readers will take that view – but also quite annoying, maybe even making many fume at the idea that ‘some have all the luck or why is that bastard caught between two huge fortunes and we look at this lockdown, the Apocalypse with no money and other waves of the Corona virus’
There is caveat there, for ‘poor Brewster’ stands to lose both inheritances, as he tries to spend the first million with wisdom, by abiding to the rules imposed, which also proclaim no excesses, he cannot just sign a check and give it all on the last day, and all the while he is bound by the rule of silence, hence the apparent extravagance in spending makes many think he is a stupid fool, squandering with expedience the fortune accumulated by the dead grandfather in record time…the amusing episodes do not overall make this just as memorable as Lucky Jim say http://realini.blogspot.com/2018/05/l... - Ending Up http://realini.blogspot.com/2018/07/e... or Girl, 20 http://realini.blogspot.com/2018/07/g... all by the genius Kingsley Amis and all three a much better choice (1,000 times better) than this Adventure of the Spent Millions…
Granted, there is also some adventure, when in order to spend this wealth, so that he can get a much bigger pile, Brewster takes a party of friends to Europe, on a rented yacht and tries to spend his way out of the million, by renting villas, chateaux, buying cars, participating at two special performances at the La Scala in Milan, where for 20,000, they open the closed season for him – in Italy, gold will get you anything they say in the book – then he has to fight with the men sent by a crazy sheik, infatuated with Peggy and determined to get her against her will, and he manages to kidnap her, but as to the final outcome, let us keep the silence…
November 15, 2016
First, a review of the narration, as this was a Librivox recording. Recognizing that narrators are volunteers, not professionals, this is meant to inform not criticize.
The narrator reads like a newscaster, which in the course of a novel, becomes artillery fire, words shooting out in rat-a-tat repetition. The story gets lost in the noise of the words, so like the news, short bursts are manageable.
On the plus side, the narrator has a clear, resonant voice, and excellent pronunciation. Most of the dialogue is read with expression rather than reporter-style.
Second, a review of the book itself. According to IMDB, at least 7 movies have been made based on this book. It is a funny premise that easily allows for the inevitable "and then high jinks ensue."
The story itself wasn't that fun. A section about an Arab sheikh used language that we now consider racist, besides which it just wasn't entertaining. The book covers the course of a year; it felt like much longer. I just wanted it to end. Perhaps it was the narration that made it harder to enjoy; I just can't say.
I had seen and enjoyed the 1945 film version of the book, so I was disappointed to find the book lacked that fun, light hearted feel.
The narrator reads like a newscaster, which in the course of a novel, becomes artillery fire, words shooting out in rat-a-tat repetition. The story gets lost in the noise of the words, so like the news, short bursts are manageable.
On the plus side, the narrator has a clear, resonant voice, and excellent pronunciation. Most of the dialogue is read with expression rather than reporter-style.
Second, a review of the book itself. According to IMDB, at least 7 movies have been made based on this book. It is a funny premise that easily allows for the inevitable "and then high jinks ensue."
The story itself wasn't that fun. A section about an Arab sheikh used language that we now consider racist, besides which it just wasn't entertaining. The book covers the course of a year; it felt like much longer. I just wanted it to end. Perhaps it was the narration that made it harder to enjoy; I just can't say.
I had seen and enjoyed the 1945 film version of the book, so I was disappointed to find the book lacked that fun, light hearted feel.
February 8, 2020
I feel a bit mean giving this book merely 3 stars, but I will say that it’s a high 3. I feel that it’s just a little too light for anything more.
The premise is great, giving the old rags to riches fairy tale a hearty twist by making it rags to riches to rags again. And poses the still topical question of how easy is it really for rich person to become poor: if you start rich, do you really get credit for getting richer?
Brewster inherits a million dollars and within a few days gets another inheritance for SEVEN million dollars, that demands he spends every single cent of the initial million dollars before his next birthday.
Turns out it isn’t as easy as you might imagine.
The novel lulls a lot in the middle as there are only so many ways you can describe monetary extravagance, and a certain amount of casual racism about Egyptians, but the fairly short book moves at a decent pace and has a very nicely done ending.
I switched between the written word and a Libravox audio reading that sounded a bit mechanical at times, but it was certainly not the worst spoken book I’ve heard.
The premise is great, giving the old rags to riches fairy tale a hearty twist by making it rags to riches to rags again. And poses the still topical question of how easy is it really for rich person to become poor: if you start rich, do you really get credit for getting richer?
Brewster inherits a million dollars and within a few days gets another inheritance for SEVEN million dollars, that demands he spends every single cent of the initial million dollars before his next birthday.
Turns out it isn’t as easy as you might imagine.
The novel lulls a lot in the middle as there are only so many ways you can describe monetary extravagance, and a certain amount of casual racism about Egyptians, but the fairly short book moves at a decent pace and has a very nicely done ending.
I switched between the written word and a Libravox audio reading that sounded a bit mechanical at times, but it was certainly not the worst spoken book I’ve heard.
January 4, 2018
I was excited to learn this was a novel, as I watched the Pryor/Candy film as a kid and loved the idea of a millionaire having to work to lose all his money.
The story here is rather entertaining as well - it's a quick, light read, and it works both as a comedy in its own right, as well as a send-up of Horatio Algar-type rags-to-riches stories.
The story here is rather entertaining as well - it's a quick, light read, and it works both as a comedy in its own right, as well as a send-up of Horatio Algar-type rags-to-riches stories.
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