Other People’s Money is a good “feel good” and yet hilarious movie about a Wall St. corporate raider played by Danny Devito who sets his target on a debt free, nearly century old company whose balance sheets are whistle clean.
However, the fictitious company, New England Wire & Cable has a few gatekeepers that are prepared to give this capitalist a run for his money. The head gatekeeper, “Jorgy” played by legendary screen star Gregory Peck delivers a sensational performance as its chairman and major shareholder.
This clash of the titans sets the stage for a battle, full of comedy I might add, between New England Wire’s champion, played by Penelope Ann Miller, as the rival attorney who challenges Devito’s character at his game. Weapons of choice- a concoction of wit, connivery, wheedling, deception, charm, and what else, seduction.
The movie is a good primer on the nomenclatures of hostile takeovers and corporate dealings. You learn various buzz words like 13-Ds, green mail, and stock buybacks. You also get to witness a good ol’ fashion throw back proxy fight at a shareholder’s meeting.
Your time invested will be amusingly rewarded.
Cast
- Danny DeVito …. Lawrence Garfield
- Gregory Peck …. Andrew Jorgenson
- Penelope Ann Miller …. Kate Sullivan
- Piper Laurie …. Bea Sullivan
- Dean Jones …. Bill Coles
- R.D. Call …. Arthur
- Mo Gaffney …. Harriet