A Fool and His Money is an off-beat comedy film by Daniel Adams on Advertising and consists of all craziness that is consumerism. The plot features Jonathan Penner as Morris Codman, a man with no luck and no job, who is extremely eager to find something to cling to. However, by mere chance, he meets self-improvement expert Armando, played by Eddie Albert, who persuades him to create a new cult with its center on the worship of money instead of God. Morris soon realizes that he is leading a vast army of people whose mission is to teach everyone that it is possible to find happiness within money. But just as Morris is enjoined with by number of followers, two powerful stars emerge to cloud his judgment. Order is restored, but at what cost?
There is also A Fool and His Money where several changes were made that were only a working title Religion, Inc. and was thought necessary to change before the release because the movie comes quite clear on what happens when people turn consumerism and greed into some kind of religion. Even though it didn’t do well at all at the box office, it provides a wonderfully horrible view of the pathetic ways the people will stoop down for money and reputation.
What I find interesting in this film is the fact that it pokes fun at the easy way people can be led by the nose by certain personalities, which I guess have to do with wealth and success. It deals with excessive commodification, power ambitions or the hollowness of mercantilism – all of those wrapped in comic relief. While the movie may be rather unknown, its comments regarding commercialism are still notable.
