Product: Other People's Money [VHS] (1991)
Rating: 4.0
Gets More Relevant Day by Day
Danny DeVito versus Gregory Peck? A little like David and Goliath, except DeVito is actually the Goliath, using other people's money. He's a corporate liquidator, buying up companies that have undervalued stock, in this case because one division loses money, New England Wire & Cable, while all the others make money. DeVito wants to buy it up and close the Wire & Cable. Peck, as the patriarch of the corporation, is also the son of the founder. He's concerned that if the factory closes, a lot of people will be out of work and the small town in which the Wire & Cable works is located will become economically depressed.You know, I didn't know who to cheer in this one, except perhaps Penelope Miller, who is the attorney hired to help the Wire & Cable survive the takeover attempt. She is apparently the step-daughter of Peck's character, and she negotiates with DeVito using all her feminine wiles. She gives him a big come-on, dresses in very provocative outfits to meet with him, and he does the predictable: falls in love with her, and even asks her to marry him.But the whole takeover issue is put to a vote at the stockholder's meeting, and both Peck and DeVito give brilliant performances offering their sides of the issue. No, I won't tell you who wins. OK, yes I will: ultimately, the Japanese. In any corporate raid situation, ultimately the Japanese win. It's the way of the modern world.I didn't understand it very well, but it was entertaining and amusing, if occasionally aggravating. And I want a solid gold slinky like DeVito has! You will laugh and cry, but not necessarily in the places where the director wants you do.