User Reviews

Andy Fields (David Niven) is a teller at a bank back in 1902. He would like to get married but hasn't had a raise in eight years. In desperation, he approaches the bank's board of directors and he's treated very poorly. The bank president didn't seem to care about Andy's plight and informed him he was lucky they didn't fire him! So much of loyalty and respect on the bank's part. As for Andy, he's about to hatch a plan to show the board what happens when you treat your employees like dirt...it comes to bite you on the butt! Soon Andy returns to the board and informs them he's embezzled over $100,000-- a HUGE sum for the time. What's worse is that the timing couldn't be worse...they're about to be audited...and during a time when there was no federal insurance for banks. They will literally be destroyed...unless they come to terms with Andy!

There are MANY more twists and turns in the case, however, and I loved that this episode kept me guessing what would happen next...right up to the closing credits. Well acted, very well written and rather fun to watch. The timing of me watching this was actually rather interesting, as I'd just watched another episode of the show with David Niven-- and he played a long-suffering and very decent missionary!!

More twists in this clever script than a high-top corkscrew. So who's going to win the battle of wits- the hardened old coots who run the bank, or the faithfully honest bank teller Fields (Niven) who hasn't had a raise in 12 years despite all his hard work! Now he wants to get married (Lord) but needs a raise to afford it, even though it's pre-inflationary 1902 and pennies will buy you a meal. But, heck, his snooty employers can't even get his name right, let alone, give him a needed raise. Still, those honchos are gonna be sorry because under Fields' amiable exterior is one tricky guy. But then these haughty guys aren't successful bankers for nothing. So who's gonna win the battle of a raise or not a raise. The unpredictable maneuverings are realistic and clever.

Niven's perfect in the part, smiling all the time he plots. Actually, the story's dramatic potential is treated in a lighter style perfect for the charming actor. All in all, it's an unusual storyline that remains unpredictable throughout, and stands as a worthy entry for an outstanding series.

(In passing- note that 1902 precedes the FDIC law passed during the volatile 1930's that federally insured bank deposits in order to prevent a depositor run on failing banks. Here, the possibility of a bank run is used as one of Fields' maneuvers to pressure his bosses.)