The Jackpot

19501950
PassedPassed
1h 25m

James Stewart and Barbara Hale in The Jackpot (1950)

Bill Lawrence wins a jackpot of prizes worth $24,000 on a radio quiz program. His happiness, and that of his family, is short-lived after he discovers he'll be compelled to sell the prizes i... Read allBill Lawrence wins a jackpot of prizes worth $24,000 on a radio quiz program. His happiness, and that of his family, is short-lived after he discovers he'll be compelled to sell the prizes in order to pay an amount of $7,000 income tax on them.Bill Lawrence wins a jackpot of prizes worth $24,000 on a radio quiz program. His happiness, and that of his family, is short-lived after he discovers he'll be compelled to sell the prizes in order to pay an amount of $7,000 income tax on them.

Director
- Walter Lang
Writers
- John McNulty(New Yorker article)
- Phoebe Ephron(screenplay)
- Henry Ephron(screenplay)
Stars

See production, box office & company info

See production, box office & company info

See more at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination

Photos17

James Stewart and Barbara Hale in The Jackpot (1950)

Natalie Wood in The Jackpot (1950)

James Stewart, Dulce Day, Ann Doran, Robert Dudley, Estelle Etterre, and Barbara Hale in The Jackpot (1950)

James Stewart and Patricia Medina in The Jackpot (1950)

James Stewart and Barbara Hale in The Jackpot (1950)

James Stewart, Barbara Hale, and Tommy Rettig in The Jackpot (1950)

James Stewart and Barbara Hale in The Jackpot (1950)

James Stewart, Natalie Wood, Barbara Hale, Patricia Medina, and Tommy Rettig in The Jackpot (1950)

James Stewart, Natalie Wood, Barbara Hale, and Tommy Rettig in The Jackpot (1950)

James Stewart and Barbara Hale in The Jackpot (1950)

James Stewart in The Jackpot (1950)

James Stewart and Barbara Hale in The Jackpot (1950)

William J. 'Bill' Lawrenceas William J. 'Bill' Lawrence

Amy Lawrenceas Amy Lawrence

Harry Summersas Harry Summers

Mr. Andrew J. Woodruffas Mr. Andrew J. Woodruff

Leslieas Leslie

Patricia Medina

Hildegarde Jonetas Hildegarde Jonet…

Phyllis Lawrenceas Phyllis Lawrence

Tommy Lawrenceas Tommy Lawrence

Pete Spooneras Pete Spooner

Fred Burnsas Fred Burns

Watch Saleswoman - Store Employeeas Watch Saleswoman - Store Employee
(uncredited)

Watch Buyeras Watch Buyer
(uncredited)

Police Detectiveas Police Detective
(uncredited)

Policeman in Bookie Raidas Policeman in Bookie Raid
(uncredited)

Bookie Parlor Clerkas Bookie Parlor Clerk
(uncredited)

Salesladyas Saleslady
(uncredited)

Card Playeras Card Player
(uncredited)

Manas Man
(uncredited)

Director
- Walter Lang
Writers
- John McNulty(New Yorker article)
- Phoebe Ephron(screenplay)
- Henry Ephron(screenplay)
All cast & crew
See more cast details at IMDbPro

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Bill Lawrence wins a jackpot of prizes worth $24,000 on a radio quiz program. His happiness, and that of his family, is short-lived after he discovers he'll be compelled to sell the prizes in order to pay an amount of $7,000 income tax on them. —Daniel Bubbeo <dbubbeo@cmp.com>

male police officer police timeframe 1940s washing machine taxes 51 more

Taglines
- He had a wife, two kids, a home of his own, a job with a future and then POOR JIMMY WON THE $24,000 RADIO JACKPOT!
Genre
- Comedy
Certificate
- Passed
Parents guide
- Add content advisory

Trivia
The scene where Tommy's head becomes trapped in the railings of the staircase was inspired by a similar incident involving Delia Ephron, daughter of the film's screenwriters' Henry Ephron and Phoebe Ephron.

Goofs
At one point after Bill wins the jackpot, the radio show host refers to him as "Mr. William Glenville of Lawrence, Indiana" instead of "Mr. William Lawrence of Glenville, Indiana".

Quotes
Lawyer: "They might detatch your salary."
William: "Then I'll quit my job and live on soup."
Lawyer: "They might detach this house."
William: "Then I'll burn down the house!"

Connections
Referenced in HBO First Look: The Making of 'You've Got Mail': A Conversation with Nora Ephron (1998)

Soundtracks
Ain't We Got Fun
(uncredited)
Music by Richard A. Whiting
Lyrics by Ray Egan and Gus Kahn
Sung by an off-screen chorus during the opening credits

Top review

10/10

Game show winner's life is turned upside-down.

One of Jimmy Stewart's most overlooked films. This picture is pure 1950's. Stewart is an overworked family man, (Similar to his role in Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation, but The Jackpot is a much better picture.) who wins a radio game show. Prizes range from the useful to the absurd. Everything is fine until he finds out he's got to pay taxes on all of his loot. Probably as much pure fun as any Jimmy Stewart picture.

helpful•25

3

Turk-4
Nov 14, 1998

Release date
- November 1, 1950 (United States)
Country of origin
- United States
Language
- English
Also known as
- Der geheimnisvolle Ehemann
Filming locations
- 20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA
Production company
- Twentieth Century Fox
See more company credits at IMDbPro

Runtime
1 hour 25 minutes
Color
- Black and White
Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1

James Stewart and Barbara Hale in The Jackpot (1950)

Top Gap

What is the English language plot outline for The Jackpot (1950)?

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