$1,000 a Minute (1935) in Color — Starring Roger Pryor & Leila Hyams

$1,000 a Minute (1935) – Buy This Classic Comedy in Color

Experience the fast-paced $1,000 a Minute (1935) in delightful colorized HD. Directed by Aubrey Scotto and starring Roger Pryor and Leila Hyams, this screwball comedy follows a young man who stands to inherit a vast fortune — but only if he can spend a million dollars in record time, and the clever provisions of the will make spending it nearly impossible. Every purchase must be legitimate, every expenditure genuine, and a team of lawyers is watching his every move to ensure he follows the rules to the letter. What follows is a madcap, inventive, and thoroughly entertaining race against time as our hero discovers that spending money can be far harder than earning it. Now available as a premium digital download for just €15.00 — DRM-free and yours to keep forever.

Plot Summary

Young Roger Forbes (Roger Pryor) receives stunning news: a wealthy relative has died and left him a fortune — but with extraordinary conditions attached. To inherit the full estate, Roger must spend one million dollars within a specified period, and the spending must follow strict rules designed to make the task fiendishly difficult. Every purchase must represent genuine value, every expenditure must be legitimate, and he cannot simply throw money away or give it to charity.

Roger throws himself into the challenge with enthusiasm, quickly discovering that spending a million dollars responsibly is far more complicated than anyone imagines. Every time he attempts a major purchase, something goes wrong — deals fall through, values change, unexpected complications arise, and the army of lawyers monitoring his progress find technicalities that threaten to disqualify his expenditures. The money seems to resist being spent, multiplying through investments and returns even as Roger desperately tries to get rid of it.

Complicating matters considerably is the arrival of Betty (Leila Hyams), a beautiful and sharp-witted young woman who may or may not be working for the rival claimants to the fortune. Roger falls for her immediately, but he cannot tell whether her interest is genuine or part of a plot to sabotage his spending spree. Their romantic cat-and-mouse game adds delicious complications to an already impossibly tangled situation.

As the deadline approaches, Roger’s attempts become increasingly creative and desperate. He buys properties, invests in businesses, acquires art, stages events, and engages in ever more elaborate schemes to convert cash into legitimate expenditures — all while dodging the schemes of rival heirs who want him to fail, navigating the romantic uncertainty with Betty, and dealing with the fundamental absurdity of a world where having too much money is the biggest problem a man can face.

Cast & Crew

Director: Aubrey Scotto
Stars: Roger Pryor, Leila Hyams, Edgar Kennedy, Fred Howard, Sterling Holloway, Herman Bing

Roger Pryor brings infectious energy and charm to the beleaguered Roger, making his increasingly frantic spending efforts both sympathetic and hilarious. Leila Hyams matches him beautifully as the ambiguous Betty, keeping both Roger and the audience guessing about her true motives until the very end. The supporting cast, including the marvellous Edgar Kennedy, provide expert comic timing.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The lavish settings that Roger’s spending spree takes him through — luxury hotels, art galleries, real estate showrooms, and increasingly extravagant locations — are wonderfully enhanced through expert colorization. The visual contrast between Roger’s increasingly desperate expenditures and the elegant 1930s settings provides delightful texture in colour. Now also available in colour. Own this fast-paced Depression-era comedy for just €15.00 — a charming reminder that money really can’t buy happiness.

Historical Significance

$1,000 a Minute belongs to the rich tradition of 1930s screwball comedies that used wealth and class as sources of humour and social commentary. Released during the Great Depression, the film’s premise — a man desperately trying to get rid of money — had obvious satirical resonance for audiences living through economic hardship. The “spend the inheritance” plot device had appeared in earlier works, but this version brings a distinctively 1930s energy and wit to the formula. The film captures the Depression-era fascination with wealth and the popular fantasy of sudden riches, while gently satirising the idea that money is the solution to all problems. Through colorization, this entertaining screwball comedy has been preserved for modern audiences in a lively new visual presentation.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes – professionally colorized from the original black-and-white
• Audio: Original English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 68 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes – no restrictions on playback
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this similar to Brewster’s Millions?
A: Yes, it shares the same basic premise — a person must spend a fortune to inherit an even larger one. The concept has inspired numerous adaptations over the decades, and this 1935 version brings a distinctively Depression-era flavour to the idea, with zippy pacing and charming performances.

Q: Is this a romantic comedy?
A: Yes. While the spending challenge drives the plot, the romantic storyline between Roger and the mysterious Betty provides both emotional stakes and additional comic complications. Their relationship adds genuine warmth to the farcical proceedings.

Q: How long is the film?
A: At approximately 68 minutes, this is a brisk, fast-paced entertainment that wastes not a single scene. The compact runtime keeps the energy high and the laughs frequent throughout.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file in 720p HD resolution, compatible with all major devices and media players.

Q: Is there DRM on this download?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free, meaning you can watch it on any device without restrictions or expiration dates.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchasing?
A: Your download link is available immediately after payment. You can start watching within minutes of completing your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• My Man Godfrey (1936)
• It Happened One Night (1934)
• Easy Living (1937)
• Gambling on the High Seas (1940)
• The Awful Truth (1937)