The Cheaters (1945)

An eccentric wealthy family facing bankruptcy schemes to steal an inheritance, but an alcoholic ex-actor they take in for Christmas charity complicates their plan.

Director:

Joseph Kane

Writers:

Frances Hyland (screenplay), Frances Hyland (original story),

Stars:

Joseph Schildkraut, Billie Burke, Eugene Pallette

Cast

Cast overview:
Joseph Schildkraut	...	Anthony 'Mr. M.' Marchand
Billie Burke	...	Clara Pidgeon
Eugene Pallette	...	James C. Pidgeon
Ona Munson	...	Florie Watson
Raymond Walburn	...	Willie Crawford
Ann Gillis	...	Angela Pidgeon
Ruth Terry	...	Therese Pidgeon
Robert Livingston	...	Stephen Bates
David Holt	...	Reggie Pidgeon
Robert Greig	...	MacFarland
St. Luke's Episcopal Church Choristers	...	Choir (as St. Luke's Choristers)

Storyline

A wealthy family is preparing for Christmas in their usual stylish fashion. They hit on a bright idea that will make them outstanding during this holiday season among their friends. They will adopt a "lost man" and bring him to their house for the holidays. They find a news story of a washed-up actor who has attempted to commit suicide and bring him to their home. The actor proves far more than they bargained for and he shows them some real truths about giving and living.

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Plot Keywords:

christmas | inheritance | wealthy family | fake limp | uncle tom's cabin | 

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Taglines:

The Amaizing MR M!...THE ONLY MAN IN THE WORLD WITH FIVE MILLION DOLLARS and not a penny TO HIS NAME!

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 July 1945 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Castaways

Filming Locations:

Republic Studios, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Republic Pictures (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min 60 min (1949 re-release)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Joseph Schildkraut signed a contact with Republic pictures for financial security and in order to do the John Barrymore role in "The Cheaters." In retrospect, Schildkraut characterized the decision as one of THE major mistakes of his life.

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Quotes

Anthony Marchand aka Mr. M.: Gratitude in most men is usually a secret desire to receive greater benefits.

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Soundtracks

"The Ruins of Athens"
(uncredited)
Music by Ludwig van Beethoven

User Reviews

This was one of my mother's favorite films.

I have longed to see this film for years and although I scour the TV guides eagerly each Christmas season, it never seems to appear. This is a truly touching and delightful film. Full of amusement and drama. I can remember looking forward to it each year when I was a child. We always made sure that we saw it, since it was one of my mother's favorites. It's the story of an erudite actor who's fallen on hard times, and is taken in by a vacuous wealthy family over the holidays. He reminds them all of the true meaning of Christmas. It's full of touching sentiment that is on par with It's a Wonderful Life. Even better, I think. I would snap this one up in a second if it was available on video.